Stop moisture before it damages concrete floors

By Jesse Sanchez. 

APF Polymer Surfaces’ VaporSolve systems help isolate moisture-sensitive flooring from concrete moisture and support long-term performance. 

According to ICP Group, excess moisture in concrete slabs can become one of the most invasive and costly problems in a flooring installation. When moisture is trapped beneath low-permeability flooring, it can contribute to failures that leave building owners facing expensive repairs and contractors managing avoidable liability. 

Concrete is naturally porous and requires a substantial amount of water during curing to develop strength and durability. After curing, the slab releases moisture as it becomes suitable for flooring installation. Problems arise when flooring is installed before excess moisture has escaped or when ground moisture continues entering the slab. 

As trapped moisture migrates upward, it can dissolve alkalis in the concrete and carry them toward the flooring surface. This creates a damp environment that may cause flooring materials to detach, adhesives to degrade and osmotic blisters to form. Moisture can also contribute to staining, in addition to mold and mildew growth, potentially reducing indoor air quality. 

A properly installed sub-slab vapor retarder can help prevent ground moisture from entering the concrete. However, vapor retarders are sometimes installed incorrectly or omitted during construction, leaving the flooring system vulnerable. APF Polymer Surfaces addresses these challenges with its VaporSolve Moisture Remediation Systems. The specialized epoxy coatings are designed to isolate moisture-sensitive flooring from moisture within the concrete slab, helping protect the installation and support long-term durability. 

VaporSolve systems can be used as a preventive measure or to address a known moisture problem. By managing concrete moisture before the finished flooring is installed, contractors can reduce the risk of failures, repairs and customer dissatisfaction. 

APF Polymer Surfaces offers the VaporSolve Basic and VaporSolve Ultra systems for a range of flooring applications. 

Learn more about preventing moisture-related concrete flooring failures with APF Polymer Surfaces’ VaporSolve Moisture Remediation Systems!