The ASTM F-2170 standard is important for measuring moisture, or relative humidity, in concrete. Flooring inspectors, flooring contractors, and others in the industry know that this test needs to be done to determine whether a concrete subfloor is ready for a sealer or whether it is ready to be built upon. Getting the most accurate information from the test allows contractors and inspectors to do their jobs right.
Why Perform the Test?
Concrete slabs form the foundation for structures such as homes, offices, and commercial buildings. When concrete slabs do not meet proper standards, many problems can develop over time.
Poorly prepared concrete can contribute to warping, buckling, cracking, and excess moisture issues. These conditions can damage flooring materials and other building products installed over the slab.
Moisture problems in concrete can also affect the appearance and performance of flooring systems. Floors may discolor, separate, deform, or fail prematurely when excess moisture remains in the slab.
Measuring the relative humidity inside the concrete helps contractors and inspectors determine whether the slab is ready for the next stage of the construction or flooring installation process.
More About the ASTM-F-2170
ASTM International developed standards for measuring moisture in concrete slabs. Most flooring professionals consider ASTM F-2170 one of the most reliable methods for testing moisture conditions in concrete.
The ASTM F-2170 testing process follows a detailed and rigorous procedure. Flooring inspectors must use specialized equipment to accurately measure relative humidity and moisture conditions within the concrete slab. Proper testing helps contractors make informed decisions before installing flooring or other building materials.
Here are the steps that flooring contractors follow to ensure that they are getting proper measurements and monitoring the concrete so that they know when it is ready.
- Flooring contractors must use the proper equipment to test the concrete’s moisture content, which includes a thermo-moisture probe with sensors that detect the conditions within the slab.
- The flooring contractor drills a cylindrical hole in the concrete slab with a rotary hammer drill. The depth and number of any hole depend on the depth as well as the surface area of the slab.
- They must insert a non-conductive sleeve into the hole or holes and then insert the probe.
- The inspector must perform three tests within the first 1,000 square feet (100 square meters) of the concrete slab. For every additional 1,000 square feet (100 square meters), the inspector must perform at least one more test.
-
After completing the tests, flooring contractors must record all moisture readings. They then compare the results to determine whether the moisture content in the concrete slab meets the requirements for the next stage of construction or flooring installation.
Flooring contractors who follow this rigorous testing method will feel confident in knowing that they are making the right call in moving forward on a building project because they will have the evidence that their concrete is finally ready. The ASTM-F-2170 is the gold standard when it comes to testing moisture in concrete, and it’s worth it to ensure fewer problems during any building project.
Leave a Reply