Maintaining Commercial Floors in Miami: Tips for the Tropical Climate
Hot, humid climates can put floors through their paces. At Blackrock Industrial, we specialize in creating durable industrial floors that can withstand anything our Miami weather brings. Concrete flooring can be vulnerable to various weather conditions, including heat and humidity. We’ve got the know-how to manage the variables and install a floor that’s capable of standing the test of time.
Concrete and Moisture: What You Need to Know
Extreme temperatures, high humidity, saltwater, freshwater, sandy soil, and more can affect not just the concrete installation process but the lifespan of the concrete. During installation, we use a vapor barrier to prevent moisture intrusion throughout the slab. This barrier can prevent moisture from removing alkaline salts from the concrete and prevents moisture in the concrete from damaging the space. We can also design your concrete floors to minimize the risk of other types of moisture-related damage and protect them from the microscopic scratches that can come from sand.
The Benefits of Concrete in Tropical Environments
Concrete flooring is an excellent choice for warm environments like ours. Its high thermal mass means that it can both absorb and store heat. A space with concrete flooring will simply feel cooler longer by effectively stabilizing indoor temperatures. Concrete is also strong and durable, and when installed properly and maintained correctly, can help combat common humidity-related issues, including dampness, mold, and mildew.
Maintaining Concrete Floors
While moisture can affect concrete during the installation process, it also can be a problem in floors that are already installed. At Blackrock Industrial, we can help you manage and minimize the risks associated with humidity to keep your floors strong and sturdy throughout their lifespan.
Whether you’re dealing with rain or excess humidity, keeping your concrete floors dry can help prevent moisture damage. When the weather outside is hot and humid, concrete is more likely to “sweat,” creating moisture on the surface This can lead to other issues, including mold and mildew. It can also create an unsafe environment for staff or clients by leaving floors slippery.
Correct installation will go a long way toward preventing moisture-related problems. The vapor barrier is the first crucial step to prevent moisture from moving through the concrete. On damp or humid days or when rain is in the forecast, proactivity is your best next step. Use fans or dehumidifiers to keep the moisture at the appropriate level. Add a floor mat to your entryways to limit the amount of water tracked indoors and reduce the risk of moisture damage. Daily or as needed, sweep floors to remove sand, grit, and debris, which could etch the surface of the floor when walked over. Mop up messes as they occur.
Polishing concrete creates a remarkably compact, smooth surface that can withstand tough environments and heavy traffic. Adding a sealant to your polished concrete ensures it’s even more durable.
Epoxy is another option. It’s applied directly over concrete and effectively seals moisture out. Epoxy is available in a variety of colors and can be installed using various techniques to create a one-of-a-kind appearance. It has natural antimicrobial properties and can combat mold and mildew, providing you with a stronger and even more durable floor.
Regardless of the type of floor you choose, proper maintenance goes a long way toward ensuring the longest possible lifespan. Contact Blackrock Industrial today to learn more.
