From time to time, I like to share construction industry tips I pick up. Heeding advice on field advances has saved my team tons of time and money, and hopefully you’ll find the same is true for your business.

A few of us recently attended the Birmingham chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute monthly meeting where three industry veterans spoke on “Concrete Slab Curing and Installation of Concrete Finish Floor Systems.” It was great to get updates on open and closed concrete systems, moisture vapor emission in concrete, concrete curing to achieve structural integrity and to learn the installation requirements of concrete sub-floor for compatibility with the low VOC adhesives.

A FEW TAKEAWAYS FROM THE MEETING:

Heads up for new technology Today’s adhesives and materials are much more complex than their predecessors, so be careful.

Learn the latest techniques Concrete floor slab installation procedures used over the years, and generally thought to be sound, may result in installation failure of the “new” finish floor systems being specified today.

Take a full system approach New technologies in the areas of vapor barriers, curing compounds, flooring adhesives, decorative concrete finishes, concrete sealers, concrete mixes and sustainable design criteria are requiring a “full system” approach to the concrete slab and flooring design to gain maximum value for your floor finishes.