Concrete Moisture Testing is an important step prior to installation of flooring. Installation of materials on top of damp slabs is likely to cause damage to the flooring and/or microbial and mould growth between the slab and flooring. High moisture content can be found in new concrete slabs if the drying process has not been completed, but also in older slabs after water ingress events or flooding, due to leaking pipes or in areas with a rising water table.
When laying down new flooring over concrete, it is vital to ensure that the concrete slab is sufficiently dry, especially if this is after a water damage event. Laying down new flooring on a wet slab can cause damage to the flooring and encourage mould growth.
Concrete moisture testing is vital prior to installation of any flooring material. Surface testing of concrete is likely insufficient to determine moisture content and testing of Relative Humidity (RH) with in-situ probes is the only acceptable method. Australian standards dictate that to deem a concrete slab dry before installation, the concrete slab’s relative humidity must be tested within the concrete, and read under 75% RH. Testing includes drilling of holes into the slab surface and insertion of sleeves. Sleeves are covered and moisture testing can be carried out 24 hours after.
IECL conducts concrete moisture testing in accordance with ASTM F2170-18 and as per requirements for flooring installation according to Australian Standard AS1884-2012. A test report with results is provided once the testing process is complete.
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