Commonly
referred to as "Moisture Vapor Emission", Vapor
Emission (or Moisture Emission) occurs when moisture, in a gaseous
state, moves from within the concrete through pores to the surface.
At the very top, vapors affect the floor, adhesive, or both causing
noticeable flooring problems. The diagram below can help you understand
what is happening within your flooring.
Alkalinity/pH:
An Alkalinity/pH problem is characterized by white powder in the
flooring joints, or curling, lumps, and bumps in the flooring.
What has happened is a chemical disruption to the floor or adhesive
when the vapor emissions exceeded tolerance levels. This creates
a combination of chemical reactions between the concrete, aggregates,
adhesives, and/or flooring.
Vapor
Emission: Evaporated water -- gaseous H2O -- comes out of
the concrete through the surface. Vapor existing in an environment
of 70 - 100% humidity encourages microbial growth. And, as the
vapor condenses additional conditions for failure are created.
