Thursday 30 May 2013

Applying A Concrete Moisture Barrier

By Rena Hudson


Dampness on the floor slab can produce many devastating effects. These range from losses that will be incurred in replacing the slab to health and environmental issues. It occurs from growth of molds and fungi which breed as a result of the dampness. All these can be averted by the use of a concrete moisture barrier.

Moisture barriers have been in use for many decades. Traditionally, polythene sheets have been used for this purpose. The sheets were laid over the concrete slab before a final layer is laid. This was used as a mode of protection for the floor coverings. For electrical appliances that may be placed on the floor, the moisture may have adverse effects. Polythene sheets are available in different thicknesses, the thicker the sheet the better.

Today the use of barriers in liquid form is picking up. This liquid formula is poured onto the floor slab and spread using a brush. It then seeps through the floor and bonds forming a strong layer that is difficult for the moisture to penetrate. It is normally applied before the final coat of the floor finish is laid.

The use of these barriers is common in areas where water logging is prevalent. They are applied to the floor and walls to prevent water from seeping through them though in other areas it may not be a requirement while constructing. However, it is important to have it applied as a precautionary measure. With the prevailing global warming, weather conditions are changing drastically and a once dry place can experience high rains and maybe floods.

The application process starts with cleaning the surface. The surfaces should be left clean by removal of any dirt, oils and any other particles that may hinder effective bonding of the barrier . For floors, any loose concrete must also be cleaned. This is followed by filling of any cracks, defects and holes that maybe on the surface. Construction joints on the surface will also require covering before the application.

This type of barrier is a composition of various chemicals that bond together after they react. These chemicals components are mixed at the time of application. They are then stirred together until they are even. The mixture is poured on the floor and spread by use of appropriate brushes. It should not be left in an open container for long and should be covered when not in use. After the first layer is laid, it is given a curing period of two hours and then a second layer is applied. Two layers of the coating are therefore necessary for an effective layer.

The products used for barrier applications form a hard substance after drying up. This creates the need to clean up equipments and materials used immediately after use. Any spillages should also be cleaned instantly. The final coating for the floor should be applied 72 hours after application of the barrier. This may vary with different temperatures in the region of application.

Concrete moisture barrier products are available from local stores. They can also be sourced from online stores where purchases can be made online. These products vary due to the fact that they are from different manufacturers.




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