Concrete Moisture, Surface Alkalinity and Floor Failure Testing: From concrete vapor emissions testing to floor failure analysis of products installed over concrete the Weinheimer Group LLC is a resource you need to know. Our calcium chloride, pH and in-situ relative humidity testing procedures we use will help to prevent expensive floor failures.

When a floor has failed Terry and Kevin Weinheimer will conduct tests to determine if the failure was the result of the product, adhesive, a barrier coating, installation, maintenance, site related moisture or other concern.

Prior to installation it is essential that concrete moisture and surface alkalinity testing be performed to determine the suitability of a concrete slab to receive a moisture-sensitive floor covering or coating. Prior to installation these tests should be performed on all concrete slabs regardless of their age or grade level.

Most U.S. producers of floor coverings, adhesives, and resinous coatings specify concrete moisture and surface alkalinity tests. Moisture Vapor Emission Rate (MVER) of a concrete floor slab and/or the Equilibrium Relative Humidity (ERH) in concrete floor determine level of dryness and suitability for the installation of their products.

ASTM International has developed written industry standards for testing the moisture of a concrete slab.

ASTM F1869-04 Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride.

ASTM F2170-02 Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using In-Situ Probes.

ASTM F2420-05 Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity on the Surface of Concrete Floor Slabs Using Relative Humidity Probe Measurement and Insulated Hood.

ASTM F710-08 Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring offers recommendations regarding the suitability of a concrete slab for the installation of resilient floor coverings based on results achieved by these test methods. This standard states that moisture vapor emission, per ASTM F1869, should not exceed 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet per 24 hours, unless otherwise specified by the flooring or adhesive manufacturer. The standard continues by stating that relative humidity inside of a concrete slab should not exceed 75%, per ASTM F2170, unless otherwise specified by the flooring or adhesive manufacturer.

The Weinheimer Group LLC is available to provide concrete moisture and surface alkalinity testing based on the ASTM protocol and/or the specifications of the flooring product that is to be installed. From our offices in Oregon our services are available worldwide. Feel free to contact us for more information. To keep abreast of the latest trends in floor covering and our special offers you are invited to sign up for our free online newsletter The Weinheimer Letter.

Additional Information

• Carpet and Flooring Onsite Testing & Inspection