Moisture Mitigation Strategies for Warehouses and Distribution Centers

June 5, 2025

The Hidden Threat Beneath Your Floors

Warehouses and distribution centers are the lifeblood of logistics—busy, high-traffic spaces where productivity depends on seamless operations. But beneath the heavy shelving, forklifts, and miles of concrete lies a silent threat: moisture vapor. Many facilities managers don't realize that even a seemingly dry slab can harbor vapor pressure that leads to coating failure, delamination, discoloration, and downtime. The cost? Thousands in lost inventory, repairs, and production time.


At ACP, we’ve seen firsthand how moisture mitigation is the most overlooked—but most critical—step in flooring success. Too often, projects focus on polishing or sealing the surface, without addressing what lies beneath. Without a smart moisture strategy, everything is at risk. It’s not just a step—it’s the key to a successful installation. Let’s explore how a smart strategy below the surface can protect your concrete floors.


What Is Moisture Vapor Transmission (MVT)?

Concrete is porous. Water vapor naturally travels from the sub-slab toward the surface. In a warehouse environment with temperature fluctuations, this vapor can accumulate and force its way through coatings, adhesives, and finishes, wreaking havoc. Even newly poured slabs aren’t safe—concrete can take months to fully dry, and improper moisture testing is a recipe for disaster.


Symptoms of a Moisture Problem

  • Blistering or bubbling coatings
  • Peeling paint or adhesives
  • Damp or discolored floors
  • White powdery residue (efflorescence)
  • Mold growth at the base of shelving or walls

If you’ve seen any of these in your warehouse, you’re likely dealing with MVT.


The ACP Mitigation System

We don’t just coat over problems—we solve them. Our moisture mitigation approach is rooted in diagnostic testing, system design, and long-term performance.


Step 1: Thorough Moisture Evaluation

We begin with a comprehensive assessment of the concrete slab to identify any moisture concerns. This includes checking for signs of vapor emissions, trapped moisture, or other underlying issues that could affect floor performance. 


We use for testing:

  • Relative Humidity (RH) Probes drilled into the slab
  • Calcium Chloride testing for surface emissions
  • Moisture meters and thermal imaging for visual diagnostics

A clear understanding of the slab’s condition allows us to make informed decisions about the best path forward.


Step 2: Tailored Mitigation Strategy

Based on the evaluation, we apply a customized moisture mitigation system designed to block vapor and protect the integrity of the floor. Solutions may include barriers, hardeners, or leveling compounds that work together to create a durable, moisture-resistant foundation—ensuring long-term performance of any surface installed above.


Step 3: Floor Coating Integration

Once the moisture barrier is secure, we apply ACP’s high-performance coatings—tailored for the warehouse’s operational demands. Whether it’s heavy forklift traffic, pallet scuffing, or chemical spills, our coating systems stand up to the stress.


Why It Matters: Avoiding Costly Failures

Moisture-related flooring failures cost U.S. businesses over $1 billion annually. But with proper mitigation, you can:

  • Extend the lifespan of coatings and adhesives
  • Maintain warranty compliance on finishes and materials
  • Prevent downtime from repairs and recoating
  • Avoid insurance claims due to mold, mildew, or slip hazards


Bonus: Sustainable & Smart Solutions

Our moisture mitigation strategies also support:

  • LEED Credits for indoor environmental quality
  • Low-VOC applications for better air quality
  • Energy savings by preserving insulation value of the floor system


Moisture may be invisible, but the damage it causes is not. With ACP’s proactive moisture mitigation services, your warehouse floor will remain a solid foundation—not a ticking time bomb. If you’re investing in coatings, ensure you protect that investment from the ground up.


Contact ACP today to learn how we can keep your operation dry, durable, and dependable.



July 16, 2025
First Impressions Begin in the Parking Lot A facilities manager manages several types of properties—hospitals, municipal buildings, and commercial spaces, to name a few. He’s walked a few concrete decks in his time and knows how quickly they can go from crisp and clean to crumbling and cracked. He’s also been burned before. A budget contractor promised durability, but within a year, there were potholes forming in the parking garage, and water was leaking down onto the employee cars below. Now, the facilities manager’s not just looking for a fix—he’s looking for a partner who can prevent it from happening again . The Problem with Parking Decks Concrete is tough—but it’s not invincible. Especially in parking garages and lots that face: Daily vehicle traffic Seasonal freeze-thaw cycles Rain, UV rays, and pooling water Oil, fuel, and chemical leaks Over time, water seeps into microcracks. When temperatures drop, water expands, forcing the concrete to fracture. Rusting rebar exacerbates the decay, and before long, the surface looks like a moonscape. ACP’s advanced concrete applications are the first—and best—line of defense. Our systems are built to block water intrusion, prevent freeze-thaw damage, and withstand heavy loads and spills. Core Benefits of ACP Parking Coating Solutions: Waterproofing : A sealed surface means no more rebar rust or slow leaks. Freeze-Thaw Resistance : Our coatings flex with seasonal changes, protecting the substrate. Stain Resistance : Oil, antifreeze, and fuel spills wipe away easily. UV Stability : No fading, yellowing, or surface breakdown from sunlight. Slip Resistance : Improves safety for pedestrians and drivers alike. Fast Cure : Quick turnaround minimizes disruptions—perfect for 24/7 garages. Our Real-World Results: A Hospital’s Lifesaver Last year, we worked with a hospital group in Texas. They had a multi-level garage where water seeped down every time it rained. Staff and visitors complained about slipping, and structural engineers warned of long-term damage. ACP installed a moisture-blocking, skid-resistant system over one weekend. The result? Dry, safe, and clean decks. the facilities manager-style decision makers on the hospital board were thrilled—not only did it solve the problem, it enhanced the appearance and reduced future liabilities. How ACP Helps You A facilities manager doesn’t have time for guesswork. He wants data, experience, and transparency. With ACP: Our prep work includes core sampling and moisture testing. We tailor each system based on elevation, exposure, and usage. We offer phased installs that reduce tenant disruption. Parking structures aren’t just functional—they’re the first handshake with your facility. With ACP’s surface solutions, the facilities manager can finally stop reacting to damage—and start preventing it. Contact ACP to protect your concrete surfaces today.
May 20, 2025
Retail spaces are a high-stakes environment—every design choice is a reflection of the brand, every surface tells a story, and every detail plays into the shopper’s experience.
Child with colorful backpack runs down bright, polished terrazzo hallway in a modern K‑12 school bui
May 1, 2025
School might be out, but the clock is ticking. For K–12 schools, colleges, and universities, summer is the golden window to upgrade flooring without disrupting learning. But with just 8–10 weeks to complete the work, there’s no room for delays or mistakes. That’s where ACP comes in. From gym floors to cafeterias, science labs to entryways, ACP delivers flooring solutions that meet academic standards for safety, durability, and low maintenance—all in timelines that fit academic calendars. Why Summer Projects Fail—and How to Avoid It Summer construction in educational settings can go wrong quickly: Late vendor scheduling leads to missed installation windows. Incorrect product choices result in floors that scuff, peel, or fade within a year. Lack of safety compliance creates post-installation headaches with insurance and audits. Underestimating moisture or prep needs causes failure beneath the surface. ACP avoids these pitfalls with pre-summer planning sessions, precise timelines, and high-performance systems designed for academic environments. ACP’s Education-Grade Flooring Systems We specialize in surfaces that meet the exact needs of schools: Polyurea and epoxy systems for fast-curing durability Slip-resistant finishes in gyms, cafeterias, and restrooms Seamless antimicrobial floors for nurse stations and science labs Decorative flake and quartz options for entryways and common areas These aren’t just commercial coatings—they’re built for the unique combination of high foot traffic, food service messes, custodial cleaning chemicals, and student wear-and-tear. Where We Work Best 1. Gymnasiums Fast-cure coatings to install and cure between summer camps and PE prep Shock-absorbent products with long-term scuff resistance Line striping and logos integrated during install 2. Cafeterias & Kitchens USDA- and ADA-compliant flooring for food service zones Textured finishes that reduce slip risk from spills Thermal shock resistance for hot water wash-downs 3. Science Labs & Nurse Stations Chemical-resistant finishes for safety and long-term cleanliness Seamless transitions for spill containment Non-porous to inhibit bacteria and mold growth 4. Entrances, Hallways & Classrooms Decorative coatings that mimic terrazzo Polished Concrete that withstands heavy traffic Easy-clean options with high abrasion and slip resistance Low-VOC options to ensure air quality before students return Low-carbon, sustainable products that are healthy building materials How ACP Keeps Schools on Schedule Summer planning meetings as early as March-May Detailed phasing and room-by-room installation maps After-hours and weekend install options for summer school or events Moisture testing and surface prep to avoid early failure We know how academic calendars work, and we ensure we meet deadlines. Budget-Conscious, Long-Term Value Tight budgets don’t have to mean cheap floors. ACP offers: Life-cycle cost estimates so administrators see long-term savings Low-maintenance surfaces that reduce janitorial effort and cost Warranties and service plans that ensure peace of mind Summer is short. Mistakes last for years. ACP delivers high-performance, high-compliance, visually impressive flooring systems on a schedule schools can count on. Let’s make your next summer project one that earns an A+—on time, on budget, and built to last.