Talk to your garage coating professional — applying a moisture barrier coating underneath epoxy as a primer could be an effective solution. It's important to deal with garage floor moisture before you seal, no matter the amount, because a high water content can cause epoxy to peel and curl away from the concrete.
Epoxy moisture control systems are chemical barriers that are used to prevent moisture damage to flooring.
The issue with this is that if an epoxy coating is laid on top of that moisture, it becomes trapped. The liquids can separate from the concrete and pool underneath the coating which causes bubbling and flaking in your floor.
Today, most coating manufacturers require concrete substrates to be dry (<5% moisture content) with low vapor transmission (< 3-5lbs per 1000 sq.
Water vapor can cause serious damage to your home. For instance, if your flooring gets wet, it could cause mold and mildew, and even destroy your floor (source). No one wants that, so vapor barriers are there to help prevent the floor from getting wet.
Climate Issues
A moisture barrier is a must if you live in a cold climate where it often snows, the snow will melt, and water will get inside your home. Also, if you live in a humid environment, a barrier will be necessary. Dry or mild climates won't need a moisture barrier.
However, it's more important than many people realize to make sure your home has the right water protection. You need a moisture barrier to prevent water from entering the spaces under your floors and inside your walls.
Master Bond epoxy systems are non-nutrient and do not sustain or support mildew/mold/fungi or biological growth. They are able to withstand exposure to high humidity, dampness, warm temperatures, UV rays and inorganic salts.
Make sure the epoxy and the environment are as dry as possible when using the epoxy. Humidity levels below 85% are recommended. Storing the epoxy or working with the epoxy in a humid environment may cause inconsistent results due to moisture entering the mixture.
The preferred method for concrete surface preparation in most cases is grinding of all horizontal surfaces. Shot-blasting is another good method for mechanically abrading concrete to receive a coating and is typically recommended for heavier duty epoxy mortars or urethane cement systems.
Oil, car chemicals and other chemicals.
Even engine oil has chemicals that could be potentially hazardous to an epoxy floor. Clean up spilled gas immediately, because it will damage the surface of an epoxy floor if allowed to sit for too long.
The buildup of moisture can cause different problems, peeling included. Changes in temperature may also cause condensation, adding more to your moisture problem. Even if the weather doesn't fluctuate between hot and cold, either extreme may cause epoxy floor peeling.
Epoxy cure time is typically seven days. Of course, there are variations, but if you want a rule of thumb, one week is your answer. While it takes seven days for epoxy to cure, your floor may be dry enough to walk on after 12 hours or so and ready for light use after 24 hours.
Polypropylene plastic sheet is ideal for use as a non-stick baseboard or barriers for your GlassCast epoxy resin projects. It has a smooth finish and is easy to cut and bond. Polypropylene has a smooth finish, is easy to cut and bond and has enough stiffness to help construct sturdy barriers or produce a smooth base.
The Epoxy Moisture Vapor Barrier
Any material that stops moisture from entering a concrete slab is known as an epoxy moisture vapor barrier.
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) also recommends a minimum of 10 mil polyethylene or thicker for vapor retarders under concrete. According to its Guide to Concrete Floor and Slab Construction ACI 302.1R-15, thicker poly provides a better barrier and is also more puncture resistant.
Epoxies have issues being exposed to the water too early. During this curing time, rain and condensation needs to be kept off. If it gets wet within first two days of curing, a whitish bloom may form on the surface.
The Epoxy coating will not be technically damaged by rain or moisture contacting the surface more than ~3 hours after completion of application. Any milky discoloration caused by early rain or heavy dew is ON, not IN, the coating. This is only a surface bloom and does not affect lasting properties.
Nitocote ep 403 is a moisture tolerant two-part epoxy resin protective coating that can be applied to concrete and steel, even if the concrete is damp. It cures to form a durable waterproof covering that offers chemical, abrasion and corrosion resistance.
The longevity of an epoxy floor system will vary based on thickness, use and maintenance. Typically, epoxy floors last between 10 and 20 years; much longer than a painted concrete floor, which will chip and wear quickly in high-traffic areas.
Covering your concrete basement floor with a different material can be detrimental to its longevity and condition. This is because the concrete needs exposure to air in order for it to breathe properly.
A recently published paper describes a study of the fungal and bacterial microflora isolated from an epoxy art object, which can grow on the surface of the object [3].
Moisture barriers are usually installed on the warm side of the wall. In warm climates the vapor barrier is placed on the exterior, while in colder climates the vapor barrier is placed on the interior, to prevent water and vapor from entering the wall cavity.
You should not need a vapor barrier for hardwood floors on the second floor. Unless there is some water feature, steam room, or other moisture sources on the first floor, the moisture barrier for hardwood floors under the first floor should suffice for the rest of the home.
Reinforced polyethylene plastic sheeting (poly) comes in a variety of thicknesses and strengths. A 6 mil thick poly is commonly used as a vapor barrier and offers short-term savings to the homeowner.