We all know Houston can get surprisingly humid, and moisture is a classic, unseen enemy for garage floors. While it might be easy to focus on the heat hanging in the air, the real challenge lies beneath the surface of your concrete. Proper concrete preparation and moisture assessment are essential steps before applying any garage floor coating. Unfortunately, these steps are often overlooked by one-day polyurea contractors for the sake of speed (not quality).
High moisture content in concrete can lead to some pretty significant issues, including the chipping and even detachment of the coating system. Water vapor trapped beneath the slab creates hydrostatic pressure, which can lift the coating right off the surface. In this part of Texas, where humidity levels can soar, we hear about this issue all the time. Homeowners are facing re-coating projects within the first year because of preventable failures in assessing moisture levels and choosing the correct primer.
The real professionals conduct thorough moisture assessments before beginning any coating application. This process includes checking for visible signs of moisture, like efflorescence and dark spots, and using calibrated moisture vapor transmission meters to obtain accurate readings. If medium to high moisture levels are detected, a moisture-mitigating epoxy primer is used. This primer is able to move deep into the concrete, addressing moisture issues and providing a solid foundation for the subsequent layers, which include a flake broadcast and two polyaspartic clear topcoats.
But using a slower-curing, moisture-mitigating epoxy primer extends the installation process from one to two days. And some folks don’t want to wait that long. Sure, a fast 1-day polyurea installation is tempting, but you sacrifice durability and long-term performance. It’s just not worth the risk. That’s how you get costly repairs down the road.
Investing in a professional installation that prioritizes moisture assessment is crucial, especially here in Houston. Properly addressing moisture issues not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your garage floor but also ensures its longevity. A well-prepared garage floor can withstand the challenging conditions of our climate, providing a beautiful, durable space for years to come.