Moisture Mitigation

Solve moisture vapor transmission issues before they destroy your coating. Essential products for problematic slabs.

Why Moisture Testing Matters

Moisture vapor transmission (MVT) is the #1 cause of coating failure on concrete. Even slabs that appear dry can have moisture levels that will cause delamination, blistering, and complete coating failure. Always test before coating.

Concrete is porous. Water vapor naturally moves from areas of high humidity (the ground) to low humidity (the air above the slab). When you apply a coating, you create a barrier that can trap this moisture, leading to pressure buildup and eventual coating failure.

Common Causes of Moisture Issues

Missing or Damaged Vapor Barrier

Older slabs often lack proper vapor barriers, or barriers have been punctured during construction

High Water Table

Properties in low-lying areas or near water sources may have hydrostatic pressure pushing water up

New Concrete

Freshly poured concrete can take months to properly cure and release moisture

Poor Drainage

Water pooling against foundation walls or improper grading directs water toward the slab

Testing Methods

Always test concrete for moisture before applying any coating system:

Calcium Chloride Test (ASTM F1869)

Measures moisture vapor emission rate (MVER) over 60-72 hours. Industry standard for determining coating compatibility.

Threshold: Most coatings require < 3 lbs/1000 sq ft/24 hrs

Relative Humidity Test (ASTM F2170)

Measures RH at 40% slab depth using in-situ probes. More accurate for thick slabs and provides internal moisture data.

Threshold: Most coatings require < 75% RH

Moisture Mitigation Products

EP-55

Epoxy Moisture Vapor Barrier

100% solids epoxy primer that blocks moisture vapor transmission up to 15 lbs MVER. Can be topcoated with any coating system.

Solids100%
MVER RatingUp to 15 lbs
Coverage100-150 sq ft/gal
Recoat Time12-18 hours

Ultra Hydro-Stop

High-Performance Moisture Barrier

Advanced moisture vapor barrier system for the most severe conditions. Handles extremely high MVER and RH levels.

Solids100%
MVER RatingUp to 25 lbs
Coverage80-120 sq ft/gal
Recoat Time8-12 hours

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