SOLVE MOISTURE PROBLEMS
IN A FLOOR BEFORE THEY OCCUR
Water is a key component of a concrete mix. The hydration reaction that takes place between cementitious materials and water is vital for the development of the full strength of the concrete. However, excess moisture in a concrete slab after curing can cause problems with the performance of flooring systems unless suitable preparation measures are undertaken prior to application of the flooring. Whether the excess moisture exists due to rising damp coming through a ground slab or because a concrete floor has not been given sufficient time to dry, excess moisture can lead to flooring failures, litigation, expensive remedial work, and disruption to commercial operations.
HOW MOISTURE CAUSES PROBLEMS IN CONCRETE FLOORS
If given sufficient time and suitable conditions, excess moisture will evaporate from a well-cured concrete slab so that it is dry enough for the installation of floor coverings. However, the project may be under time pressure, weather conditions and humidity may have slowed down the evaporation of moisture from the concrete, or, in the case of a ground slab, a failed vapour barrier may be allowing rising damp to occur. If a flooring system is placed over a concrete floor whose moisture content exceeds than the flooring manufactuer’s recommendations, problems can be expected to occur over time, such as:- Delamination of the floor covering
- Cracking and bubbling of coverings and coatings
- Uneven floor surfaces
- Unsightly efflorescence in cementitious grout
- Mold growing on the underside of the flooring
PROTECT YOUR CONCRETE FLOORS FROM MOISTURE BY USING A HYTEC SOLUTION
To give a flooring system the optimum likelihood of long-term successful performance, newly poured concrete should be allowed to cure for the specified time and the slab protected and allowed to dry for as long as possible to minimize the residual moisture content. Prior to the application of the flooring system, the moisture content of the concrete should then be tested using the method specified by the manufacturer (e.g. Calcium Carbide Method [%CM], Probe Method [%RH], VI-D4 Romus [%CM or %RH]) to confirm that the moisture levels are below the limits of the materials to be applied. Note that conditions such as groundwater, temperature, and weather can affect moisture content readings and that the moisture measurement gives only a snapshot at the time of the test.CONTROL MOISTURE AND PROTECT YOUR FLOORS
To avoid moisture-related problems with flooring systems, it is important to implement best-practice methods by carrying out moisture testing and applying fit-for-purpose damp proof membranes to the substrate. Bostik’s HYTEC suite of damp-proof membrane solutions presents a range of measures suitable for the varying conditions that can occur on new-build and renovation projects.MOISTURE SUPPRESSANT
HYTEC P510 RENORAPID – Reinforce the subfloor and protect parquet installation
HYTEC P510 RENORAPID is a one-component PU primer for all types of absorbent and non-absorbent subfloors. It is ideal for reinforcing brittle subfloor surfaces and perfect for the protection of parquet flooring. It must be applied twice for it to be used as a moisture barrier. P510 RENORAPID has high adhesive strength, is ready to use, has a curing time of 3h, and provides moisture protection up to 4.5% CM.MOISTURE SUPPRESSANT
HYTEC A370 RAPID – Suppress residual moisture and save time on wet surfaces
HYTEC A370 RAPID is a one-component water-based damp proof membrane applied in two coats and designed to suppress residual construction moisture in cementitious subfloors and sand/cement screeds. It will provide protection up to 95% RH. HYTEC A370 RAPID needs no mixing or priming and is ready to use, with a fast-drying time of about one hour. Note: it is not recommended for use on subfloors that do not have an intact base DPM.RISING DAMP
HYTEC E336 XTREM – Protect floors from residual moisture and rising damp with a proven long-term solution
HYTEC E336 XTREM is a very high-performance two-component epoxy system to be sandblasted with sand S409 (for solid parquet) or used with GRIP A936 XPRESS (for soft floor coverings). This product forms a damp-proof membrane that suppresses residual moisture and can also be applied to substrates in which rising damp is occurring. There is no limit on the moisture level of the concrete. HYTEC E336 XTREM resists hydrostatic pressure, provides a radon barrier, and can be used on renovation projects as well as new builds.RISING DAMP
HYTEC E736 TURBO – The most efficient system on the market. Ready to cover in 4 hours.
HYTEC E736 TURBO is an ultra-rapid two-component epoxy system that forms a moisture barrier to suppress residual moisture and block rising damp on subfloors. There is no limit on the moisture level of the concrete. HYTEC E736 TURBO is applied in one coat and has a 4-hour curing time.LONG-TERM PROTECTION OF FLOORING AGAINST CONCRETE MOISTURE EQUALS PEACE OF MIND
Effective subfloor preparation ensures the highest-quality floor finishes and allows high-spec materials to live up to their potential. Installing floors protected with one of Bostik’s state-of-the-art HYTEC damp-proof membrane solutions will provide peace of mind for installers and allow them to sign their warranties with confidence. An HYTEC solution will give the client a flooring system with proven long-term protection from the disruption, annoyance, and costs that can arise from moisture-related problems.
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