Wet Floor in Garage

[Tucker99]

Not sure why but the change of seasons here in the North East causes my garage floor to sweat. Happens in the Spring and Fall. That said is my only option a vented plastic floor tile?

 

[Shea]

It sounds like condensation. When relatively warmer and moist air comes in contact with a colder surface (concrete slab), the air will condense and moisture forms on the surface.

The best way to determine what you have is to moisture test it with some plastic. Tape down a 16" square piece of plastic to the floor when it is dry. Seal the edges all the way around with duct tape. The next time you have moisture on the floor, pull up the plastic to see if it's dry underneath. If it's dry then the moisture is not coming up from under the slab.

If that is the case, you can do what you want with your floor. Epoxy, paint, tiles, sealers, or whatever.

 

[Garage Flooring]

To piggy back on what Shea was saying. If the moisture is environmental and not seeping through, you can do a coating, sealer, etc. We have some coatings that are designed to help prevent that. BUT in many cases you will have to wait until the floor is dry to apply.

 

[Tucker99]

Thanks guys, little confused about how a coating can prevent condensation. With a solid tile I'll still get condensation on the floor under the tile right? If I have a coated floor, it'll be an ice rink with condensation on it correct??

 

[got2boostit2]

Subscribed to try this test method.

 

[Garage Flooring]

Start with the moisture test Shea described. Then at least you know the source.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Thanks guys, little confused about how a coating can prevent condensation. With a solid tile I'll still get condensation on the floor under the tile right? If I have a coated floor, it'll be an ice rink with condensation on it correct??

Nothing will stop condensation but a temperature difference or air movement.
You are correct.

 

[boobag]

put a fan in the garage?

 

[bernie123]

fan to circulate the air ... dehumidifier to **** up the moisture

 

[Tucker99]

fan to circulate the air ... dehumidifier to **** up the moisture

In a garage?? Not practical.

Thinking the open tile is my only option. You guys that have the open tiles, what do you do about loose dirt?

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

You will get loose dirt.
Use a blower from time to time and blow it out.

Also a good idea to seal the floor to help prevent materials from sticking to floor underneath.

 

[Garage Flooring]

You will get loose dirt.
Use a blower from time to time and blow it out.

Also a good idea to seal the floor to help prevent materials from sticking to floor underneath.

Just popping back into this thread. Scotty do you have a negative side waterproofing if the moisture is coming from below? Negative side stuff always scares me. Reminds me of my days doing Division 7 stuff at Allied

 

[Elginz]

My floor is insulated, no dampness. My dad's not insulated, damp as you described. A ceiling fan would help.