What to do with a resin floor that has osmosis blistering
What is Osmosis blistering? It is a common issue that can occur in resin floors. It refers to the formation of blisters or bubbles on the surface of the floor due to the presence of trapped moisture or vapour within the resin layers. This phenomenon is similar to osmosis in chemistry, where water molecules pass through a semipermeable membrane.
Osmosis blistering typically happens when there is inadequate moisture vapour control beneath the resin floor or when the concrete substrate releases moisture or vapour that gets trapped within the resin layers. The moisture or vapour tries to escape, but is obstructed by the impermeable nature of the resin, resulting in the formation of blisters or bubbles.
Fixing Osmosis Blistering
To fix osmosis blistering in resin floors, it is important to address the underlying moisture issue and ensure proper moisture vapour control.The following steps may be taken:
Identify the Source of Moisture: Determine the source of moisture causing the blistering. It could be from the underlying concrete substrate, a high water table, or inadequate vapour barriers.
Repair the Moisture Source: Fix any underlying moisture issues by addressing drainage problems, improving waterproofing measures, or installing proper vapour barriers. This helps prevent further moisture from seeping into the resin layers.
Assess the Damaged Areas: Evaluate the extent of the blistering and determine if localised repairs are possible or if larger sections of the floor need to be addressed.
Remove Blistered Sections: Remove the blistered or compromised areas of the resin floor carefully, ensuring that the surrounding undamaged sections are not affected.
Prepare the Substrate: Properly prepare the substrate by cleaning, drying, and levelling the surface as necessary to create a suitable base for the repair.
Apply New Resin Coating: Apply a new layer of resin coating that is specifically designed for moisture resistance and compatibility with the existing resin system. Ensure that proper curing and drying times are followed.
It is crucial to consult with resin flooring professionals, such as S and R Flooring, who have experience in addressing osmosis blistering. They can accurately assess the situation, provide appropriate solutions, and ensure proper repairs to prevent future blistering issues.
If you are experiencing osmosis blistering in your resin floor, there is no need to worry. At S and R Flooring, we utilise state-of-the-art resin compound technologies to address this issue. When notified about the possibility of hydrostatic pressure, we offer two solutions: a thin layer primer or a thin bed cementitious tanking screed. These solutions are designed to effectively withstand 100% relative humidity levels and hydrostatic pressures of up to 10 bar.
Prevention of Osmosis Blistering.
To prevent osmosis blistering in resin floors, several steps can be taken:
Moisture Testing: It is crucial to conduct moisture testing and ensure that the results show relative humidity levels below 75%. This helps identify any potential moisture issues before the floor's installation.
Avoid Impervious Resin Floor Systems: Choosing resin floor systems that are not completely impervious can allow for some moisture vapour transmission. This can help prevent the buildup of trapped moisture and reduce the risk of osmosis blistering.
Osmotic Tanking/Primers Usage: Incorporating osmotic tanking or primers into the flooring system can provide an additional layer of protection against moisture-related issues, including osmosis blistering. These products help create a barrier to prevent moisture penetration.
Application by Trained Professionals: To ensure proper installation and minimise the risk of osmosis blistering, it is essential to have the resin floor applied by trained professionals. They have the expertise and knowledge to execute the installation correctly, following industry best practices.
By following these prevention measures and relying on the expertise of professionals like S and R Flooring, you can significantly reduce the occurrence of osmosis blistering in resin floors. Our team is dedicated to providing high-quality solutions, utilising advanced technologies, and ensuring the application is carried out by skilled professionals.
Contact us now for professional assistance in preventing and addressing osmosis blistering issues in your resin floors.
Tagged as: Resin Floor Problems
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