Moisture Content Of Concrete Slab

Internal relative humidity of concrete slab.

Moisture content of concrete slab.

Why concrete moisture is tested. Gravimetric this is a direct and accurate method of determining moisture content by weight in the concrete slab. Concrete slabs often have thicknesses measured in feet not inches. The second source is moisture rising from below the slab.

A definitive test that measures the amount of moisture released from the concrete requires a calcium chloride kit or a relative humidity meter. Three methods for testing concrete moisture levels. If excess moisture is present in a concrete slab when an impermeable surface treatment is installed it will become trapped under that covering. The moisture content is then calculated as a percentage of the dry sample weight.

Testing with either method will tell you how. How moisture gets into concrete. Most concrete moisture meters only check surface moisture. Moisture tests for concrete slabs.

Over time hydrostatic pressure will force that moisture upwards and can cause bubbles in surface treatments and cracks in covering materials that are installed above it. So you re never going to achieve nor would you want 100 percent dry concrete. What you re looking for is moisture condition that s within manufacturer s specifications to accept the flooring product you are going to apply. Pieces of concrete are removed by chiseling or stitch drilling and dried in an oven to constant weight.

It is vitally important to test your concrete slab s moisture before installing flooring over it. Every slab of concrete has moisture and will always have moisture.