According to the Building Services Authority, 85% of flooring failures are due to the presence of moisture in the concrete from hydro-static pressure or green concrete. It is a common myth that concrete is dry as soon as it can be walked on…
- The BSA is inundated with countless claims of timber and vinyl floors that have failed
- A majority of these floors have failed due to either wet/green concrete or hydro‐static pressure
- A majority of floors are never moisture tested, (a very quick and easy test)
- To conform to the Australian standard (AS 1884‐1985), concrete must have a reading of no greater than 75% relative humidity.
- As a general rule of thumb, concrete dries at approximately 20‐25mm per month in an average environment
- An average slab of 100mm thick can take 4‐5 months of drying time before it will conform to Australian Standards.
- Concrete is like a sponge and will continue to absorb water if present
- If concrete is exposed to rain, locked up in a building or has a curing agent applied, this will further increase the drying time.
- A higher relative humidity will slow drying times even further.
Hydro-static pressure should be a major concern for contractors as it comes from underneath the concrete and moves its way through the capillary voids in the matrix of the concrete. Once a floor has been installed, it will draw any moisture present in the concrete to the surface and if there is no means of escape will react with, and break down the bond of the subsequent coating. Hydro-static pressure can come from things such as a hidden spring running underground, high water tables or low lying flood land and is generally not noticeable without moisture testing.
The only way to deal with either of these problems is to use a moisture barrier. For a few extra dollars, you can protect your valuable floors from costly failures due to moisture.
Moisture barriers have come a long way in recent years and have become very cost-effective. Gone are the days of 2 part epoxy membranes that require 2-3 days for installation and a self-levelling topping over them to smooth the surface. (A very expensive exercise which will cost up to $50-$60 per m2)
DuraCore’s Moisture Proof is poured directly onto the concrete, penetrating deeply into the matrix and forming an internal permanent moisture barrier.
- Easy application, pour and broom
- Moisture Proof is suitable for new or existing concrete.
- Can be applied at the time of pour for a superior cure
- Minimal downtime, trafficable within 1 hour
- Lay floor coverings in 24 hours or in as little as 14 days from the time of pour (as opposed to 28 days with traditional moisture barriers)
- Install for as little as $4.50 m2, saving valuable time and money
- Moisture Proof can be adhered to directly without the need for self leveling compounds.
- Compatible with all brands of glue, self-levelling compounds, epoxy, etc
- Permanent concrete waterproofing/moisture barrier that withstands hydrostatic pressure.
- User friendly, non‐toxic, non‐flammable, zero VOC, environmentally safe and odorless
* The above information is to be used as a guide only and Con-Treat accepts no responsibility for any consequence resulting from the advice contained herein or verbally.
