Planning on finishing off the concrete in your home? Read this first.
Whether your concrete has moisture issues or you’re planning on installing concrete in your home, you’re going to need a vapor barrier. You’re in the right place, as Tolley Concrete is one of the most trusted concrete finishing companies in the state.
Many moisture problems associated with interior concrete floors can be minimized or completely eliminated with the use of a vapor barrier. Moisture has to escape and evaporate, and if a concrete floor is topped with another type of flooring, such as laminate, tile, or wood, the moisture from the ground will be trapped, forcing it into the concrete. This can lead to cracks, bubbling, mold growth, or uneven surfaces.
After the subgrade is put down, next comes the vapor barrier. Vapor barriers come in a variety of thickness, materials, and brands. The barrier must have a low moisture permeability, eliminating moisture migration from the ground so the poured concrete can dry out. Good vapor barriers are also resistant to punctures and tears. If you need help choosing a vapor barrier, head to our website.
Many experts state the minimum thickness of an effective vapor barrier is 10 mils (that’s 10 thousandths of an inch). Some people say it should be even thicker, and recommend the 15 mils designs for residential construction. In addition, the material should have as low of a permeability as possible. Some of these materials are rated at 0.01 perms (very small), but 0.3 perms or under is required. The lower the permeability, the less moisture can seep into the concrete.
While there are many aspects to consider when choosing the best vapor barrier for the project in your home, Tolley Concrete is here to help every step of the way. Whether you need our expert advice or want us to handle the job for you, we’re happy to provide you with a quote and will help you see your project through to the end.