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.
Liquid barriers are available in the market today. These are composed of a chemical formula which is applied to the floor through the use of a brush. Once cured, this mixture bonds with the slab forming a moisture resistant coat. This is applied before the final layer of the slab is laid. However, caution is necessary to ensure bonding of the barrier layer and the concrete.
These barriers are important for use in moist and water logged places. According to various architects and engineers, they may not be necessary where water clogging does not occur. Despite this, most builders just use it as a precautionary measure. They cite that it is cheaper to have it installed than having to rebuild the whole slab.
The surface being applied with the barrier mixture requires adequate cleaning. Cleaning the surface will involve removal of any oily material as well as debris that might be lying around. For slabs under construction, it is important to remove any loose concrete that might still be on the slab. Cracks that may be on the slab should also be filled appropriately. Construction joints do not require covering with the barrier and hence should be protected accordingly.
The application used for this purpose is normally a composition of various chemical elements. These are mixed at the time of application. Mixing should be done in regard to the instructions given by the manufacturer. After this has been done effectively, the mixture is then poured on the floor and spread by use of a rolling brush. Two coats of the mixture should be applied on the surface with a span of two hours between the applications. The coats are applied at right angles to allow for effective filling of any pin holes and invisible cracks on the surface.
A clean up is essential after the application of the barrier. Any spillages should therefore be cleaned before they dry up. There is also need to clean the equipments used in mixing and application process. Once the application has been done, a curing process of 72 hours is required before the final layer of concrete is applied. However, this period may vary due to different temperatures.
Products for use are available from various local stores. These are products from different manufacturers hence the need to gather adequate information on the right concrete moisture barrier to use. This information is available from the retailing stores or from online sources. You can also consult a construction professional for more guidance on this.
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.
Liquid barriers are available in the market today. These are composed of a chemical formula which is applied to the floor through the use of a brush. Once cured, this mixture bonds with the slab forming a moisture resistant coat. This is applied before the final layer of the slab is laid. However, caution is necessary to ensure bonding of the barrier layer and the concrete.
These barriers are important for use in moist and water logged places. According to various architects and engineers, they may not be necessary where water clogging does not occur. Despite this, most builders just use it as a precautionary measure. They cite that it is cheaper to have it installed than having to rebuild the whole slab.
The surface being applied with the barrier mixture requires adequate cleaning. Cleaning the surface will involve removal of any oily material as well as debris that might be lying around. For slabs under construction, it is important to remove any loose concrete that might still be on the slab. Cracks that may be on the slab should also be filled appropriately. Construction joints do not require covering with the barrier and hence should be protected accordingly.
The application used for this purpose is normally a composition of various chemical elements. These are mixed at the time of application. Mixing should be done in regard to the instructions given by the manufacturer. After this has been done effectively, the mixture is then poured on the floor and spread by use of a rolling brush. Two coats of the mixture should be applied on the surface with a span of two hours between the applications. The coats are applied at right angles to allow for effective filling of any pin holes and invisible cracks on the surface.
A clean up is essential after the application of the barrier. Any spillages should therefore be cleaned before they dry up. There is also need to clean the equipments used in mixing and application process. Once the application has been done, a curing process of 72 hours is required before the final layer of concrete is applied. However, this period may vary due to different temperatures.
Products for use are available from various local stores. These are products from different manufacturers hence the need to gather adequate information on the right concrete moisture barrier to use. This information is available from the retailing stores or from online sources. You can also consult a construction professional for more guidance on this.
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If you would like to explore the benefits of a concrete moisture barrier, check out this link to curranseal.com. To learn about our 15 year warranty on service, come to the Curranseal hompage now at http://curranseal.com.
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