Dealing with humidity, especially during the hottest days of the year, can be an unpleasant experience. It can leave you feeling sweaty and uncomfortable, especially if you spend a great deal of time outside. But, during this weather, have you ever taken a moment to notice how the humidity is impacting your unsealed concrete floors?
While it might not initially seem like a problem, humid climates can be incredibly harsh on your floors, which is why floor coatings are essential. If you want to learn more about the impact of humid climates on your concrete floors and why installing a floor coating is your best option for providing protection, keep reading.
How Do Humid Climates Impact Concrete Floors?
Humid climates are characterized by a high level of moisture in the air. When you are experiencing high humidity, you may feel damp, hot, and sticky. While we often think about how humidity affects our bodies throughout the day, we regularly disregard its impact on other aspects, such as the concrete floors in our homes.
When concrete is installed in humid climates, it is exposed to a great deal of moisture. While it can withstand some moisture, long-term exposure can lead to more significant problems. This moisture moves through the porous surface of your concrete, leading to a variety of problems, including:
- Efflorescence, as salts within the concrete rise through the surface.
- Surface damage, including cracking and spalling.
- Mold and mildew growth.
- Deterioration of steel reinforcements.
- Damage to surface finishes, including bubbling and peeling.
- Long-term weakening of the concrete.
At first, these problems might seem minor, and you may find yourself ignoring them. However, this can lead to costly and premature concrete replacement, which is why it’s important to protect your floors before these problems arise.
Can Floor Coatings Withstand Humidity?
Floor coatings can generally withstand humidity well, depending on the type of coating used. High humidity alone rarely causes these coatings to fail, although consistent exposure to standing water or extreme moisture levels may affect longevity over time. Some coatings are designed with added moisture resistance to handle areas with higher humidity, like basements or garages in humid climates.
While the surface may appear visually intact, minor issues such as slight bubbling or discoloration may occur if conditions are extreme. Overall, choosing a quality coating for your garage, basement, or outdoor entertaining space ensures durability and protection against typical humidity challenges.
What Floor Coating is Best for Humid Climates?
For humid climates, selecting the right floor coating is essential to maintain durability and prevent moisture-related issues. Not all coatings perform equally under high humidity, so it’s important to focus on options designed to resist moisture and maintain adhesion over time. Two of the best choices for humid environments are epoxy and polyaspartic coatings. Both offer strong protection, but they have slightly different advantages depending on your needs.
- Epoxy coatings: Known for their toughness and chemical resistance, epoxy forms a solid barrier against moisture. High-quality epoxy can handle moderate humidity levels without peeling or blistering, making it a reliable choice for garages, basements, and workshops.
- Polyaspartic coatings: These are fast-curing, highly durable coatings that excel in high-humidity conditions. Polyaspartics resist yellowing, maintain flexibility, and provide a waterproof seal, making them ideal for areas where humidity is a consistent concern.
When selecting a coating for humid conditions, it’s essential to consider both moisture resistance and long-term durability. Both epoxy and Polyaspartic coatings provide strong protection, but Polyaspartic options may offer faster curing times and slightly better performance in consistently humid environments.
The Importance of Professional Floor Coating Installation
When it comes to protecting your concrete floors from humid climates, installing a floor coating is the best way to do this. However, instead of reaching out to the professionals for support, you may consider attempting this project on your own. While this might seem like an easy way to save money and quickly transform your floors, DIY installation isn’t the way to go.
Instead of attempting a DIY installation, it is always best to schedule professional floor coating installation. When you turn to professionals for installation, you can trust that they are using the highest-quality floor coating products on the market. These floor coatings won’t break down over prolonged periods or when exposed to a variety of climates, including humid climates.
Additionally, they will ensure your bare concrete floors are properly prepped for the coating. With this preparation, you won’t have to deal with the adhesion problems others may experience. Ultimately, if you want your floors to look and perform their best for years to come, it is always best to reach out to professionals for support.
Problems You May Experience If You Choose DIY Installation
If you choose to install a floor coating in your home without professional support, it isn’t uncommon to experience a variety of problems with the coating. These problems become especially common in homes in humid climates. Some of the most common issues homeowners will face include:
- Blistering and Bubbling: Water evaporation and expansion create bubbles that rise through and damage the coating.
- Peeling and Delamination: Due to the adhesion weakness, patches of the coating peel away from your concrete floors.
- Discoloration: Moisture trapped beneath the coating may lead to stains and discoloration across your coatings.
- Improper Curing: Excessive moisture can affect how and whether your coating cures, resulting in uneven textures and dull patches.
Your Trusted Floor Coating Professional in Greenville, SC
If you’re looking for an expert floor coating provider in the greater Greenville area, trust that our Surface Bella Garage Floors team is here to help. We have years of experience installing floor coatings in homes across the city and beyond. Whether you’re trying to combat the damage caused by humid climates or want to boost the appearance of your concrete floors, we’re here to offer you expert support through every step of the process.
When you’re ready to schedule floor coating installation for your home, don’t hesitate to contact us to begin the process.