Case Studies

Water, Water Everywhere

Department Store, Northern California

Setting: A major department store in a well-maintained mall. The store occupies a three-story, 86,000-square-foot building. The lower level is covered with three types of resilient flooring-each made by a different manufacturer.

Problem: The tiles in the lower level flooring have begun peaking and cracking along the joints.

Testing & Findings: IFTI performed a series of moisture and alkalinity tests. Based on the results, IFTI found a moderate-to-high level of visual distress; a moderate to high static moisture condition; an extremely high pH level; and a moderate-to-high dynamic moisture condition indicating an excessive vapor emission and an alkalinity problem.

Additionally, IFTI found a potential "hydrostatic pressure condition" (otherwise known as water pressure beneath a below-grade slab); and a perimeter incursion due to small veins or channels along the walls. This unknown water source appeared to have caused harmful vaporization through the concrete's pores. It also led to the damaging build-up of alkaline salts.

Solution: IFTI recommended that a geotechnical survey be done to determine geological strata, water table levels, and ground water and drainage characteristics for the store site. IFTI further recommended that the client make necessary alterations to remove or divert the water source away from the building.

Next, IFTI recommended a 10-year warranted vapor emission compliance treatment..

Finally, IFTI recommended that the flooring and adhesive be removed, the concrete shot-blasted, and the joints and cracks repaired using a non-rigid joint filler system. These steps, combined with the application of a penetrant (to control soluble salts) and a moisture-suppressing coating (to reduce vapor emission), would, in IFTI's opinion, bring the concrete into compliance, prior to the new flooring installation.

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