Don’t Let Hidden Moisture Destroy Your Epoxy Investment: The Critical First Step Every Homeowner Must Take
When it comes to applying epoxy coatings to your concrete floors, moisture is the silent enemy that can turn your beautiful new surface into a costly nightmare. Concrete moisture is one of the few possible hidden killers of an epoxy flooring project. If you’ve ever dealt with epoxy resin peeling, staining, and even mold growth – that’s moisture. Understanding how to properly test your concrete for moisture before epoxy application isn’t just recommended—it’s essential for protecting your investment.
Why Moisture Testing Is Non-Negotiable
As hard and dense as concrete seems to be, it is actually very porous. If moisture is present beneath the slab, it will permeate to the surface of the concrete. Because coatings such as epoxy are impermeable and do not breathe, water vapor and moisture can’t pass through the coating. This creates a perfect storm for coating failure.
One of the most common problems associated with the peeling of epoxy floor coatings is the presence of high moisture in the concrete. Because epoxy coatings create an impenetrable moisture barrier, the water vapor cannot pass through. As a result, a hydrostatic pressure builds with enough force to lift the coating right off the surface!
Professional flooring contractors understand this risk. Xtreme Coatings says 70% of epoxy failures are due to moisture. These failures often occur within 6-12 months of installation, leading to expensive repairs that can cost 3-5 times more than proper initial testing.
Professional Testing Methods You Should Know
There are several industry-standard methods for testing concrete moisture, each with specific applications and accuracy levels:
ASTM F2170 Relative Humidity Testing
ASTM F 2170 – Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using In Situ probes, measures moisture inside a concrete slab. The relative humidity (RH) test measures moisture conditions inside the slab. The calcium chloride test generally indicates moisture conditions in the top region of the concrete slab, whereas relative humidity probes tell you what’s going on in the body of the concrete which is more useful in the long term.
ASTM F2170 represents the industry standard for in-situ relative humidity testing, requiring the installation of sleeves at depths equal to 40% of slab thickness for slabs drying from one side, or 20% of thickness for slabs drying from both sides. This method provides the most accurate long-term assessment of moisture conditions within your concrete.
Calcium Chloride Testing (ASTM F1869)
ASTM F 1869 – Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous calcium Chloride, measure vapor emission at the concrete surface. Calcium chloride test quantifies the moisture vapor emitted from the slab. This test has long been the standard in the U.S. since the 1950’s.
Results will reflect a figure of weight in pounds of water evaporations giving off over 1,000 ft2 over a 24 hour period. While this test provides valuable surface-level information, it should be used in conjunction with relative humidity testing for comprehensive assessment.
Surface Moisture Meters
Moisture Meters: Non-invasive and easy to use, moisture meters provide a quick way to gauge the moisture content in concrete. However, they may not be as accurate for deeper moisture levels. These tools are excellent for initial assessments but shouldn’t be your only testing method.
What Professional Testing Reveals
When you hire professionals for moisture testing, they look beyond surface conditions. We perform an on-site assessment of your space. We look for the telltale signs of moisture like efflorescence (salt that has migrated to the concrete’s surface) and dark spots. In addition, we always use a calibrated moisture vapor transmission meter to assess the moisture level of the concrete to be coated.
Professional testing also considers environmental factors. Building condition’s as per ASTM F 1869 allows for test conditions to be between 65°F (18°C) and 75°F (24°C) with 40% and 60% relative humidity. These requirements need to be sustained for 48 hours proceeding to and during the test.
When to Call the Experts
While DIY moisture testing kits exist, professional assessment is crucial for several reasons. Moisture testing is an essential process that varies in size, thoroughness and accuracy. It pays to be thorough with testing and prioritize accuracy to stave off long term repair costs.
If you’re considering garage floor epoxy coating south central connecticut county, working with experienced professionals ensures proper moisture assessment and mitigation strategies tailored to your specific conditions.
Solutions When Moisture Levels Are Too High
If testing reveals excessive moisture, don’t panic. Moisture Barriers: Applying a moisture barrier is one of the most effective ways to prevent moisture from seeping into the epoxy layer post-installation. These barriers act as a shield, blocking moisture from reaching the epoxy and ensuring long-lasting adhesion.
Modern moisture mitigation products are highly effective. These mitigation products we use are a two component, 100% solids vapor reduction epoxy that contains ZERO VOCs and are fast curing, making them ideal for fast-track construction. It is a true one-coat system that has been formulated to remain bonded to properly prepared concrete with high moisture levels and alkalinity loads. AC Tech ® 2170 FC ZERO and Maxxon Commercial MVP Two withstands moisture levels as high as 100% RH (ASTM F2170) and is insensitive to sustained alkalinity as high as pH 14.
Working with Connecticut’s Moisture Testing Experts
American Poly Floors, a veteran-owned business serving Connecticut, understands the critical importance of proper moisture assessment. American Poly Concrete Floor Refinishing is a veteran-owned small business serving all of Connecticut. We specialize in high-performance epoxy and polished concrete flooring for residential and commercial spaces.
Their commitment to quality is evident in their process. Our meticulous process begins with thorough concrete preparation to ensure a strong bond, followed by the application of a moisture mitigation primer to address any moisture concerns before epoxy application.
Using top-quality materials is the key to achieving outstanding results. That’s why we source our epoxy products from trusted manufacturers known for their durability and performance. We guarantee that your epoxy flooring will remain beautiful and functional for years to come, using only the best materials.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Skip This Critical Step
As mundane as it may sound, and as important as surface preparation is, successful epoxy application rests on moisture fundamentals. Moisture content is germane to not only solid slab formation, but also to enduring epoxy strength and adhesion.
Professional moisture testing isn’t an expense—it’s insurance against costly failures. Not assessing for moisture and applying the wrong product to concrete with high moisture content will be a costly mistake. By investing in proper testing upfront, you protect your flooring investment and ensure years of beautiful, durable results.
Whether you’re planning a residential garage upgrade or commercial flooring project, make moisture testing your first priority. Your future self—and your wallet—will thank you for taking this essential step toward epoxy flooring success.