Description #
In this video we will be looking at moisture barriers - what they are, the different uses they can have, and the different types of moisture barriers available. We will also go through how to install moisture barriers correctly.
Transcript #
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[Music]
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Hello and welcome to this new episode of Prep Set Go proudly brought to you by RLA Polymers, in this
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video we'll be looking at moisture barriers and specifically when used in flooring applications
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we'll look at their importance, various scenarios for their use, discuss the different types,
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and provide tips for installation. So let's get straight into it. Moisture barriers play an
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important role and are a critical consideration for the longevity of flooring systems, as well
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as the health, safety and general well-being of the home and its occupants. Moisture will
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wreak havoc on floor finishes left unchecked, so the installation of moisture barriers is
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a critical consideration. To truly appreciate the significance and requirement for moisture
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barriers, let's begin by understanding how water infiltrates substrates. The most common
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and obvious way is through rising damp - that's groundwater permeating through concrete slabs,
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often caused by defective below slab or perimeter moisture barriers, or through older slabs where a
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vapor barrier may have have not been installed or has broken down. The severity of rising
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damp can vary based on a number of factors including sight drainage, groundwater levels,
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gradient of the site, and local climate. Rising damp manifests as damp spots or active water
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on concrete slabs. The presence of efflorescence or salt damp is another obvious sign of moisture
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entry. Other sources of moisture that has the potential to affect floor finishes is through
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residual moisture in the substrate. Moisture levels in new substrates are high initially
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and recede over time, but can fluctuate due to environmental conditions such as high humidity.
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So how can moisture directly affect your flooring system? And what are some of the obvious signs?
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These include the breakdown and re-emulsification of flooring adhesives leading to delamination
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or lifting of the floor finish from the substrate, warping or cupping of timber floors,
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bubbling or blistering of vinyl sheet flooring as moisture vapor gases out and tries to escape,
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also the growth of mould and mildew under carpet and vinyl finishes. The dark and damp environment
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provides perfect conditions for its growth and propagation and this is always a major concern as
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it can directly affect the health and wellbeing of the building's occupants. So when should a
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moisture barrier be used? Flooring standards covering the installation of textile and resilient
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flooring systems are very clear on the requirement for moisture barriers setting the parameters for
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acceptable substrate moisture content and water vapor transmission rates. These standards include
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AS1884 for resilient flooring and AS2455 for textile floor coverings each standard details
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testing methods to be used for measuring inslab moisture prior to the installation of the flooring
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system including ASTM F2170 this is the surface probe method a destructive test that measures
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moisture levels deep down into the concrete substrate, and ASTM F1869 and this outlines
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water vapor transmission testing which measures the rate in which water vapor escapes the slab.
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Around 75 to 80% relative humidity or around 4 to 5% moisture content is a threshold before
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a moisture barrier is required to be used. Of course moisture barriers can be applied purely as
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long-term preventative or precautionary measures regardless of current moisture levels. Now to the
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different types of moisture barriers available, so there are two main types of moisture barriers
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used under flooring finishes including sheet systems - these are flexible sheets made often
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of materials like polyethylene plastic. They are typically rolled out and installed on on
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top of the concrete substrate before floating floor finishes such as laminate or vinyl plank
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is installed. And the second is liquid barriers. Liquid moisture barriers include two part epoxy
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coatings and are applied directly onto concrete subfloor, they create a continuous seamless seal
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against moisture and they're used for floor types that are typically adhesive fixed to the substrate
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including timber and vinyl. So we've looked at the two different types of moisture barriers,
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sheets and liquids here we're going to concentrate on the liquid moisture barrier varieties RLA
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moisture barrier is a two-part water-based epoxy coating designed to provide moisture and vapor
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barrier properties, applied to concrete surfaces in a couple of coats it prevents rising damp,
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and residual moisture that might be in the substrate to protect the overlaid flooring
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finishes. It comes in two parts, equally mixed, and basically just spread on by brush or roller
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onto the substrate. Here's some we mixed up earlier so we show you how it's applied. It's
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basically applied just by brush or roller, directly onto the substrate, and as I said a
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couple of coats, goes on quite easily just like a thin paint type coating, just brushed evenly,
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and neatly onto the surface. Allow it to dry between coats, and 24 hours later you can apply
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the floor finish over the top. It's important to refer to the manufacturer's recommendations
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for the installation of the various moisture barriers, it's also important to refer to the
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actual flooring manufacturer's recommendations for the type of moisture barrier they recommend. Thank
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you for joining us today for our look at moisture barriers, and the role they play in protecting
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your flooring system. Whether you're building a new home or renovating an existing space,
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it's crucial to consult with a professional and consider using a moisture barrier in order to
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preserve the integrity of your floor finish, and prolong its lifespan, to create a safe and
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healthy indoor environment for occupants by preventing mould and mildew growth,
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and realizing cost savings by not having to replace moisture affected flooring,
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and safeguarding your flooring investment. Remember, prevention today can save you a lot
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of headache tomorrow. Thanks again for joining us today, and we hope to see you next time [Music]
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Goodbye.