No vapor barrier...

[marktheshark]

So, I've been kicking around the idea of coating the garage floor. I've been reading up and looking towards Epoxy-coat, Legacy, you get the idea. My only concern is that I am 100% certain that there is no vapor barrier under the 12 -13 yr old slab.
It's in pretty good shape both cleanliness and physical condition. How will I determine if the lack of a vapor barrier will be a problem? And what are my options?

Thanks,
Mark

 

[The Bramptonian]

You will need 3 moisture vapor emission test kits plus a weighing scale to do the moisture test. Google or search this forum on how to do it. You could buy the test kits from this online vendor for cheap.

http://www.vaportest.com/Webpages/VaprecisionHomePage.htm

Your options are going to be very expensive if your moisture rate is over 3lbs.
You could coat your epoxy safely if <3lbs.
If your moisture vapor emission rate is > 3lbs but under 10 lbs, you are looking at about $1/sq. ft in moisture barrier primer.
If > 10 lbs but < 25 lbs, it could cost you up to $2/sq.ft. The cost depend upon the recommended thickness of the vapor barrier that you will need. Higher moisture emission = thicker layer of moisture barrier.
If > 25lbs, forget epoxy.
These are just broad benchmarks, the cost could vary with brands/type of vapor barrier epoxy you may need.

However, this is too early - you first need to know your moisture emission rate. PM me once you find out your moisture rate. I just went through this headache few weeks ago so it's fresh in my mind.

I am going to use Mapei Planiseal VS.
http://www.mapei.com/CA-EN/product-detail.asp?IDProdotto=1005818&IDTipo=197&IDLinea=101

Legacy recommended Aquafin Vaportight Coat SG2 or SG3 but that is more expensive.