Costa Mesa, CA — Moisture in concrete floors causes billions of dollars in losses each year. Flooring experts agree that today’s cost for repairing damaged floors can be up to five times the original cost of installation. “Moisture protection is an insurance policy for only pennies per sq. ft.,” explained Dennis Davis, president of Sealflex Industries, Inc. (www.sealflex.com).

“Adhesives have changed over the years,” Davis said. “In the 80s, cutback was oil-based. Then the EPA directed manufacturers to make water-based adhesives and eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs).”

In the moisture mitigation business since 1984, Davis produced his original membrane system in the garage of his Southern California home. “We quickly discovered that beyond our membrane systems, there was a need for an economical, reliable solution for applications where membranes were not required. After calling several manufacturers to find a true moisture-resistant adhesive, we took the approach that we could develop a better adhesive ourselves,” said Davis.

Sealflex introduced the first surface moisture-repellant, water-based adhesives in January 2000. Since then, the company has continued to develop, test and improve its products to provide a complete moisture-mitigation system.

Problems Facing The Industry

“One of the biggest challenges facing the flooring industry today is moisture,” explained Davis. “That is why flooring manufacturers typically recommend that you do not apply adhesives if the moisture vapor emission ranges between 3 lbs. and 5 lbs. per 1,000 square feet every 24 hours. Most manufacturers recommend application under 3 lbs.”

“Up to 98% of flooring installations need moisture protection,” he continued. “If a flooring failure is the result of moisture, you have to pull up the floor and start over.” Sealflex products solve the problem, and not only in new construction. Sealflex recommends that contractors test moisture in all concrete substrate, new and existing, before installing new flooring.

“Another big problem in floorcovering installation is high pH,” Davis continued. “High moisture increases pH and eats away at the concrete surface. We developed a pH Blocker/Primer that when used in combination with wet-set adhesive and skin-set products, solves the problem of moisture and high pH in concrete up to 8 pounds/1000 sq. ft./24 hours for a full five years.”

How To Determine If A Moisture Mitigation System Is Needed

Davis advised, “Accurate testing prior to installation is critical to ensure the proper installation of a floor. We always recommend that contractors test the level of moisture very carefully as part of their installation process. A calcium chloride test takes 60-72 hours. It gives an absolute indication of the moisture present,” said Davis.

“New moisture detection kits (MDKs) test for humidity within the concrete. The probe determines what moisture is in the concrete, not what moisture is coming out. It tells you what’s going on now — not yesterday or tomorrow. We follow ASTM specifications test 1869-04 rate of moisture vapor emission, measured in pounds of moisture over a 1000 sq. ft. area during a 24 hr. period for a total picture of what’s going on with the whole floor,” explained Davis.

As moisture vapor passes through concrete, it increases the alkalinity at the surface of the concrete. Alkalinity is measured by pH from 1 to 14. Seven (7) is neutral on the pH scale. Anything above 9 will destroy adhesives. It is the high alkaline levels, combined with moisture, which breaks down adhesives under flooring. “The higher the moisture emission levels, the higher the pH level affecting the adhesive,” explained Davis.

Who Decides?

“In the average installation, the flooring contractor decides when moisture remediation is needed. You have to put flooring down anyway. Owners assume the General Contractor takes responsibility for flooring. Some owners say, ‘I will not put my business in jeopardy by using a product that will fail.’ The solution is simple. The cost of our moisture-resistant adhesive adds pennies per square foot compared to the cost of installing a new floor,” said Davis. “Our warranty protects all parties from liability.”

Sealflex markets directly to contractors and installers. “We’re called in to come up with solutions,” said Davis. “We have a better approach to solving moisture problems. We’re a moisture mitigation company that manufactures adhesives, not an adhesive company trying to stop water,” he added.

Davis credits much of his successful experience to working with national chain stores, where installation occurs in a very short time frame must be of the highest quality to stand the test of usage. “As soon as owners break ground, they want customers through the door. Contractors are under pressure to get the job done fast. They need a moisture solution that is safe, easy-to-use, readily available, and proven effective. “Sealflex moisture-resistant adhesive is easy to apply with a trowel and protects at a reasonable cost,” said Davis.

The Most Effective Moisture Mitigation Systems Available

“Sealflex Moisture Mitigation System includes the original Sealflex 2000 Membrane, two adhesives (SI-Ultra Tac #200 for under sheet goods and the SI-Ultra Tac #255 adhesive for under VCT, carpet and tile), and the Sealflex pH Blocker/Primer 100. A new adhesive for wood, cork and rubber is planned for release in the summer,” Davis noted.

“Our adhesive system is the lowest cost solution for moisture problems. Produced with the most powerful anti-microbial inhibitor available, our products are mold and mildew resistant. They do not contain VOCs and they are environmentally friendly.”

“Today, there are liquids, membranes and epoxies on the market,” Davis continued, “but nobody else manufactures a water-based adhesive for 8 lbs. and a five-year warranty. Sealflex provides protection for concrete floors for only pennies. It’s an insurance policy on the life of the floor.”

About Sealflex Industries, Inc.

Sealflex Industries, Inc., a moisture mitigation company in Costa Mesa, California, delivering moisture solutions for over 22 years. A state-of-the art manufacturing facility in Dallas, Texas embodies the very best elements of today's most advanced manufacturing technologies. All Sealflex products are manufactured in accordance with strict OSHA and ASTM standards.

The company promises its approach to solving commercial flooring problems will remain focused on easy-to-use, economical, and (above all) effective tools and products. That's why so many contractors, end-users and architects use and recommend Sealflex – and why our moisture control products have been the moisture solution on over 17 million square feet of commercial floor space; a number that is growing daily. “Our one and only mission is to solve moisture problems for our contractor partners,” said Davis.