More on Moisture Management

"Concrete Floors and Moisture," a new 164-page book from the Portland Cement Association, explores ways to present unwanted moisture in concrete floors. Problems from excessive moisture include deterioration and debonding of floor coverings, trip-and-fall hazards, microbial growth, staining and the breakdown of building finishes.

The text discusses sources of moisture, drying of concrete, methods of measuring moisture and construction practices, specifications and responsibilities for successful floor projects.

To find moisture concentrations in a building, a patent-pending new technology may be the best discovery too. Developed by National Forensic Services (Farmington Hills, Mich.), Certified ThermalMapping uses infrared imaging to detect moisture levels in new construction and existing buildings, as well as the source of water intrusion. The process also creates a record that can help reduce claim expenditures for builders.