Concrete floor waterproofing is a practical way to ensure that your floors perform well over time. Many people believe that spilled water is the primary motivator for waterproofing, but it goes further than that.
Water damage can seem minimal, but concrete is porous and water can seep downward into the floor. Water can also move upward into the concrete from the ground below. Often the damage is not apparent until it has become a significant problem.
At that point, the solution requires additional time and money to repair. Although necessary to protect your employees and visitors from slips, there are four other concerns that can be alleviated with the application of concrete floor waterproofing materials.
1. Mold and Mildew
When a concrete floor is consistently moist, it becomes an ideal place for mold and mildew to grow. Although that is fairly unpleasant on its own, it can also lead to several other concerns. When the smallest crevices are hard to clean, it can make the whole building more difficult to maintain.
There is a subtle discoloration and perhaps an off smell. Mold and mildew are common allergens that can impact the health of your employees. It is not difficult for both to spread through the air duct systems once the problem has become larger. Although a worst-case scenario, specialized cleaning to remove mold is not uncommon.
2. Cracks Beneath the Surface
Although the inside temperature for your buildings is likely to be somewhat consistent, the same cannot be said for the ground beneath. Likewise, the outside walls will be more affected by daily temperature changes. With temperature fluctuations, concrete naturally expands and contracts slightly.
When moisture is involved, movement can contribute to small stress cracks. When cracks fill with water and freeze, the result is even bigger cracks. Concrete damage beneath the surface can cause structural problems before it becomes noticeable. This comes with a long list of potential problems, each with its own necessary concrete solutions.
3. Dirt and Germs
When a facility has problems with mold or mildew, it can be easy to harbor other problematic things as well. If cleaning small places becomes a challenge, especially if due to cracking, dirt and dust will also collect. Moisture in your floors becomes a breeding ground for all kinds of germs as well. In winter, when temperatures drop and diseases like cold and flu start going around, an unclean workplace can contribute to poor health.
4. Bugs and Other Pests
As cracks become large, they can harbor insects and rodents. Both can fit through a surprisingly small gap. They may also be drawn by the availability of water. It does not take much for a few unnoticeable bugs to become a significant problem for your facility.
There are, of course, other ways for small insects to enter your facility, so it is important to talk to a professional to determine cause and solution.
There is a common saying about an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure. Do not wait until damage is noticeable to contact a concrete floor professional. Act now and your floors will be protected from several hazards. Concrete waterproofing can extend the life of your floors and make maintenance simple. ICS has been troubleshooting concrete flooring for over two decades.
When you are ready to talk with a professional about your next concrete floor project, talk to the team at ICS. We have over 20 years of experience and have installed or updated over a million square feet of concrete floors.
The combination of expertise, proprietary equipment, and dedication to a job well-done make ours the service you can trust. To get started, fill out the Got a Project form with some basic information about your project.
Concrete Flooring Service Area
ICS provides concrete solutions to all of the northeast. Here is a small list of cities and towns where we have completed many industrial and commercial concrete flooring applications.
| Portland, Maine | Bangor, Maine | Augusta, Maine |
| Nashua, New Hampshire | Manchester, New Hampshire | Portsmouth, New Hampshire |
| Boston, Massachusetts | Worecester, Massachusetts | Springfield, Massachusetts |
| Burlington, Vermont | Montpelier, Vermont | St. Johnsbury, Vermont |
| Providence, Rhode Island | Warwick, Rhode Island | Cranston, Rhode Island |
| Hartford, Connecticut | New Haven, Connecticut | Stamford, Connecticut |
| New York | New Jersey | Pennsylvania |