Moisture vapor rising through concrete is the single most common cause of epoxy floor failure. We test, document, and install the right barrier system — so the coating stays down.
Water vapor molecules (H₂O) migrate upward through the capillary network in concrete. When they reach the underside of a floor coating, the water vapor pressure pushes the coating away from the substrate — causing bubbles, blisters, and delamination.
A moisture vapor barrier creates a chemical seal that blocks the migration pathway. The visualization shows vapor movement with and without the barrier installed.
Toggle between Without Barrier and With Barrier installed
Moisture vapor emission rate testing per ASTM F1869 (calcium chloride) and ASTM F2170 (RH probe). Written results documented before any coating decision is made.
Different moisture levels require different barrier systems. We select the product rated for your actual MVER reading — not the cheapest option or whatever is on the truck.
Basement and garage slabs on or below grade almost always warrant moisture testing before any floor coating. We include MVER testing on all residential applications.
Large commercial slabs — especially those poured on grade without a sub-slab vapor retarder — often have elevated moisture emissions. We test every commercial project.
Floor coating failed due to moisture? We remove the failed system, test the actual MVER, install the correct barrier, and reinstall. Warranted result every time.
Test results, barrier product, application rate, and cure time documented in writing. Valuable for warranty compliance and future work on the same slab.
Most floor coating failures are moisture-related and entirely preventable. We test every job, every time — and we select the right barrier for the actual test result.