Testing Moisture Levels In Concrete

A definitive test that measures the amount of moisture released from the concrete requires a calcium chloride kit or a relative humidity meter.

Testing moisture levels in concrete.

Concrete slabs are naturally breathing elements of a home readily taking in moisture and air expanding and contracting and shifting with nature. Concrete must always contain some moisture but it cannot be an excessive amount. A second direct test astm f 1869 standard test method for measuring moisture vapor emission rate of concrete subfloor using anhydrous calcium chloride was standardized in the 1990s by the subcommittee on practices of the committee on resilient floor coverings. Concrete moisture meters operate by sending an electrical signal into the concrete and measuring its resistance as an indicator of the moisture level in the slab.

Therefore it s advisable to have a floor tested for moisture content prior to installing flooring or moisture barriers. How to test a concrete floor for excessive moisture. While they can be a useful survey tool they typically operate at about depth and can be susceptible to other elements within the slab such as rebar certain types of aggregates. Concrete slabs and floors can be excellent subfloor surfaces for tile and other floor coverings but too much moisture in the concrete can cause problems with flooring installations.