Moisture Testing Of Concrete Floors

When it is the moisture levels can cause floor coverings to fail.

Moisture testing of concrete floors. For example the anhydrous calcium chloride test measures only the moisture vapor emission rate coming from the slab s surface. A definitive test that measures the amount of moisture released from the concrete requires a calcium chloride kit or a relative humidity meter. Therefore it s advisable to have a floor tested for moisture content prior to installing flooring or moisture barriers. Proper testing is the only way to know if the concrete slab is dry enough to accept the flooring.

A second direct test astm f 1869 standard test method for measuring moisture vapor emission rate of concrete subfloor using anhydrous calcium chloride was standardized in the 1990s by the subcommittee on practices of the committee on resilient floor coverings. Other tests are surface based and do not give reliable results. 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. Concrete slabs are naturally breathing elements of a home readily taking in moisture and air expanding and contracting and shifting with nature.

Concrete slabs and floors can be excellent subfloor surfaces for tile and other floor coverings but too much moisture in the concrete can cause problems with flooring installations. Our responsibility is to offer an honest unbiased data backed evaluation of any moisture issues that exist within a concrete slab. A story recently shared by one customer illustrates perfectly the pitfalls of using less reliable moisture testing methods as well as the challenges of testing older concrete floors. How to test a concrete floor for excessive moisture.

Moisture testing must be performed on all concrete slabs regardless of their age or grade level including areas where resilient flooring has already been installed. Testing also helps you stay in control of your budget and your schedule and it minimizes the potential for moisture related failures. Floormedics has developed a national concrete moisture testing program specifically for commercial projects. For proper concrete moisture testing here are the eight simple truths every gc must know.

Moisture testing moisture testing is an essential part of determining the suitability of a concrete slab to receive a resilient floor covering. This is especially true when testing older concrete floors where the contractor may have little idea of what was done when the concrete was originally poured.