Moisture is one of the biggest challenges in flooring projects. Many professionals and DIY homeowners are exploring different moisture-mitigation-solutions to prevent coating failures or mold issues later. I’ve been researching this topic after reading some detailed insights on griptechflooring, and I wanted to start a discussion here to get more practical perspectives from others in the industry.
1. What is the proper way to test concrete for moisture before installing coatings or flooring?
Many materials fail because moisture levels are too high, but people often rely on guesswork. What are the reliable tests (like relative humidity, calcium chloride, etc.) you’ve used? What thresholds did manufacturers set for acceptable moisture levels?
2. When is moisture mitigation absolutely necessary?
Is it always required for new concrete slabs? What about existing structures with signs of moisture damage? How do you know if the slab is safe to coat without mitigation?
3. What types of moisture mitigation systems work best in high-humidity areas?
For example, in basements, or areas with slab-on-grade foundations. Are two-component epoxy vapor barriers better than liquid membranes or crystalline waterproofers? What’s the trade-off between cost, drying time, and long-term performance?