Concrete Floor Moisture Testing

A definitive test that measures the amount of moisture released from the concrete requires a calcium chloride kit or a relative humidity meter.

Concrete floor moisture testing.

Three tests must be performed for the first 1 000 sq. The test is conducted in three locations for every 1000 square feet of concrete slab. How moisture gets into concrete. Testing concrete slabs for excess moisture has become a common construction requirement particularly where flooring or impermeable membranes are to be installed on top of the slab.

This allows you to determine the moisture level across the entire surface of the floor rather than just one specific area. But while several standard moisture test methods are available no single test reveals everything that should be considered in deciding when flooring can be installed or a coating applied. After meeting with the contractor ryan gets to work and provides test results within 24 hours. However before you can install certain materials over the top of a concrete floor you must check to see if there is an excess of moisture present that can affect their installation causing them.

06 07 2018 in facing the challenges that concrete slab moisture poses to flooring contractors the fuse alliance a member owned organization of professional commercial flooring contractors announced today that independent floor testing inspection ifti has joined the network as a preferred supplier. Know the job parameters. Some flooring system manufacturers have products that can handle 95 rh or mor 2. Testing with either method will tell you how precisely how much moisture is present making it possible to choose a surface flooring that is appropriate.

For each test site a packet of very dry calcium hydroxide is poured into a container which is then weighed. Wood flooring is ready to be installed but first ryan must test to make sure that there has been no moisture penetration into the concrete slab. And one for every 1 000 sq. So here are several vital tips to help you better prepare for your next flooring job.

Three methods for testing concrete moisture levels. Moisture testing conducted before the installation of the finished floor over a concrete slab is no different than football in this sense. It is vitally important to test your concrete slab s moisture before installing flooring over it. These tests should be performed on all concrete slabs regardless of their age or grade level.

Moisture in concrete should be measured by an anhydrous calcium chloride test kit per the astm f 1869 test method or by using an in situ probe test for relative humidity rh per the astm f 2170. Acceptable moisture levels in concrete according to astm standard when testing via astm f2170 the rh level of a concrete slab needs to be at or below 75 unless the flooring system manufacturer provides alternate guidelines.