Prevention and Remediation Prevention and Remediation of Concrete Moisture-Caused of Concrete Moisture-Caused Flooring IssuesFlooring Issues

NameTandus Flooring

Date

Course ObjectivesCourse Objectives

You will learn…What floor moisture is and where it comes fromHow floor moisture affects floor coverings and

adhesivesThe importance of identifying floor moisture

issues prior to floor covering installationHow to accurately test for floor moisture Moisture testing minimumsRequirements for Moisture Vapor Emissions

Rate, pH and Relative Humidity Information on approved remediation systems

Floor moisture issues have become more frequent and difficult to identify. All floor covering manufacturers and adhesive companies have seen a tremendous increase in the number of moisture related issues.

Factors include:Changes in concrete composition High recycle content concrete The variety of curing & sealing compounds commonly used Different surfacing techniques Fast track construction schedules The practice of not running HVAC systems to help acclimate concrete prior to testing and/or the use of new hybrid ventilation systems.

What is Floor Moisture & Where

Does it Come From?

Green ConcreteGreen Concrete

How Does Floor Moisture Affect How Does Floor Moisture Affect Floor Coverings & Adhesives?Floor Coverings & Adhesives?

DebondingAdhesive failureTile instability Bubbles in VCTT (Powerbond)or

broadloomGood medium for biological growth

If moisture issues are identified before the floor covering is installed,

corrective measures are much simpler and less expensive than

after the floor covering is in place

Mold colonization due to moisture in slab

Degraded adhesive due to moisture in slab

Curling tile that was installed in entry area

over an 8lb slab

How to Measure Concrete Floor How to Measure Concrete Floor MoistureMoistureCaCl (Anhydrous Calcium Chloride) ASTM F-1869-04RH (In-situ) ASTM F-2170-02pH (Alkalinity) ASTM F-710-05

Anhydrous Calcium Chloride Testing Anhydrous Calcium Chloride Testing ASTM F1869-04ASTM F1869-04What are we measuring? MVERInaccurate or inconsistent resultsTypical industry requirements

pH pH ASTM Standard Practice F-710-05ASTM Standard Practice F-710-05

What are we measuring?

Inaccurate or inconsistent results

Typical industry requirements

Relative Humidity (RH) Relative Humidity (RH) ASTM F2170-02ASTM F2170-02

What are we measuring?Inaccurate or inconsistent results Typical industry requirements

Moisture meter that is

commonly used but does

not provide quantifiable

results.

3 three moisture tests to be completed within the first 1000 sq ft of concrete on each floor

One moisture test to be completed within each additional 1000 sq ft

MVER Testing ASTM F-1869-1050% of these tests be conducted

RH Testing ASTM F-2170 -1050% of the tests to be conducted

pH Testing ASTM F-710-10.Surface pH of the concrete flooring substrate

must be between 7 and 9 and absolutely must not exceed 9.

A minimum of one test per 1000 sq ft is required.

TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR POWERBOND, MODULAR AND POWERBOND, MODULAR AND

BROADLOOMBROADLOOM

It is the General Contractor’s and/or Architect’s responsibility to specify

a concrete substrate that is suitable for the installation of a

floor covering product at the desired time of installation.

“It is solely the responsibility of the installation contractor to insure

that the sub-floor is properly prepared prior to installation.”

Tandus Flooring Installation Instructions

Approved Remediation SystemsApproved Remediation Systems

Underlayment for use with Tandus Flooring’s modular carpet

Remediate MVER up to 10 lbs.pH requirements maximum 9Closed-cell cushion; based on the technology

of PowerbondBoth Tandus Flooring’s modular carpet and

power(shield) warrantied when used together.

Approved Remediation SystemsApproved Remediation Systems

XL Brands DynaMix

Green concrete only, <8 lbs MVER with decreasing trend

pH requirements maximum 9

Warranty is limited to 3 years

Cost = $0.27 per sf

Approved Remediation SystemsApproved Remediation Systems

VersaShield Green concrete or existing

moisture source <12 lbs MVER

pH requirements maximum 12

RH requirements maximum 95%

Warranty covers warranty period

of product type selected

Cost = $0.65 sf - $0.90 sf

Approved Remediation SystemsApproved Remediation Systems

Koester

Green concrete or existing moisture source <25 lbs MVER

pH requirements maximum 14

Warranty is lifetime of the

flooring product

Cost = 7.50 sf - $9.50 sf

Approved Remediation SystemsApproved Remediation Systems

2 Part Epoxy Systems

• Ardex MCI

• Bostik D261

• Key Resin MTV 635

• Mapei EMB

Refer to Field Technical Services for Moisture pH, MVER and RH

limits for these products as well as availability and pricing.

Important Things to Important Things to RememberRememberDo not assume that proper testing

has been performed by general contractor or end user.

Be knowledgeable and ask questions prior to installation.

Avoiding required testing is not an option.

“We’re fully aware that these recommendations go well beyond what is presently being done or required on

most projects. Given the very common, serious, and costly nature of flooring failures, however, it’s believed that these measures are necessary to reduce the risk of flooring problems and the significant cost associated with failure of the flooring system.”

Reference from: “Moisture Testing of Concrete Slabs, When 3lbs is not 3lbs”

Conclusion…You should Conclusion…You should knowknow What floor moisture is and where it comes

from How floor moisture affects floor coverings

and adhesives The importance of identifying floor moisture

issues prior to floor covering installation How to accurately test for floor moisture Moisture testing minimums Requirements for MVER, pH and RH Information on approved remediation

systems

Thank you.