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When you are laying hardwood flooring—or any other material that does not flex well with humidity—you will want to check the moisture level of your subfloor before proceeding. Flooring like luxury vinyl tile and bamboo performs better than more rigid materials in environments where moisture might be present. However, thorough testing is always an excellent preventative measure to control and monitor water in your home.

The actual moisture level that is acceptable for your concrete floor depends on what primer or flooring material you plan to install above it. For this reason, you should check the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact details.

Generally, the moisture levels should be 3.5% to 4.5%, although it does vary. Some products can handle higher levels of moisture, so you should always test your concrete before purchasing your flooring materials.

Always seal concrete stain to protect against wear and preserve the color. This applies to acid- and water-based stains but not always to concrete paint. Many paints designed for outdoor use contain ingredients designed to protect and waterproof without the need for additional sealant. Fortunately, learning how to seal concrete is something most DIY-savvy homeowners can tackle.

Sealing resurfaced concrete is not an absolute necessity. However, it is recommended, and in most cases, a high-quality concrete sealer can protect the surface from stains as well as water penetration, extending the life of the resurfacing material. Some sealers are formulated to protect pigments from fading due to UV exposure. Sealer tends to enhance the colors in decorative resurfacing applications, making them more vibrant and richer compared to the duller, more faded appearance of concrete colors without sealer.