Your concrete slab is a critical component of your building’s structural integrity. It should be protected from the ground’s moisture with a water-proof barrier.
Older buildings may not have ever had a moisture barrier. A new building could have suffered from a faulty installation or other damage. In either case, water in a concrete slab is a problem that needs to be assessed by professionals.
Concrete moisture testing companies can test your concrete slab to see the condition of your moisture barrier. Addressing the issues of a damaged moisture barrier can save you from costly structural damage. If you suspect you might have a problem with your moisture barrier, there are five signs to look out for:
Mould or Other Growths
Mould needs moisture to grow. Your floor will become a perfect home for mould if your concrete slab’s moisture barrier is no longer functioning.
A working moisture barrier will keep your concrete floor dry, so nothing will be able to grow there. You should also check to make sure you don’t have a roof or plumbing leak anywhere to eliminate the other causes of mould.
Flooring Delamination
If your flooring is popping up from the concrete slab, it could be because of excessive moisture underneath. When a moisture barrier fails, water vapour rises and weakens the flooring adhesive.
Replacing the flooring in this situation would be a costly mistake. The concrete slab’s moisture barrier must be repaired, or the new flooring will fail.
Surface Bubbling
Bubbles and pinholes on the surface of your concrete floor might not seem like a big deal. But they are a sign that your moisture barrier is damaged, and bigger problems are inevitable.
Cracking
Cracking in a new concrete slab could be a normal part of curing. If you have an older slab that suddenly starts cracking, you should consider testing your moisture barrier.
Stains
If you see an oily liquid or stains appear when nothing was spilled, it could be that your moisture barrier is failing. You should never ignore staining on a concrete floor because the problem could get much worse.