CONCRETE-MOISTURE-VAPOR-EMISSION MECHANISMS

Moisture-vapor emission or water-vapor transmission has become one of the most feared and respected issues in building construction today. This issue has not only caused numerous floor finish failures, but also produced significant financial strife in the form of legal settlements and judgments. In addition, it has been the source of incredible losses in the form of downtime for repairs and has placed strain on valuable relationships. It is also considered one of the significant contributors to unhealthy indoor air quality. Changes in construction, construction materials, and the pace of construction have contributed to the presence of moisture and resulting vapor-emission-related problems. Understanding the principals that create the potential for this phenomenon can help builders, designers, and owners mandate proper testing procedures and implement techniques and materials to alleviate some of the destructive forces of water-vapor emission; and this can help reduce the liability involved in ignoring this issue.