Why SCIF Flooring Fails and How to Prevent It

Moisture is one of the most underestimated risks in SCIF construction. While attention is often placed on walls and shielding, flooring failures quietly undermine secure environments long after a facility is occupied.

Why Moisture Matters in SCIFs

Moisture can:

  • Damage sensitive electronics
  • Break down adhesives and finishes
  • Compromise shielding continuity
  • Force shutdowns and remediation

In secure facilities, these failures are not just maintenance issues—they are mission risks.

Common Causes of SCIF Flooring Failure

  • Inadequate slab testing
  • Incorrect moisture mitigation systems
  • Incompatible materials
  • Rushed installation schedules

These issues are especially common in retrofits and fast-tracked projects.

The Surface Solutions Flooring Strategy

Surface Solutions partners with UZIN to install SCIF-appropriate flooring and moisture mitigation systems engineered for demanding environments.

Our approach includes:

  • Proper moisture evaluation
  • System-based solutions, not isolated products
  • Compatibility with shielding and secure assemblies
  • Installation discipline and documentation

When done correctly, flooring becomes a stable, reliable component of the SCIF—not a future liability.

Right the First Time

Moisture-related failures are among the easiest to prevent—and the most expensive to fix after the fact. Addressing flooring as a performance system from the start protects both operations and investment.