Add as a preferred source on Google

Preventing Moisture-Related Flooring Issues

Concrete slabs are the most common flooring base used in a range of buildings, including schools. Unfortunately, excessive moisture found in concrete slabs prior to a flooring installation can cause significant floor-covering system failures such as debonding of coatings, microbial growth and flooring expansion.

There are several steps that can be taken to mitigate and potentially prevent moisture issues before a floor covering is installed. These apply to either new or remodel projects.

The first step is to conduct moisture testing. Substrate surfaces must be tested for moisture emission prior to starting the installation. Most manufacturers and flooring installation contractors recommend relative humidity probe moisture testing, as the results of this type of test are typically more accurate, reliable and consistent than other testing methods.

If moisture emission is discovered then proper precautions, such as the use of several topical applications prior to the flooring installation, can be used for moisture mitigation. Some of these topical applications include using reactive penetrants and moisture-retarding coatings.

Finally, consider selecting a floor covering that has a higher tolerance for moisture and can perform on concrete slabs with elevated relative humidity levels. Some flooring options, such as textile composite flooring, perform in areas with elevated moisture. The breathable nature of these flooring products allows moisture to pass through the backing rather than trap it underneath. This method of vapor transmission enables the flooring to be installed with no moisture mitigation as long as the relative humidity test reads 95 percent or below.

Taking these steps prior to installation can save money and mitigate potential flooring system failures.

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

About the Author

David Daughtrey is the director of business development for education with J+J Flooring Group.

Featured

  • Preparing for the Next Era of Healthcare Education, Innovation

    Across the country, public universities and community colleges are accelerating investments in healthcare education facilities as part of a broader strategy to address workforce shortages, modernize outdated infrastructure, and expand clinical training capacity. These projects, which are often located at the center of campus health and science districts, are no longer limited to traditional classrooms.

  • Florida SouthWestern State College, Skanska Partner for Humanities Hall Renovation

    Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) in Fort Myers, Fla., recently announced that it is partnering with construction firm Skanska to renovate the school’s Humanities Hall, according to a news release.

  • UNT Dallas Holds Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for $100M STEM Building

    The University of North Texas at Dallas in Dallas, Texas, recently celebrated the opening of its new, $100-million STEM Building, according to local news. The ceremony on Dec. 2 preceded the first day of classes in the facility on Jan. 12, 2026.

  • Los Angeles City College Breaks Ground on New Administration, Workforce Building

    Los Angeles City College (LACC) in Los Angeles, Calif., recently broke ground on a new $72-million administrative facility, according to a news release. The Cesar Chavez Administration and Workforce Building will stand four stories, cover 67,230 square feet, and play home to a wide variety of the school’s educational and administrative services.

Digital Edition