Damp from the ground can make its way into your concrete floor. Due to concrete's porous nature, it can then travel through it, causing issues in the flooring above. Changes in the surrounding environment can have a major impact on moisture levels within the concrete slab.
Apply a concrete waterproofing sealer over the entire surface of the floor in an even layer and allow it to dry completely. Apply a second layer of concrete sealer to ensure maximum protection. Allow the sealer to dry for at least 24 hours before walking on or placing the furniture back onto the surface.
However, concrete is porous. No, water isn't going to soak up like a sponge, but concrete does allow water to seep through when there is enough. Concrete also cracks, and those cracks will be the first routes of seeping water as it leaks through the slab.
There are a few visual signs to look out for, including any dark or damp spots on the concrete floor. Watch for salt residue on the floor from condensation. Also look for signs of cracking, peeling, bubbling, or other types of flaws that could all indicate a moisture issue.
When it rains, water is absorbed into the ground until the earth is too saturated to soak up any more water. At this point, the water will begin to rise to the surface, causing hydrostatic pressure to build up against your foundation and basement floors, which leads directly to water seepage into your home.
Using Flooring Moisture Meters to Find Moisture in Floors
Pinless meters can rapidly test for moisture in floors without leaving pin holes at the testing site. Simply press the meter's plate flat against the floor, take a reading, and repeat the process at different spots until you find the moisture pocket.
Sealer prevents moisture and other elements from seeping below the surface and negatively affecting your concrete surface.
Reasons for Water Seeping Through the Floor. There are several common reasons for water seeping up through your basement floor, including backed up or collapsed drains, leaking pipes or appliances, a cracked foundation, clogged gutters, and poor drainage.
Concrete typically takes 24 to 48 hours to dry enough for you to walk or drive on it. However, concrete drying is a continuous and fluid event, and usually reaches its full effective strength after about 28 days.
For most floors, condensation is the main reason for the sweating, especially in warm weather. When warm humid air from outside comes into contact with the cold concrete the air rapidly cools and condenses on the surface causing the wetness.
One of the biggest disadvantages of concrete driveway sealing is the cost. The materials and labor required to seal a concrete driveway properly can be expensive. In addition, concrete driveways that are improperly sealed can trap moisture underneath the surface, which can lead to problems such as mold and mildew.
Outdoor concrete sealers are not only worthwhile but necessary. Experts who recommend having a concrete surface sealed are doing their customers a big favor. Without this extra layer of protection, concrete will absorb moisture and may begin to crack, spall, flake, and discolor, among other things.
What Happens If Water Gets Under Floorboards? Water under floorboards presents a danger to electrical components and can also become a health hazard by promoting mold growth and damaging surrounding materials. Tap water contains ions with electrical conductivity.
Use your home or office dehumidifier to dry out the affected space, especially if the humidity level is above 50%. Create air movement. To speed up the drying process, place fans in the affected room close the doors. The air movement will help dry out the concrete.
Slab Seepage
If this is your issue, applying a waterproof coating to your garage floor will solve the problem right away by sealing up those pores, preventing water from coming out of the surface of your concrete slab. As a bonus, you'll also create a surface that's easier to clean.
Due to everyday wear and tear situation, concrete becomes prone to cracks and holes. Water can penetrate these spaces which could result in further leakage. In some less complicated cases, you can perform minor roof repairs. For this, you will need mortar or roof cement, roof primer, and an elastomeric sealant.
In addition to wasting water, the leak can damage the concrete and erode the soil around it. Over time, it may cause the foundation to buckle and shift, cracking the home's floors and walls. In severe cases, it can even cause portions of the house to collapse.
Slab leaks are very common in areas where homes are older and built on concrete foundation slabs. Basically, slab leaks are extremely common throughout the United States. Well-trained plumbers are able to detect and diagnose slab leaks easily.