Replies

1. 
   ian | Sep 01, 2003 03:34pm | #1

   No vapour barrier under the slab.  The only solution I can suggest is a vapour barrier on top of the slab with a working floor (or another concrete slab) on top.  On balance I'd opt for a timber floor separated from the slab by a vapour barrier with forced ventilation to the area between the slab and the timber floor.

1. 
   Steinmetz | Sep 01, 2003 08:44pm | #4

   Ian, Google up  Water glass   and/or, Sodium Silicate    It is used commercially to seal concrete floors just mop it on   Stein.

1. 
   ian | Sep 02, 2003 03:53pm | #5

   Stein, I did the google thing.  Sodium Silicate is probably the stuff Bill needs to use.  However, I sense from his post that he is looking to do it himself.  The info sheet google turned up suggests that he would have to achieve a relatively uniform temperature of 400 deg F to cvure the membrane.   This could be a significant challenge.

1. 
   Steinmetz | Sep 02, 2003 07:47pm | #6

     RE:Water glass

   Ian, Ive only seen it after it was applied, so I don't really know the stuff is prepared..(probably  hot sprayed like some roofing sealers?)

   Farmers used to dip eggs in Waterglass to preserve them for long periods.I've seen the stuff used on concrete floors in meatpacking plants, and other food handling facilitys.

   It has a slick hard clear finish.   STEIN.

1. 
   ian | Sep 03, 2003 04:58pm | #8

   Stein, my Google turned up a fairly comprehensive fact sheet.  The main point was that although the material could go on with a mop, air drying was rarely enough to achieve a durable waterproof finish.  I'll attach a copy if I can get Attach Files to work!

   Ian

   
2. 
   watkinsjd | Sep 01, 2003 05:04pm | #2

   If you are considering inproving your concrete floor you may want to look at this site:

   http://www.deltams.com

   They have a product that you can cover your concrete with and put plywood or other flooring over.  If it works as they claim it is a great deal.  There was some discussion on Breaktime a while back.

   I am about 90% convinced this is the way to turn my concrete gagage floor into a more comfortable shop floor.

3. 
   Kevin | Sep 01, 2003 05:57pm | #3

   I don't know if these folk's sealer is epoxy or what... Very cool products for concrete, though! First found out about this outfit over at the This Old House forum.

   http://www.kemiko.com/do_it_yourself.htm

   Regards,

   Kevin

4. 
   RoyinMD | Sep 02, 2003 08:11pm | #7

   Bill,

   I have the same problem in a 40+ year old detached garage shop on a flat as can be lot. I've minimized the seepage over the years by working on the outside of the building. Good clean gutters, downspouts,drainpipes and landscaping directed away from the building. Most of the moisture comes from my feet now.

   Thanks for starting the thread, I want to seal or paint my floor too. No, paint, my floor is discusting.

   Check the archive, I started a paint shop floor thread awhile back.

   Enjoy, Roy