FEATURE
TESTING FOR MOISTURE THAT COULD LEAD TO CAUSTIC SOLUTIONS
Caustic solutions that form above the concrete slab and underneath the flooring material are harmful because they can break down adhesives, causing them to liquify so they can no longer hold down floorcoverings.
There are two ways caustic solutions can develop: when salts at the surface of the concrete get wet or when salts move with the moisture that rises from deeper in the slab, and then condense below the adhesive.
The best way to prevent adhesive failure is to use RH testing with in-situ probes. Just drill a hole 40% deep into the moisture hotspots you located with the concrete moisture meter and place a smart sensor inside. This smart sensor will capture relative humidity readings from deep within the concrete to get a more comprehensive picture of how much moisture is still in the slab, which will eventually move up to the surface.
RH testing doesn’t just measure moisture on the surface of a slab. It uncovers how much moisture is inside the slab. Then you can predict and prevent moisture problems that would have otherwise caused flooring issues later on.
Wagner’s Rapid RH L6 Sensors are designed to provide fast and accurate in-situ readings at a low cost per test. Their Bluetooth capability allows readings to be transferred to the DataMaster L6 app, where results can be recorded and organised into reports. These records can demonstrate that appropriate testing was completed before installation.
TESTING AND ACCLIMATISING FLOORCOVERINGS
Before installing your floors, you should check your floor’s manufacturer requirements.
Hardwood flooring is especially moisture sensitive. Before installation, boards need to acclimatise to the interior conditions of the room they’ll be installed in. The room should be kept at a comfortable living temperature and humidity so the flooring materials can adjust to consistent, real-life conditions. A good
rule of thumb for the target moisture content of the flooring is the indoor EMC, as this will reflect the indoor conditions the floor experiences year-round. Most manufacturers will recommend a moisture content of around 6-8% MC, but should verify this by consulting your manufacturer’s requirements.
Engineered wood is more stable than hardwood and will need less acclimatsation time, but again, you’ll need to go by the instructions the flooring manufacturer provides. Carpet, vinyl, and laminate still need to acclimatise, although temperature stability is the main consideration. Ceramic and stone tiles are less susceptible to moisture, but their adhesives and supporting systems may still be affected by a damp substrate.
Wood moisture can be checked using pin-type or pinless meters. Pin meters use electrodes inserted into the wood, which may leave small holes. Pinless meters use a sensor plate to obtain readings without damaging the surface, making them particularly suitable for finished flooring.
The Orion 950 pinless moisture meter offers fast, non-destructive measurement and includes temperature and humidity sensors together with an equilibrium moisture content calculator. It can also transfer readings to the FloorSmart app, enabling installers to document results and create records for clients.
POST-INSTALLATION MONITORING
Moisture management should continue after installation. Seasonal humidity changes, plumbing leaks, spills, water entering through doors or windows and changes in building operation can all reintroduce moisture.
The difficulty is that excess moisture may remain hidden until visible damage appears. Continuous or periodic monitoring provides an opportunity to identify unusual changes before they become serious.
An ambient data logger such as Smart Logger can continue recording temperature and relative humidity after the project is complete. If conditions move outside the chosen limits, the Wagner Sentry app can issue an alert so corrective action can be taken.
For wood flooring, an embedded monitor such as Floor Sentry can be installed beneath the floor. It monitors moisture and temperature conditions and sends readings to the Wagner Sentry app. Trends can then be reviewed and reports shared with the client.
This information can help identify environmental changes, support maintenance decisions and provide evidence of conditions following installation. It also demonstrates a commitment to quality beyond the day the project is completed.
PROTECT YOUR FLOORS AND YOUR BUSINESS
Moisture testing is an integral part of protecting and maintaining floor quality. Skipping over one step in the moisture testing process could lead to ruined floors, unhappy customers, a damaged reputation, and costly remedial work.
Protect your floors and business by making moisture testing a part of your workflow. Visit the website below to view trusted moisture testing products to help you get started.
Te Floor Sentry can help you monitor moisture trends and create data reports for clients.
https://shop.wagnermeters.com/
x.com/TContractFloors 23
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