How to Use a Concrete Moisture Testing Kit (A Simplified Guide)

Are you planning to install new flooring in your home or business? If so, you must first understand the importance of using a concrete moisture testing kit. Moisture in concrete slabs can lead to serious problems, including flooring failure and structural damage. In this blog post, we’ll explore the essentials of new concrete slabs and moisture testing kits, discuss step-by-step instructions for conducting tests with a concrete moisture testing kit, and provide tips for selecting the right flooring materials based on test results. We’ll also cover common pitfalls to avoid and advanced testing techniques for more accurate results.

Key Takeaways

Essential for assessing concrete moisture testing kit levels and preventing issues.
Various types of concrete moisture testing kit available to measure the content, with features dependent on area size.
Follow ASTM F2170 standard and use advanced techniques to ensure accurate results when selecting flooring materials.

The Essentials of Concrete Moisture Testing Kits

Preventing moisture-related issues that could result in concrete and flooring systems’ deterioration and ensuring a secure bond with adhesives necessitates concrete moisture testing. An indication of the moisture condition of a concrete slab or screed is provided by these measurements. They include moisture content, relative humidity (%RH) and moisture vapor emission rate (MVER). Ignoring moisture in concrete before installing a flooring system can lead to critical flooring system breakdowns.

Various methods are available for assessing concrete moisture levels, including the relative humidity (RH) test method, moisture meters, and Tramex concrete moisture test methods. Tramex Concrete Moisture Meters offer a comprehensive appraisal of the slab’s moisture conditions, providing the flooring installer with assurance when measuring concrete moisture.

Types of Concrete Moisture Testing Kits

A variety of concrete moisture testing kits are available, such as calcium chloride kits, relative humidity meters, and moisture meters. The Concrete Moisture Probe is a device designed to measure the moisture content of concrete slabs. It is capable of reading moisture content up to a depth of 4 inches. The C555 concrete moisture meter provides fast, non-destructive, and qualitative “wet/dry” measure moisture content readings. Among these methods, concrete moisture tests play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy of the measurements.

Another option is the Tramex Complete Concrete Moisture Test System, which is a testing kit for concrete moisture. The Concrete Moisture Probe can facilitate the identification of the source of moisture, thereby aiding in the selection of an appropriate mitigation strategy as per flooring manufacturers’ guidelines indicating moisture amount. Tramex CME concrete moisture meters are precisely calibrated. This is done by gravimetric testing, which serves as the baseline.

Choosing the Right Concrete Moisture Testing Kit for Your Needs

The type of concrete moisture testing kit and the area to be tested determine the selection of the right kit for your needs. The dimensions of the area you need to test concrete on will influence the type of kit necessary. The accuracy of the kit should be assessed based on the type of concrete being tested and the area size to be examined.

Consider the features of the kit in accordance with the type of concrete being tested and the area size that needs to be tested.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Concrete Moisture Testing Kit

An effective test requires pre-installation concrete moisture content testing and relative humidity testing. These tests must meet the criteria of “dry enough to receive a floor covering or coating” as per floor covering manufacturer guidelines and international standards..

Employing a calibrated, quantitative concrete moisture meter during flooring installation helps deter condensation on the concrete floor that can elevate the concrete moisture content beyond the specified “dry enough” threshold.

Preparing the Concrete Surface

It’s advisable to enclose the space and have the HVAC system operating before conducting a moisture test for drying concrete down. To perform a moisture test for concrete floors, follow these steps:

Cut clear plastic sheeting into 24-by-24-inch squares.
If multiple areas require testing, utilize as many squares as necessary to evaluate all the primary areas that could be covered with flooring.
Use the Smart Logger to identify suitable conditions for the placement of in-situ probes for concrete moisture testing.

To conduct a moisture test, affix plastic squares to the concrete surface to create a moisture-tight seal. Secure flat surface of the plastic squares with duct tape or any other waterproof tape.

Conducting the Test

To avoid inaccurate results, tests should be conducted at service conditions. Follow the ASTM F2170 standard for moisture testing to reduce the probability of flooring failure. A clean test hole ensures that no dust or silica is present in the air, thus avoiding potential distortion of readings.

The Rapid RH system is a method that can be employed to document all relative humidity data. To transfer RH readings to the DataMaster L6 application, you can use the DataGrabber with Bluetooth or the Total Reader. The Tramex Meters App has been created with a vision to make the work of saving data, moisture mapping and creating geo-tagged reports simple. It also helps in sharing results with clients easily.

Interpreting the Results

According to ASTM F2170 standards, in-situ probes should be utilized to assess whether concrete floor slabs are suitable for sealing or covering by a floor. If the concrete slab requires additional drying time, readings can be taken again immediately.

The Rapid RH Total Reader is a device that has the capability to wirelessly transfer RH data. This data is allocated to an application called DataMaster L6, which is compatible with smartphones.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Testing Concrete Moisture

When evaluating concrete moisture levels, it’s prudent to avoid common errors like inaccurate readings, insufficient testing scope, and disregard for environmental factors. Observable signs of moisture issues in concrete floors may include dark or damp spots, salt residue from condensation, and cracking, peeling, or bubbling. Consistent and precise testing is paramount to ensure the accuracy and dependability of the results.

Inadequate training or implementation in concrete moisture testing can result in inaccurate and unreliable outcomes. To avoid these pitfalls, follow the guidelines and best practices discussed in this blog post.

Inaccurate Readings

Adherence to the ASTM F2170 standard for moisture testing and calibration of your concrete moisture meter using gravimetric testing as a baseline can prevent inaccurate readings during the moisture testing process.

Executing the RH test accurately is essential for reducing the probability of flooring malfunction.

Insufficient Testing Coverage

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the concrete’s moisture levels, adequate testing coverage is required. Utilize a calcium chloride kit or a relative humidity meter to accurately measure the amount of excess moisture being released from the concrete.

Test within three feet from exterior walls and cover an area of approximately 20” x 20” for effective results.

Ignoring Environmental Factors

Consideration of environmental factors like:

Time period
Maturity of concrete
Water intrusions
Depth of testing
Dust and debris

Assessing the moisture present is important when evaluating concrete moisture. External sources of moisture, such as rainwater and inadequate plumbing, can also impact concrete moisture.

Fully saturated salt solutions in water can have an effect on air humidity and concrete moisture as well.

Advanced Moisture Testing Techniques

For more precise and reliable results in complex situations, advanced moisture testing techniques are available. These include:

Concrete moisture meters
Smart loggers
Rapid RH L6 installation
Calcium chloride test for moisture vapor
Drilling and inserting a probe to measure moisture deep within the concrete slab

In-Situ Relative Humidity Probes

We utilize in-situ relative humidity probes to measure the relative humidity of concrete, determining the moisture content. These probes stand out for their speed and accuracy in determining relative humidity, setting them apart from other available RH probes.

We use the Tramex Hygro-i2® Relative Humidity probe for in-situ and hood-type RH testing to comply with ASTM F2170 standards for the flooring industry.

Gravimetric Testing

Gravimetric testing is employed to measure the moisture content of concrete through the determination of the mass of the concrete before and after drying. The difference in mass is used to calculate the moisture content of the concrete.

Gravimetric testing method is a dependable and precise approach for measuring moisture content in concrete, but it can only assess the moisture content of the concrete at the time of testing.

Selecting the Right Flooring Materials Based on Moisture Test Results

Upon conducting the concrete moisture test and obtaining the results, the selection of appropriate flooring materials becomes the next step. Utilize a calcium chloride test or a relative humidity meter to check the moisture level and choose a flooring material suitable for the measured level of moisture.

If the moisture level is high, opt for a moisture-resistant flooring material; if the moisture level is low, a less moisture-resistant flooring material can be chosen.

Moisture-Resistant Flooring Options

Some moisture-resistant flooring options include:

Engineered wood
AquaGuard® engineered hardwood
AquaGuard® bamboo
NuCore® waterproof flooring
DuraLux® waterproof luxury vinyl
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP)
Vinyl plank
Sheet vinyl
STAINMASTER 100% waterproof luxury vinyl plank flooring
Plastic flooring
Foam flooring
Rubber flooring
Cork laminate flooring

When selecting a moisture-resistant flooring option, consider the cost of the material, the durability of the material, the installation process, and the maintenance requirements.

Subfloor Systems and Vapor Barriers

Apart from choosing the right flooring materials, proper installation of subfloor systems and vapor barriers is vital to counteract moisture-related issues in concrete flooring installations. Common subfloor systems include plywood, OSB, and concrete board. While common vapor barriers include polyethylene, plastic sheeting, asphalt-saturated felt, and rubberized asphalt.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing subfloor systems and vapor barriers to ensure optimal performance.

Summary

Concrete moisture testing is an essential step before installing new flooring. By understanding the importance of moisture testing, selecting the right testing kit, following a step-by-step guide, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can ensure accurate and reliable results. Advanced testing techniques can provide more precise results in complex situations. Moreover, remember to select the right flooring materials based on moisture test results, and consider moisture-resistant flooring options and the installation of subfloor systems and water vapor barriers to mitigate potential issues. Armed with this knowledge, you’re now prepared to tackle concrete moisture testing and ensure the longevity and success of your flooring installation project.

Certified MTP has the largest selection of concrete testing supplies and meters for concrete moisture testing, showcasing industry-leading brands for Slump Cones, Tamping Rods, Concrete Air Entrainment Meters, slump testers, Concrete Test Cylinder Molds, and fresh concrete testing equipment. We also offer the largest selection of tamping rods for concrete tests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you test for moisture in concrete?

To test for moisture in concrete, holes can be drilled into the concrete and a humidity probe inserted at 40 percent of its total depth. This relative humidity test provides a quantitative result and more accurate measurement within the middle of the slab.

What is acceptable moisture level in concrete?

The acceptable moisture level in concrete, as outlined by ASTM standard F2170, is 75% relative humidity or lower, unless otherwise specified by the flooring system manufacturer.

Which equipment is used for moisture testing?

For precise moisture testing, Ohaus Moisture Analyzers provide repeatable results with the halogen dryer quickly heating samples to determine % moisture content, % solids, or % regain.

How can I ensure accurate readings during the moisture testing process?

To ensure accurate readings during moisture testing, make sure to follow the ASTM F2170 standard and calibrate your concrete moisture meter with gravimetric testing.

What are some common pitfalls to avoid when testing concrete moisture levels?

When testing concrete moisture levels, it is important to avoid inaccurate readings, get accurate data, ensure an adequate scope of testing, and take environmental factors into account.