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Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using In Situ Probes
Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using In Situ Probes
Every aspect of a building’s design from the ground up reflects on your reputation. Assuring correct concrete moisture levels in the concrete slabs is critical to preventing failures in floor covering systems.
So why put your reputation on the line by specifying outdated concrete moisture methodologies? The new version of the ASTM calcium chloride standard disallows the use of calcium chloride testing for lightweight concrete applications. On the other hand, the ASTM F2170 in situ relative humidity (RH) test method for concrete not only is allowed for lightweight concrete slabs but is a superior concrete test method for ALL concrete slabs providing fast and reliable results that more accurately reflect the true moisture conditions in the slab.
Don’t let a concrete slab moisture problem on your project come back to bite you. Avoid floor covering-related project failures by specifying the superior ASTM F2170 in situ RH test method for dependable concrete moisture results that you can stake your reputation on.
Stay one step ahead with concrete RH testing.
Surface-based moisture tests only tell you about the top of the slab. ASTM F2170 uses in-situ probes placed inside the concrete to measure relative humidity deep within the slab, giving a more accurate picture of the moisture your finished floor will actually face. It works for slabs of all types, including lightweight concrete, and delivers fast, repeatable results you can stand behind.
Moisture-related flooring failures are expensive to fix and reflect on whoever wrote the spec. Calling for a reliable in-slab RH test method up front helps you avoid callbacks, disputes, and the finger-pointing that follows a failed floor. On many projects the flooring manufacturer’s own installation requirements already call for RH testing, so it pays to confirm what your product requires before you specify it.
What is ASTM F2170?
It’s the standard test method for determining relative humidity in concrete floor slabs using in-situ probes. Instead of reading surface emissions, it measures the moisture conditions within the slab itself.
Why choose RH testing over the calcium chloride method?
RH testing reflects moisture throughout the slab, and the current ASTM calcium chloride standard disallows calcium chloride testing for lightweight concrete. RH testing is allowed for lightweight slabs and works across all concrete types.
Where do I find manufacturer RH requirements?
Our Manufacturers list links to installation requirements from major flooring and adhesive manufacturers, and our Resource articles cover the background in more depth.
Ready to specify with confidence? Contact us to talk through RH testing on your next project.
