Subfloor Evaluation Prior Subfloor Evaluation Prior to Installationto Installation

Understanding the science of concrete Understanding the science of concrete slabs prior to installation of moisture slabs prior to installation of moisture

sensitive floor covering materialssensitive floor covering materials

ASTM F-710 and ACI 302.2R-06ASTM F-710 and ACI 302.2R-06

ASTM F-710 ASTM F-710

Preparation of Concrete Slabs to Receive Resilient Preparation of Concrete Slabs to Receive Resilient FlooringFlooring

Determination of suitability of a concrete subfloor for resilient Determination of suitability of a concrete subfloor for resilient flooringflooring

Suggested construction methods for concrete slabsSuggested construction methods for concrete slabs Suggested preparation methods of concrete floors for resilient Suggested preparation methods of concrete floors for resilient

flooring installationflooring installation

Related ASTM ProceduresRelated ASTM Procedures

C 109/C 109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement MortarsC 109/C 109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars C 309 Specification for Liquid Membrane-Forming Compounds for Curing ConcreteC 309 Specification for Liquid Membrane-Forming Compounds for Curing Concrete C 472 Test Method for Compressive Strength of Gypsum CementC 472 Test Method for Compressive Strength of Gypsum Cement D 4259 Practice for Abrading ConcreteD 4259 Practice for Abrading Concrete E 1155 Test Method for Determining FF/FL (Floor Flatness and Floor Levelness)E 1155 Test Method for Determining FF/FL (Floor Flatness and Floor Levelness) E 1486 Test Method for Determining Floor Tolerances Using Waviness, Wheel Path, E 1486 Test Method for Determining Floor Tolerances Using Waviness, Wheel Path,

and Levelness Criteriaand Levelness Criteria E 1745 Specification for Plastic Water Vapor Retarders Used In Contact With Soil or E 1745 Specification for Plastic Water Vapor Retarders Used In Contact With Soil or

Granular Fill Under Concrete SlabsGranular Fill Under Concrete Slabs F 141 Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor CoveringsF 141 Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings F 1869 Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete F 1869 Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete

Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium ChlorideSubfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride F 2170 Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs F 2170 Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs

Using In Situ ProbesUsing In Situ Probes

General Guidelines of ASTM F-710General Guidelines of ASTM F-710

Dry, clean, smooth and structurally sound…Dry, clean, smooth and structurally sound… Surface cracks and control joints should be filled…and Surface cracks and control joints should be filled…and

provide a minimum of 3000 psi compressive strength in provide a minimum of 3000 psi compressive strength in 28 days28 days

Expansion joints shall not be filled…Expansion joints shall not be filled… Surface must be cleaned…Surface must be cleaned… No asphaltic adhesive residues…No asphaltic adhesive residues… Shall be smooth and flat…within 3/16” in 10ft. Shall be smooth and flat…within 3/16” in 10ft.

Testing a Slab per ASTM F-710Testing a Slab per ASTM F-710

Removal of sealers, curing agents, bond breakers Removal of sealers, curing agents, bond breakers otherwise known as the “water drop test”otherwise known as the “water drop test”

Moisture TestingMoisture Testing Moisture Vapor Emissions Rate (MVER)Moisture Vapor Emissions Rate (MVER) In Situ RH (Relative Humidity) In Situ RH (Relative Humidity)

pH TestingpH Testing

Moisture Testing per ASTMMoisture Testing per ASTM

Preparation of New & Existing Preparation of New & Existing Concrete SubfloorsConcrete Subfloors

New concrete must New concrete must be cured and dried be cured and dried and in compliance and in compliance with resilient floor with resilient floor covering covering manufacturer manufacturer requirementsrequirements

Existing concrete Existing concrete must be free from any must be free from any adhesive residues, adhesive residues, clean, dry and in clean, dry and in compliance with compliance with resilient floor covering resilient floor covering manufacturer manufacturer requirementsrequirements

Basic Concrete Slab ConstructionBasic Concrete Slab Construction

Site evaluationSite evaluation Compressed soilCompressed soil Large aggregate (capillary Large aggregate (capillary

break)break) Smaller aggregateSmaller aggregate

Moisture barrier Moisture barrier specificationsspecifications

0.010” thick reinforced film0.010” thick reinforced film

Exterior Drainage and Exterior Drainage and Landscaping concernsLandscaping concerns

ACI 302.2R-06ACI 302.2R-06

Guide for Concrete Slabs that Receive Moisture-Guide for Concrete Slabs that Receive Moisture-Sensitive Flooring MaterialsSensitive Flooring Materials

IntroductionIntroductionConcrete Moisture BasicsConcrete Moisture BasicsConcrete Moisture TestingConcrete Moisture TestingConcrete pH TestingConcrete pH TestingFloor Covering Adhesive Manufacturers RecommendationsFloor Covering Adhesive Manufacturers RecommendationsDrying of ConcreteDrying of ConcreteVapor Retarder/BarrierVapor Retarder/BarrierFloor Covering MaterialsFloor Covering MaterialsDesign and ConstructionDesign and Construction

IntroductionIntroduction

““The objective of this document is to reduce the potential The objective of this document is to reduce the potential for moisture-related problems in both slabs-on-ground and for moisture-related problems in both slabs-on-ground and suspended slabs. It provides basic information on the suspended slabs. It provides basic information on the concrete drying process, moisture behavior in concrete, concrete drying process, moisture behavior in concrete, testing for pH and moisture, and vapor retarders/barriers. testing for pH and moisture, and vapor retarders/barriers. Based on this information, recommendations for the Based on this information, recommendations for the design and construction of concrete slabs that will receive design and construction of concrete slabs that will receive moisture-sensitive or pH sensitive flooring materials or moisture-sensitive or pH sensitive flooring materials or coatings are presented.”coatings are presented.”

Flooring Moisture IssuesFlooring Moisture Issues

Concrete Moisture BasicsConcrete Moisture Basics

Understanding how water moves through hardened Understanding how water moves through hardened concrete is important in determining:concrete is important in determining:

Consequences of the moisture movement;Consequences of the moisture movement; Effectiveness of moisture testing methods; andEffectiveness of moisture testing methods; and Validity of flooring manufacturers’ warranty recommendationsValidity of flooring manufacturers’ warranty recommendations

Moisture SourcesMoisture Sources

Water of HydrationWater of Hydration Water required to complete chemical reactionWater required to complete chemical reaction

• Typically considered ~25% of cement by weightTypically considered ~25% of cement by weight

Water of ConvenienceWater of Convenience Water used for ease of workability and placementWater used for ease of workability and placement

• Usually another 25% to 40% of cement by weightUsually another 25% to 40% of cement by weight

Moisture Vapor Transmission (MVT)Moisture Vapor Transmission (MVT) Water of convenience evaporatingWater of convenience evaporating

• 4” slab poured at .50 W/C evaporates >½ gallon per sq ft.4” slab poured at .50 W/C evaporates >½ gallon per sq ft.

Water coming up through the concrete from under slabWater coming up through the concrete from under slab

Concrete Curing/DryingConcrete Curing/Drying

After curing and before drying After curing and before drying begins, the moisture distribution in begins, the moisture distribution in a hardened concrete slab is a hardened concrete slab is reasonably uniform throughout the reasonably uniform throughout the member thickness (Hanson 1968). member thickness (Hanson 1968). As concrete dries, the amount and As concrete dries, the amount and distribution of moisture changes distribution of moisture changes (Hedenblad 1997).(Hedenblad 1997).

Curing/Drying of Lightweight & Curing/Drying of Lightweight & Normal ConcreteNormal Concrete

Drying profiles differ for normal weight Drying profiles differ for normal weight and lightweight concrete;and lightweight concrete;

Lightweight concrete takes longer to Lightweight concrete takes longer to dry than normal weight concrete; anddry than normal weight concrete; and

Normal weight concrete takes less Normal weight concrete takes less than 90 days and lightweight concrete than 90 days and lightweight concrete takes more than 180 days to reach takes more than 180 days to reach 85% RH at the center of a 6 in. (150 85% RH at the center of a 6 in. (150 mm) diameter specimen.mm) diameter specimen.

Effects of Moisture MovementEffects of Moisture Movement

Warping or CurlingWarping or Curling Slab curls due to moisture lossSlab curls due to moisture loss Contractor grinds to bring into Contractor grinds to bring into

specification for flatnessspecification for flatness Floor covering or moisture Floor covering or moisture

barrier appliedbarrier applied Concrete EquilibratesConcrete Equilibrates Slab Relaxes and areas Slab Relaxes and areas

ground and now lowerground and now lower

Effects of Moisture MovementEffects of Moisture Movement

Joint BulgingJoint Bulging Slab pouredSlab poured Control Joints cut and due to Control Joints cut and due to

normal slab shrinkage become “V” normal slab shrinkage become “V” shapedshaped

Patching compounds installedPatching compounds installed Floor covering installedFloor covering installed Slab equilabrates and relaxesSlab equilabrates and relaxes Patching compound compressed Patching compound compressed

out of joint.out of joint.

Effects of Secondary Moisture Effects of Secondary Moisture ExposureExposure

Concrete slabs, properly Concrete slabs, properly prepared and under prepared and under functional HVAC control functional HVAC control typically take 50-90 days typically take 50-90 days to reach moisture levels to reach moisture levels suitable for “normal” floor suitable for “normal” floor covering installationcovering installation Rewetting resets the Rewetting resets the

dry time clock my dry time clock my several weeksseveral weeks

Concrete Moisture TestingConcrete Moisture Testing

Standard test method, if applicable;Standard test method, if applicable; Acceptable test methods;Acceptable test methods; Frequency and location of testing;Frequency and location of testing; Environment (before and during the test);Environment (before and during the test); Surface preparation, if applicable;Surface preparation, if applicable; Responsible testing party;Responsible testing party; Acceptance criteria; andAcceptance criteria; and Interpretation of results.Interpretation of results.

ASTM Supporting Test ProceduresASTM Supporting Test Procedures

ASTM E 1907, “Standard Guide to Methods of Evaluating Moisture Conditions of Concrete Floors ASTM E 1907, “Standard Guide to Methods of Evaluating Moisture Conditions of Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Floor Coverings,”to Receive Resilient Floor Coverings,”

ASTM D 4263, “Standard Test Method for Indicating Moisture in Concrete by the Plastic Sheet ASTM D 4263, “Standard Test Method for Indicating Moisture in Concrete by the Plastic Sheet Method,”Method,”

ASTM F 1869, “Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete ASTM F 1869, “Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride,”Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride,”

ASTM F 2170, “Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete floor Slabs ASTM F 2170, “Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete floor Slabs Using in situ Probes,” andUsing in situ Probes,” and

ASTM F 2420, “Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity on the Surface of ASTM F 2420, “Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity on the Surface of Concrete Floor Slabs Using Relative Humidity Probe Measurements and Insulated Hood.”Concrete Floor Slabs Using Relative Humidity Probe Measurements and Insulated Hood.”

Concrete Moisture TestingConcrete Moisture Testing

Concrete pH TestingConcrete pH Testing

Factors effecting pH Factors effecting pH Testing:Testing: Wetting TimeWetting Time Test Kit ComponentsTest Kit Components CarbonationCarbonation Surface PreparationSurface Preparation Water in the flooring Water in the flooring

adhesiveadhesive

Adhesive RecommendationsAdhesive Recommendations

Vapor retarder/barrierVapor retarder/barrier Concrete properties or materialsConcrete properties or materials CuringCuring Surface finishSurface finish Floor flatnessFloor flatness Moisture limitMoisture limit pH limitpH limit Surface preparationSurface preparation RepairRepair

Typical Moisture Vapor LimitsTypical Moisture Vapor Limits

Concrete Surface CriteriaConcrete Surface Criteria

Drying of ConcreteDrying of Concrete

Water to Cement Water to Cement ration (w/c) is the ration (w/c) is the main driver for main driver for concrete dryingconcrete drying

Drying of ConcreteDrying of Concrete

Thickness of concrete Thickness of concrete slab also impacts slab also impacts drying timedrying time

Vapor Retarder/BarrierVapor Retarder/Barrier

Polyethylene based Polyethylene based plastic sheetplastic sheet

Maximum perm rating of Maximum perm rating of 0.3 perms (1 grain per 0.3 perms (1 grain per ft2/h per in. of mercury ft2/h per in. of mercury pressure.)pressure.)

Placed in direct contact Placed in direct contact with slab or with a with slab or with a “granular blotter layer” “granular blotter layer” between the sheet and between the sheet and concrete. concrete.

Floor Covering MaterialsFloor Covering Materials

Maintain open communication between architect and Maintain open communication between architect and engineer to ensure Division 9 specifications are in line engineer to ensure Division 9 specifications are in line with Division 3 requirements for concrete.with Division 3 requirements for concrete.

Section 09402 Epoxy Terrazzo;Section 09402 Epoxy Terrazzo; Section 09620 Specialty Flooring;Section 09620 Specialty Flooring; Section 09621 Fluid-Applied Athletic Flooring;Section 09621 Fluid-Applied Athletic Flooring; Section 09622 Resilient Athletic Flooring;Section 09622 Resilient Athletic Flooring; Section 09640 Wood Flooring;Section 09640 Wood Flooring; Section 09651 Resilient Tile Flooring;Section 09651 Resilient Tile Flooring; Section 09652 Sheet Vinyl Floor Coverings;Section 09652 Sheet Vinyl Floor Coverings; Section 09654 Linoleum Floor Coverings;Section 09654 Linoleum Floor Coverings; Section 09671 Resinous Flooring;Section 09671 Resinous Flooring; Section 09677 Static-Control Resilient Floor Covering;Section 09677 Static-Control Resilient Floor Covering; Section 09680 Carpet;Section 09680 Carpet; Section 09681 Carpet Tile;Section 09681 Carpet Tile; Section 09960 High-Performance Coatings; andSection 09960 High-Performance Coatings; and Section 09963 Elastomeric Coatings.Section 09963 Elastomeric Coatings.

Floor Covering MaterialsFloor Covering Materials

Effect of Moisture on Effect of Moisture on Floor Covering Floor Covering Adhesive bond Adhesive bond strengthstrength

Design and Construction Design and Construction

Specifications will usually include clauses related to:Specifications will usually include clauses related to: Testing;Testing; Moisture mitigation systems;Moisture mitigation systems; Vapor retarder/barrier;Vapor retarder/barrier; Concrete materials and properties;Concrete materials and properties; Curing;Curing; Protection;Protection; Surface preparation;Surface preparation; Repair materials; andRepair materials; and Floor covering adhesives.Floor covering adhesives.

ASTM F-710-06 and ACI 302.2R-06ASTM F-710-06 and ACI 302.2R-06

THANK YOUTHANK YOU