The successful installation of any floor covering depends largely on quantity of moisture present in the concrete floors. If the slab consists of enough moisture content, it can cause severe harm to the floor covering. While some times, this damage repair could cost dearer, the other times, it may also go irreparable, hence causing a permanent problem for your concrete floors. It is hence an instant necessity to perform core testing and detect the concrete slab moisture problems at an early and reparable stage.
Ironically, like in other fields, the flooring industry also keeps on believing on a flurry of myths, which do not have any link with the real concrete moisture testing. Consequently, they assume that their flooring installations have no moisture-related hassles, and pay off heavily later on. Few of those common misconceptions include as below:
Common Core Testing Misconceptions
Myth 1 – Dry surface means dry slab
Core testing methods have proved repeatedly that the dry surface is not the indicator of the dryness of the slab in wholeety. Instead, numerous variables affect the drying rate of concrete slab-air movement. Notably, Relative Humidity (RH) testing is the best way to determine if the concrete slab moisture problems exist or the floor is dry. It gives a better idea about the moisture measurement at the correct depths and hence allows the experts to come with an ideal solution to get away with moisture accordingly.
Myth 2 – Moisture tolerance level of all the floor products is alike
Earlier, most of the flooring materials / adhesives were composed of petroleum-derived base. Hence, almost all of them had more or less the same moisture tolerances. However, formulations have changed significantly for individual applications at present, which has ultimately affected their tolerance for moisture. It is therefore inevitable to perform the core testing to identify the moisture content of the slab prior to flooring installations. It could solve concrete slab moisture problems at an early stage hence contribution to floor's longevity.
Myth 3 – All RH Tests for Concrete Moisture Testing are the same
A common misconception surrounding the RH tests is that all of them are the same, since they measure concrete moisture levels below the surface. However, this is not completely true, because each of the RH testing products undergoes distinct design, which ultimately could influence the performance and accuracy of the testing method. Most RH test methods use removable sensors, others leverage even better technological advancements, which promise better accuracy, reliance, and cost-effectiveness.
Myth 4 – Dust and grit leave RH testing unaffected
Apparently, grit, dirt, dust and other similar elements may appear to have least or no impact on this core testing method. However, the truth is that they can hamper the RH testing accuracy, especially, if the test-hole consists of residue through drilling method. It therefore becomes important to drill the test hole in the cleanest way possible and avert concrete slab moisture problems. Wire brush and orange flush mount protective can benefit appreciably in this regard.
