We're all over Damp Floors
Solutions for new and old concrete floors -
We offer a wide range of resin types and systems to match your requirements
Moisture in concrete floors and walls is a real issue, both for commercial and residential buildings.
We have systems to stop the damp.
Commercial | Industrial | Residential
Repair | Prepare | Refinish. Concrete floors and surfaces
What is a moisture barrier?
A moisture barrier is a special coating that prevents moisture and moisture vapor from getting into a building by blocking it on the inside.
In many situations you can't access the outside or underside of a concrete surface, so the only practical way, it to form a barrier on the inside.
It's important to understand the difference between a Waterproofing Membrane and a Moisture Barrier.
A waterproofing membrane stops moisture from the active side. If you think of a bathroom, the waterproofing membrane stops water in the bathroom getting into the rest of the building. It is applied to the top of the surfaces like the floor and the walls (the side that gets wet). A moisture barrier is applied to the opposite side of the substrate that gets wet. Example, the ground under the floor is saturated, and that moisture wants to get into the building. You can't get under the concrete slab and apply a waterproofing system.
A moisture barrier needs to be specially formulated to create a very strong bond to the substrate in order to resist being forced off the surface and allowing the moisture to get in.
Why do you need a moisture barrier?
Moisture getting into buildings can be very destructive.
Moisture can lead to Mold
Mold can destroy building materials, furnishings, stuff stored in the area
Mold can cause health issues
Moisture makes a space feel cold
Moisture can ruin floor coverings and cause coating to peel, timber to warp ....
Do only old floors need a moisture barrier?
No. Old floors (pre 90's) may not have had a DPC - Damp Proof Coarse (polythene under the concrete) installed, but new floors can also have issues. The polythene can be damaged, or if the edges are not wrapped up the edge of the concrete, they can actually feed water into the slab.
New Floors - freshly laid, also have residual moisture content, because the concrete is wet and sloppy when poured. Because of our high humidity, many slabs do not dry out. This residual moisture can cause issues with coatings and glues applied to the surface.
Signs of moisture in a home
Crying windows
Mold on ceilings and walls
Peeling paint
Swelling on skirting boards
Bubbling paint on block or concrete walls
Fine white residue on concrete floors or walls
Damp musty smell
Cold and/or wet walls
Lifting or bubbling vinyl or tiles
Warped timber floors or dis-colouration at joins
Damp patches in the floor
Edges of wallpaper curling and lifting
Paint on window sills cracking and peeling
Wet floors
Moisture does not often show up as water. You can test a surface by taping down a square of clear plastic, leave it a few days and see if there is any condensation - or we have an electronic device that measures moisture.
Office: East Tamai, Auckland
Call 0800 733 566
Site: www.flooringauckland.co.nz