Moisture migration in concrete causes serious issues under direct-stick floor coverings.
DID YOU KNOW that concrete dries at about 25mm thickness per MONTH?
Are you faced with the challenges of controlling moisture within concrete?
What are the options available?
1) DO NOTHING AT ALL
This option is often preferred – it’s free! – if you can get away with it. Unfortunately, in far too many projects, the result is the failure and expense referred to above. As noted, current construction schedules will frequently allow insufficient time for concrete curing and moisture stability.
‘Nothing at all’ is not an option – it’s a dodgy gamble.
2) MOISTURE BARRIER COATING
In practice, the cost of a moisture barrier coating is rarely allowed for at the estimating stage. Typically it is an ‘extra’, called in by the floor covering layers in response to high moisture readings in the concrete. Not only does this become an added expense, it also incurs an unscheduled delay.
3) HYDROGEL TECHNOLOGY
The advanced solution is to apply a penetrating catalytic silicate. This forms a moisture-binding hydrogel in the porosity of the concrete, guaranteeing no moisture vapour movement and no interaction with floor covering adhesives.
The treatment is spray-applied, leaves no film on the surface, and is compatible with any adhesive or coating designed for bare concrete.
The correct hydrogel treatment will immobilise moisture, removing the risks associated with moisture migration. Moisture-borne alkalinity is also immobilised, meaning there is no risk of pH reactivity.
For floors where moisture-borne contaminants will be an ongoing challenge, such as healthcare, hydrogel treatments will seal the porosity against the ingress of contaminants.
AND – if this treatment is applied early in the project, at time of pour, it also replaces the curing compound or water-curing process, and doesn’t need to be physically removed later in the project.
A WIN for scheduling, a WIN for cost control, a WIN for the contractors and a WIN for the client.
BUT WAIT – there’s more!
There’s Australian Standard 1884:2021 – and YES, MARKHAM can help!
Meet the FLOOR-TECT® complete system, which incorporates hydrogel technology PLUS the surface treatment required to comply with the standard. AS1884:2021 – no problem!
Talk to MARKHAM today about including FLOOR-TECT® and AQURON 2000 multi-benefit concrete treatments in your next construction project.
Footnote: In other situations, where factors other than floor coverings are of concern, you can benefit from using the equivalent treatment as concrete admixture, which creates the same hydrogel throughout the entire slab, and is ideal for a wide range of structure types.
Ask us for more information!
