The Importance of Concrete Moisture Testing
Concrete moisture testing is critical for restoration projects, especially when flooring systems are being installed. Moisture can cause a variety of problems such as discoloration, cupping, buckling, blistering and adhesive failure.
Most moisture tests use a plastic sheet application and measure the amount of moisture escaping from the surface of the slab. This can result in inaccurate results as moisture levels vary by depth in a slab.
Phase II
If you’re planning a flooring project in a tenant-occupied building or commercial remodel, you need to know the moisture condition of your concrete slab before you can begin the floor installation. A high moisture content in the slab will make it difficult or impossible for a flooring material or coating to properly bond, resulting in damaged or failed new resilient floors, sill plates, drywall and cabinets.
IFTI’s team of highly trained professionals understands the testing requirements and can work with you to ensure that concrete slab moisture tests are conducted within the proper scope for your building. They also have experience handling a variety of projects, from small one-room spaces to large, multi-story buildings.
Phase II ESA Costs
The cost of Phase II ESA Services Oakland varies depending on the type of property, location and amount of time and equipment needed to complete the work. The size of the site is another factor, as a larger site will require more equipment and staff. The composition of the soil and rock on the site will also affect the costs associated with drilling into that area.
The best and most accurate way to determine the moisture condition of a concrete slab is with an in-situ RH test. Unlike surface tests that measure the moisture level at the surface of a concrete slab, in-situ testing uses probes to deliver precise readings throughout the entire depth of the concrete – 40% for slabs poured on grade or in pan decking and 20% for slabs that are exposed to ambient conditions on both sides (like concrete floors cured with a vapor retarder).
ESA Services
Concrete Moisture Testing is a vital component of construction projects, restoration work and home inspections. It is important for preventing concrete damage from moisture issues, such as swelling, cracking, or spalling. It is also critical for identifying and solving existing moisture problems that can be a hazard to building occupants and owners.
The first step in concrete moisture testing is to determine the relative humidity (RH) level at the surface of the slab using a thermo-hygrometer. This is done by preparing a series of holes in the concrete and measuring the RH at each hole with a thermo-hygrometer and in-situ probes. The readings from the thermo-hygrometer at each hole should be compared with a reference sample of moisture to ensure the RH measurements are accurate.
You can also use a calcium chloride solution to test the moisture vapor emission rate (MVER) of the concrete. These tests are not as accurate as a concrete moisture meter calibrated using gravimetric testing as a baseline, but they can give you a decent idea of the moisture conditions on the surface of the concrete slab.
A non-destructive concrete moisture meter, like the CME5, is a great choice for concrete Moisture Testing Oakland because it can be used to measure a wide range of concrete moisture contents. This is due to the fact that these meters are calibrated using a gravimetric test method as a baseline and can provide instant, precise quantitative moisture content (%MC) readings.
For the most accurate results, it is recommended that you choose a concrete moisture meter with a minimal level of sensor drift (2% or better). This can make a huge difference in how much data you can collect and what your overall accuracy will be.
Once you have chosen a meter that is right for your needs, it is important to know how to use it effectively. Ideally, you should test a small sample of dry concrete before testing the entire slab or floor so that you can get a good feel for how the meter will respond to your concrete.
