Importance of Concrete Floor Moisture Inspection
Moisture testing is one of the most significant tasks in the construction industry. This is something that can literally make or break any a freshly constructed concrete flooring. The result of not carrying out proper evaluation of concrete floor moisture can lead to disastrous results in the future. Whether your concrete floor was laid ten years or six months ago, ignoring moisture testing is likely to have dire consequences.
Before discussing ahead, it is important to understand that concrete slabs will always contain moisture and 100% dry concrete is physically unobtainable as well as inadvisable. The target here should be to attain a level of equilibrium, a moisture level as specified in the manufacturer’s specifications that allows a flooring product to be overlaid easily.
During the process of its drying, concrete structures leave tiny pathways referred to as capillaries. Excess water drains out of concrete through these capillaries. On the other hand, the moisture is forced to escape upwards with the help of a vapour retarder. Depending on depth, varying moisture conditions are caused by water moving within the concrete structure. External water sources such as insufficient drainage, poor plumbing, and rainwater can also affect the moisture content of a concrete floor. High level of humidity in the environment can also be a concern. If the humidity is too high, concrete tends to start absorbing moisture instead of releasing it. This can completely halt the drying process.
The time required by a concrete slab for drying depends significantly on the water to cement ratio of the batch. After the pouring and curing of the concrete, the right amount of time must be provided for the evaporation of the excess moisture. Typically, for every 25mm of thickness, a drying time of one month is required. Even after allowing sufficient drying time to your floor, moisture inspection and testing should still be performed.
If any excess moisture is present in the floor while carrying out an impermeable surface treatment, it will remain trapped inside the covering. This is when different types of moisture related problems are caused.
Some of the common issues resulting from concrete floor moisture include
- Mould and bacteria build-up leading to termites and carpenter ants getting attracted to building materials
- Decay or deterioration of water soluble materials
- Swelling, warping, and rotting of wooden materials
- Damage to paints and varnishes
- Chemical reactions leading to corrosion of metal roofing, wiring, structural fasteners, and conditioning coils
- Damage to concrete and brick
- Reduced effectiveness and quality of thermal insulation
Proper moisture inspection and testing is the best way to avoid these potential disasters. After the installation of the floor, it is possible to predict the moisture content equilibrium accurately by collecting the right data. Without evaluating the moisture condition, it is impossible to find out whether the slab is ready. Pin-type, pinless and the all-in-one are the three common types of moisture meters used for building and structure material inspection.
Coating Management Solutions is one of the most trusted experts in Australia for all types of concrete structure inspection as assessment. Please contact us today for all your concrete evaluation requirements.