Prevent delamination: Always apply a moisture barrier on slab-on-grade installs.
Prevent Delamination: Always Apply a Moisture Barrier on Slab-On-Grade Installs
Moisture remains the number one cause of epoxy floor system failure in South Florida, and the most dangerous part is that it often appears after the floor looks flawless. The coating may cure beautifully, the client may sign off, and weeks or months later the problems begin: bubbles, soft spots, peeling edges, or full delamination.
At Chromology Florida East Inc. in Davie, FL, this is not a rare occurrence – it’s something we see every single week. Almost always, the root cause traces back to the same mistake: skipping proper moisture mitigation on slab-on-grade concrete.
If you are installing epoxy floors in Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Boca Raton, or West Palm Beach, moisture control is not an upgrade or an optional add-on. It is a non-negotiable part of a professional flooring system.
Why Slab-On-Grade Concrete Is High Risk in Florida
Concrete does not need to look wet to cause failure. Even slabs that appear bone-dry can emit moisture vapor at levels high enough to destroy an epoxy bond from below.
South Florida conditions amplify this risk:
- High groundwater tables
- Constant year-round humidity
- Daily temperature fluctuations
- Older slabs built without vapor retarders
Moisture vapor pressure rises through the slab and attacks the coating at its weakest point – the bond line. Over time, this leads to blistering, loss of adhesion, callbacks, warranty claims, and damage to your professional reputation.
