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Moisture Detection Information and Equipment
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Concrete Moisture Testing – Explaining and Addressing the Problems Using Calcium Chloride Test Kits & pH Pencils
Flooring Manufacturer's Position on Moisture Testing
Concrete moisture emission testing and pH testing will make or break the success of any floorcovering installation. Accurate testing prior to installation is critical to ensure the proper installation of a floor. Floorcovering manufacturers want nothing to do with the liability of moisture induced flooring failures. A manufacturer's warranty only relates to the physical characteristics of flooring material under normal use. The flooring material is not covered under warranty in relation to moisture related failure of the floor, above the manufacturer's stated limits. Most manufacturers will only recommend their floorcovering material be applied if the moisture emission levels are below 3 lbs.
These are but a few of the reasons that prior accurate Calcium Chloride testing must be done according to the ASTM F-1869-03 and F-710-03 procedures. Without this testing, you may experience a repeated cycle of flooring failures that will far exceed the original cost of a flooring installation several times over. By adhering to ASTM standards for preparation and testing of the concrete, the flooring contractor will know what the moisture emission levels are, and can ensure a successful installation on the project.
It is important to note that legal and accurate use of Calcium Chloride MDK's, require test kits to be weighed on the same scale prior to testing, and within 72 hours after completion of the test. This is why pre-measured test kits do not protect you from liability.
What does 3 pounds of moisture emission actually mean?
Moisture vapor emission is tested and recorded through the use of the industry accepted Calcium Chloride test kits (Sealflex MDK's) used in accordance with ASTM F-1869-03. The MDK's measure moisture vapor emission through concrete and are measured in pounds per 1000 square feet per 24 hours. A gallon of water is equal to 8.33 pounds in actual weight. When a test is conducted and it reads 8 pounds, this means almost one gallon of water is passing through the concrete over a 1000 sq ft area every 24 hours. 3 pounds of moisture, slightly less than 1/2 gallon of water, is the level that flooring manufacturers state to refrain from installing their flooring material over. However, 96% of all concrete slabs tested have moisture emission rates above 3 pounds.
Moisture vapor, as it passes through concrete, also increases the alkalinity at the surface of the concrete. Alkalinity is measured by pH from 1 to 14. Seven (7) is neutral on the pH scale. Anything above 9 will destroy adhesives. It is the high alkaline levels, combined with moisture, which breaks down adhesives under flooring material. The higher the moisture emission levels, the higher the pH level affecting the adhesive. The easiest and most accurate method of testing concrete pH is with a pH pencil, not with pH litmus strips.
The majority of flooring manufacturers have instructions limiting installation of the flooring material if moisture emissions exceed
3 pounds per 1000 sq. ft. of concrete per 24 hours. The
manufacturers also have limitations of installation if the pH of the concrete is 9 or above.
Therein lies a two-fold problem: High Moisture = High pH = manufacturer states not to install their flooring material. These are the reasons that Calcium Chloride testing and pH testing are critical in determining the moisture emission rates, before installation of flooring materials. |
MOISTURE DETECTION
Testing Equipment
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MOISTURE DETECTION KIT (MDK)
(Anhydrous Calcium Chloride)
The flooring industry's most preferred and complete moisture detection kit. Meets A.S.T.M standards #F1869-03.
order • request info
GRAM SCALE
A durable, electronic gram scale.
Weighs to the 10th of a gram.
Portable & battery operated.
order • request info
pH TESTING PENCIL
The only accurate method of
testing pH in concrete.
Long lasting (one year or longer).
Just mark the concrete with an X and
add a few drops of distilled water.
order • request info
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Download the FREE Sealflex
Moisture Comparative Pamphlet!
[PDF format - 320k]
A comprehensive overview of
different moisture mitigation systems
available on the market today.
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In an industry where flooring warranties are weak and elusive, how is this problem solved?
Sealflex Industries, Inc. has been the Moisture Solution for over 20 years, with fully warranted adhesive and membrane systems. SI UltraTac 200, 220, or 255, used in conjunction with the pH Blocker/Primer 100, solves the problem of moisture and high pH in concrete up to 8 pounds/1000 sq. ft./24 hours for a full 5 years. Sealflex Membrane System solves the problem of moisture and pH in concrete up to 11.5 pounds/1000sq. ft./24 hours for 10 full years! Imagine, 1 gallon of water coming through the concrete over a 1000 sq. ft. area, every 24 hours! Not to worry! Sealflex can handle it!
Sealflex has also addressed the mold and mildew problem that is dangerous any time moisture is present. Our products contain the most powerful anti-microbial inhibitor available today in the SI UltraTac 200, 220, and 255 adhesives. Sealflex products are mold and mildew resistant, non-flammable, solvent free, very low odor, with ultra high solids.
Sealflex's Adhesive System is the lowest cost solution to moisture vapor emissions available today; fully warranted, including installation labor and all materials. This cannot be matched by any other manufacturer of moisture related flooring products or adhesives. We've proved it for 20 Years!
Sealflex Industries, Inc. is committed to ensuring the success and safety of the floors it protects. We back-up our commitment with full warranties and the insurance to cover the warranty. It is our hope that you will learn to discern the truth about what makes a floor a successful installation. For more information or technical assistance, please let us know how we may assist you.
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