Troubleshooting resinous flooring installations, and problems that could arise can be a very frustrating process. Most failed installations can be traced back to two major problems. These problems are 1. inadequate preparation, and 2. moisture. Because we are confident in the skills of our finishers, and insure they are trained by each respective manufacturer involved, we will limit our discussion to moisture. Use the moisture link to find out more information about those problems. We will also use this area to place technical bulletins as provided by their respective manufacturers.

TECHNICAL BULLETIN #11

Concrete Surface and Environmental Conditions for Installation of Key Resin Flooring Systems

Manufacturers of resinous coatings have established parameters and requirements for concrete surface preparation when installing coatings on concrete floors. We do not, however, clearly explain the need for good environmental conditions. These conditions concern moisture or the movement of moisture, temperature, and humidity in a building.

The recommendations for concrete preparation are clearly defined in technical bulletin #1. The movement of air, humidity, and surface temperature must also be monitored. For best results, the temperature should be above 55°F (floor temperature) and preferably above 65°F, and the surface temperature should be 5°F above the dew point. As you can see from the enclosed table, the temperature is greater than 5°F above the dew point only at relative humidity's of less than 85%.

Dew point is an often omitted but very important test parameter to watch when installing resinous coatings.

The amount of water vapor that air can absorb is limited by the temperature of the air. As the temperature rises, air can hold more water vapor. When air at any temperature has absorbed all the water it can hold, the air is said to be saturated (or at the dew point). As the vapor-laden air moves through the shell of the building, it cools. Should it cool sufficiently to reach its dew point temperature, condensation takes place. A common form of condensation is the inside surface of a window in a heated room. When the surface temperature of the slab is less than the dew point, moisture will condense on the surface and, in some cases, be absorbed into the concrete slab. When this happens prior to, during, or immediately after the application (72 hours), the cure of these systems is interrupted, causing dull or blushed surface defects and poor adhesion.

For these reasons, it is imperative that temperatures remain 5°F above the dew point for two days prior, during, and two days after the application of resinous coatings.

The most effective way to insure proper conditions during installation is to install the system after the building has been brought to "use" conditions of temperature and humidity. Continuous air movement and good ventilation will also minimize possible condensation in questionable circumstances.