Problem Solving Forum
August 20 - August 24, 2018
What is an acceptable level of moisture in concrete walls before painting with an acrylic system, and how should the moisture level be measured?
Selected Answers
From
Zenith Czora of Durotech Industries, Inc. on
August 22, 2018:
Aside from the question about how dry the concrete ...read more
Aside from the question about how dry the concrete wall should be prior to coating application, the successful application of acrylic coatings also requires an understanding on the sources of moisture in concrete walls, drying mechanism or how moisture content will change over time and the factors that affect the rate of drying. The constant presence of moisture when condensed into water can quickly dissolve salts and create a highly alkaline environment at the concrete surface. The concrete wall is deemed dry enough to coat when the moisture content is not more than 5.5%. An impedance moisture meter gives percentage measurement of moisture content by weight.