“Adhesives have changed over the years,” Davis said. “In the 80s, cutback was oil-based. Then the EPA directed manufacturers to make water-based adhesives and eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs).”
In the moisture mitigation business since 1984, Davis produced his original membrane system in the garage of his Southern California home. “We quickly discovered that beyond our membrane systems, there was a need for an economical, reliable solution for applications where membranes were not required. After calling several manufacturers to find a true moisture-resistant adhesive, we took the approach that we could develop a better adhesive ourselves,” said Davis.
Sealflex introduced the first surface moisture-repellant, water-based adhesives in January 2000. Since then, the company has continued to develop, test and improve its products to provide a complete moisture-mitigation system.
Problems Facing the Industry
“One of the biggest challenges facing the flooring industry today is moisture,” explained Davis. “That is why flooring manufacturers typically recommend that you do not apply adhesives if the moisture vapor emission ranges between 3 lbs. and 5 lbs. per 1,000 square feet every 24 hours. Most manufacturers recommend application under 3 lbs.”
“Up to 98% of flooring installations need moisture protection,”
“Another big problem in floorcovering installation is high pH,” Davis continued. “High moisture increases pH and eats away at the concrete surface. We developed a pH Blocker/Primer that when used in combination with wet-set adhesive and skin-set products, solves the problem of moisture and high pH in concrete up to 8 pounds/1000 sq. ft./24 hours for a full five years.”
How to determine if a moisture mitigation system is needed
Davis advised, “Accurate testing prior to installation is critical to ensure the proper installation of a floor. We always recommend that contractors test the level of moisture very carefully as part of their installation process. A calcium chloride test takes 60-72 hours. It gives an absolute indication of the moisture present,” said Davis.
“New moisture detection kits (MDKs) test for humidity within the concrete. The probe determines what moisture is in the concrete, not what moisture is coming out. It tells you what’s going on now — not yesterday or tomorrow. We follow ASTM specifications test 1869-04 rate of moisture vapor emission, measured in pounds of moisture over a 1000 sq. ft. area during a 24 hr. period for a total picture of what’s going on with the whole floor,” explained Davis.
As moisture vapor passes through concrete, it increases the alkalinity at the surface of the concrete. Alkalinity is measured by pH from 1 to 14. Seven (7) is neutral on the pH scale. Anything above 9 will destroy adhesives. It is the high alkaline levels, combined with moisture, which breaks down adhesives under flooring. “The higher the moisture emission levels, the higher the pH level affecting the adhesive,” explained Davis.
Who decides?
“In the average installation, the flooring contractor decides when moisture remediation is needed. You have to put flooring down anyway. Owners assume the General Contractor takes responsibility for flooring. Some owners say, ‘I will not put my business in jeopardy by using a product that will fail.’ The solution is simple. The cost of our moisture-resistant adhesive adds pennies per square foot compared to the cost of installing a new floor,” said Davis. “Our warranty protects all parties from liability.”
Sealflex markets directly to contractors and installers. “We’re called in to come up with solutions,” said Davis. “We have a better approach to solving moisture problems. We’re a moisture mitigation company that manufactures adhesives, not an adhesive company trying to stop water,” he added.
