Sensors specifically designed to measure the precise temperature and relative humidity within the concrete slab are inserted into drilled holes in the concrete to assess the moisture condition of the full depth of the slab. This testing is completed in compliance with the current version of the ASTM F2170 Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using in situ Probes consensus industry standard.
Using a dish of calcium chloride covered by a plastic dome, the moisture vapor emission rate is measured as moisture is absorbed by the calcium and increases in weight. The resulting calculated value is expressed in units lbs/1000 square feet / 24 hours, acceptable values are dependent on the product specifications but are usually required to be less than 3. This value represents the amount of moisture that will emit from the slab which can effect the performance and longevity of a flooring system. This testing is completed in compliance with the current version of the ASTM F1869 Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride consensus industry standard.
Preparation of concrete slab prior to installation of a flooring surface is a paramount part of the installation process. Taking appropriate precautions, including measuring the alkalinity, or PH, of the concrete surface, helps to insure a lasting installation. PH testing is covered by and completed in conformance with the current version of the ASTM F710 Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring consensus industry standard.
Using Tramex brand state-of-the-art testing equipment, Moore takes non-destructive readings to precisely locate the most vulnerable areas of a concrete slab and locating RH and Calcium Chloride tests appropriately. The ASTM F2659 Standard Guide for Preliminary Evaluation of Comparative Moisture Condition of Concrete, Gypsum Cement and Other Floor Slabs and Screeds Using a Non-Destructive Electronic Moisture Meter governs this testing specifically. This test method has become popular in the evaluation of roofing substrates prior to installation of adhered systems.
Concrete Moisture Testing prevents additional costs and delays due to moisture related flooring failures. Most manufacturers require some moisture testing when installing flooring over concrete slabs so the user can both select the correct flooring and adhesive system and maintain manufacturer’s warranties.
Concrete slabs both on and above grade require concrete moisture testing prior to flooring installation to insure the flooring and adhesive systems are appropriate and able to accommodate the moisture condition of the concrete.  Creating a concrete moisture plan prevents high costs and delays associated with failure.  Owners, general contractors and contractors are among many of the professionals who benefit from Moore Engineering’s Concrete Moisture Testing services and consulting expertise.
Use Concrete Moisture Testing prior to installing flooring and after the concrete slab has reached service temperature, room conditions, and relative humidity.  (After at least 48 hours of continuous HVAC systems are running at design temperature and humidity.) It is often wise to consider testing existing concrete slabs early in a project, or prior to the start of construction, in order to include any mitigative measures that may be required in the project costs and bid documents. In some circumstances, waiting until the floor is scheduled to be installed can result in excessive unexpected costs to either remove moisture or install a moisture retarder. Â
Standards in the industry have long defined exactly how many tests should be performed on a specific size project, it is critical to perform the prescribed amount of tests to capture an accurate picture of the moisture condition of the slab. For most testing, standards require 3 tests for the first 1,000 square feet and 1 test for every additional 1,000 square feet. If testing only RH, these tests consist of 3/4 inch diameter holes with caps placed throughout the slab, this is the least obtrusive of the testing protocols. If testing Calcium Chloride, the plastic test hoods, which are susceptible to damage, are placed in a similar spacing.
Once a floor has shown signs of failure, it is too late to mitigate the moisture within the concrete slab. However, testing can be completed to understand the factors causing failure. Moisture testing along with coring and analysis can reveal the precise cause of the failure.
Becoming common in the assessment of polished concrete and other flooring surfaces, measuring the reflective characteristics of these surfaces can assist in assessing both the aesthetics and quality of the surface finish based on specified requirements. Moore utilizes state of the art equipment including the Rhopoint IQ device in evaluating these properties. Read more about our Gloss Testing services.
Along with reflective properties, the surface roughness of on-site finished surfaces is gaining popularity within the industry and as with our other services, Moore strives to remain an industry leader in exploiting technology and advancing value. We use a few brands of equipment including the Marsurf PS 10. Read more about our Roughness Testing services.
Whether assessment of a flowable underlayment or an existing resinous installation, Moore utilizes industry leading equipment by Elcometer to asses the adhesion of materials in a specific installed system. These tests can be utilized to determine the bond between adhered systems and their substrates in many different scenarios especially when overlaying an existing resinous installation where the cost of demolition may be saved if an overlay is possible. Read more about our Adhesion Testing services.
The electrostatic discharge of electricity naturally occurs as we go about our day-to-day. Facilities with sensitive equipment and robotics need to be safeguarded against the dangers these charges hold through appropriate flooring. Moore Engineering Services provides qualified testing of the conductive and dissipative properties of flooring by use of state-of-the-art AEMC brand Megohmmeter. Read more about the benefits of our testing services.
While not related to flooring, Moore has found that many tests are either uncommon or commonly messed up! We have added a specific set of tests to our services as clients have expressed their needs and frustrations. Dry film measurement is one such test, whether for fireproofing or standardized coating, Moore has the specialized equipment setup specifically to perform this test with the accuracy and precision its standard ASTM D1005 dictates. If you’re having difficulty finding a qualified professional who will listen, plan and execute your needed testing and whose focus is anything other than the value of a correctly performed test – Test Moore, Fail Less.
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Moore Engineering continues to help our company reduce costs through their engineering knowledge and expertise.
Scott Moore is undoubtedly one of the most serious, honest, and knowledgeable people in the business.
Moore Engineering provided reliable and accurate results in a professional manner, at an affordable price.