Signs Your Concrete Floor Has Moisture Issues

One of the greatest concerns when installing concrete floors are problems that occur when moisture issues arise. If not installed properly, concrete flooring can show signs of moisture damage. It can be hard to tell at a glance whether a concrete floor has moisture issues, however, there are some signs of moisture damage that can be visible on any concrete floor with the naked eye.

Cracking
When moisture is contained in the concrete slab foundation, or the substrate, it has nowhere to go. Eventually it will make its way up to the surface. With no escape, it can cause a concrete floor to crack, or it can also show up as hairline faults on concrete coatings. If there are cracks in concrete floors, it’s important to correct the issue before it worsens.

Spalling
Spalling occurs when there is a break away from the concrete surface as a result of trapped moisture. Spalling often extends to the top layers of the reinforcing steel and they become visible on the surface.The moisture forces the surface to peel, pop out, or flake off. If small chips of concrete floor separate from the rest of the floor it’s because there may be moisture in the concrete slab. During winter months, that moisture freezes when exposed to low temperatures and causes greater damage.

Bubbling on the surface of concrete finishes is another indication that there is moisture or vapor trapped beneath the concrete flooring, and it is making its way to the surface. Although the little bubbles can be easy to ignore, these can be the beginning of much bigger problems down the line.

Mold
It’s no big surprise that mold on the surface of a concrete floor indicates trapped moisture. Often mold will appear along the sides of the concrete floor or on the baseboards. If mold is a recurring issue, it would be wise to get a moisture test to see if the problem actually lies beneath the entire facility or just a part of the concrete floor.

Pop-Outs
A pop-out occurs when moisture or chemicals close to the surface of a piece of concrete expands and causes the concrete to fracture. Pop-outs look like small cavities and appear after the concrete expands.

Staining
When moisture rises to the surface of a concrete floor, it may show up as an oily, brown liquid, or as stains on the surface. This is another indication that there is water beneath the flooring and is causing issues on the surface. Expert moisture mitigation systems can prevent staining before it grows.

Causes of Excess Moisture in a Concrete Slab
Inadequate drainage around a concrete slab increases the risk of moisture in concrete flooring. Even minimal sources of water like light rain can pool on the concrete if it doesn't have adequate water lines and drains.

Another cause for moisture is that often-times concrete contractors want to finish a job too quick and don’t take the proper precautions to seal the concrete correctly. These fast-paced project plans often mean that concrete slabs don’t get the time they need to set.

Oftentimes the cement to water ratio can also trap excess moisture in the concrete slab. Keeping a low water to cement ratio is the best way to eliminate excessive water in the concrete. The more water in the mix, the greater the chance the slab won’t get all the time it needs to set. Giving the concrete slab enough time for it to dry and cure is crucial to eliminate moisture.

At Concrete Masters we specialize in dealing with moisture issues. We provide a moisture test with every concrete flooring to ensure that there is zero moisture in the concrete flooring. We provide ample time in our schedule to allow the concrete to cure and set, and guarantee all of our concrete work.