ASTM F3441-24a

Standard Guide for Measurement of pH Involving Resilient Flooring Installations

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 There is typically a higher concentration of soluble alkali salts in the surface region of a concrete slab due to the initial bleeding process of a freshly placed concrete slab. If after a resilient floor covering material is installed there is sufficient moisture within the slab to place these salts into solution a potentially damaging high pH solution can develop beneath the installed material.  
4.2 Results obtained through the use of this guide indicate the comparative pH of reagent water placed on properly prepared concrete slab surfaces only at the time of the procedure and in the specific locations evaluated.  
4.3 If pre-installation surface pH evaluation is required by the manufacturer of the resilient flooring, adhesive, patching/underlayment products or project specifications, their instructions and limitations should be consulted.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide discusses procedures that may be used for evaluating the comparative change in pH of reagent water placed on the surface of a properly prepared concrete slab surface.  
1.2 This guide is intended to be used in conjunction with the flat surface electrode pH meter manufacturer’s calibration procedures, operation instructions, and interpretive data where available.  
1.3 This guide is intended to be used in conjunction with the pH paper manufacturer’s instructions, product shelf life, and interpretive data where available.  
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use Some specific hazards statements are given in Section 9 on Hazards.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Jan-2024
• ICS: 91.060.30 - Ceilings. Floors. Stairs
• ICS: 97.150 - Floor coverings
• Technical Committee: F06 - Resilient Floor Coverings
• Drafting Committee: F06.40 - Practices

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F3441-24 - Standard Guide for Measurement of pH Involving Flooring Installations
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM D1129-13(2020)e2 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D1129-13(2020)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020

Overview

ASTM F3441-24a: Standard Guide for Measurement of pH Involving Resilient Flooring Installations provides recommended procedures for evaluating the comparative change in pH of reagent water when placed on the surface of prepared concrete slabs prior to installing resilient flooring. The guide is essential for professionals in the construction, flooring, and concrete preparation sectors, addressing the risks associated with high pH levels under floor coverings, which can result from the presence of soluble alkali salts and moisture in concrete.

Assessing surface pH helps ensure the longevity and performance of resilient floor installations by supporting informed choices regarding adhesives, patching compounds, and underlayments. This standard aligns with internationally recognized principles for standardization and is referenced by leading manufacturers and industry guidelines.

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Key Topics

• Significance of Concrete Surface pH
  Concrete slabs often contain higher concentrations of soluble alkali salts at the surface. When covered with resilient flooring, sufficient moisture in the slab can dissolve these salts, creating a high pH environment that may damage flooring materials or adhesives.

• Procedure Overview
  The guide details the use of both flat surface electrode pH meters and pH test paper methods. Typically, reagent (distilled or deionized) water is tested for baseline pH, then applied to the prepared concrete surface. After a set period, pH is measured and compared to the initial reading, indicating the surface alkalinity at the time of testing and at selected locations.

• Surface Preparation
  Accuracy depends on following manufacturers’ instructions for surface preparation and environmental conditioning. The presence of curing compounds, dust, efflorescence, or carbonated surface layers can affect results and must be controlled prior to testing.

• Reporting and Safety
  Comprehensive reporting includes site details, environmental conditions, preparation methods, and any observations that may influence results. The guide highlights hazards such as crystalline silica, asbestos, and lead during preparation and removal, referencing OSHA and federal guidelines to ensure safe practices.

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Applications

• Pre-Installation Assessment
  Used primarily in pre-installation checks for resilient flooring, this guide supports installers, contractors, and specifiers in verifying concrete surface conditions, helping to prevent flooring failures due to adverse pH environments.

• Product Compatibility Evaluation
  Critical for ensuring adhesives, patching compounds, or underlayments are suitable for the measured pH, enhancing compatibility and performance.

• Project Documentation
  Promotes standardized documentation and reporting, enabling traceability, accountability, and clear communication between installers, manufacturers, and building owners.

• Investigations and Remediation
  Supports diagnostics in cases of floor covering failure or when remediation of existing installations is required.

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Related Standards

Professionals utilizing ASTM F3441-24a will also benefit from familiarity with related standards:

• ASTM C125: Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
• ASTM D1129: Terminology Relating to Water
• ASTM D4262: Test Method for pH of Chemically Cleaned or Etched Concrete Surfaces
• ASTM F141: Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
• ASTM F710: Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
• ASTM F2170: Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using In Situ Probes
• OSHA §1926.1153: Respirable Crystalline Silica (applicable to workplace safety during preparation and removal activities)

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Keywords: pH measurement, resilient flooring, concrete slab, surface preparation, alkali, carbonation, ASTM standards, flooring installation, surface alkalinity, construction best practices

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3441 − 24a
Standard Guide for
Measurement of pH Involving Resilient Flooring
Installations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3441; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
gregates
1.1 This guide discusses procedures that may be used for
D1129 Terminology Relating to Water
evaluating the comparative change in pH of reagent water
D4262 Test Method for pH of Chemically Cleaned or Etched
placed on the surface of a properly prepared concrete slab
Concrete Surfaces
surface.
F141 Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
1.2 This guide is intended to be used in conjunction with the
F710 Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive
flat surface electrode pH meter manufacturer’s calibration
Resilient Flooring
procedures, operation instructions, and interpretive data where
F2170 Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in
available.
Concrete Floor Slabs Using in situ Probes
1.3 This guide is intended to be used in conjunction with the
2.2 ACI Standards:
pH paper manufacturer’s instructions, product shelf life, and
ACI CT 18 Concrete Terminology
interpretive data where available.
2.3 OSHA Standards:
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
§1926.1153 Respirable Crystalline Silica
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3. Terminology
and are not considered standard.
3.1 Definitions:
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.1 See Terminology C125 for definition of the term:
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
concrete.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.2 See Terminology D1129 for definitions of the terms:
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
alkalinity and reagent water.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use
3.1.3 See Terminology F141 for definitions of the term:
Some specific hazards statements are given in Section 9 on
resilient flooring.
Hazards.
3.1.4 See Test Method F2170 for definition of service tem-
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
perature and relative humidity.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.5 pH, n—a measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
with neutrality represented by a value of 7, with increasing
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
acidity represented by smaller values, and with increasing
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
alkalinity represented by increasing values. D4262
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.6 carbonation, n—reaction between carbon dioxide and
a hydroxide or oxide to form a carbonate, especially in cement
2. Referenced Documents
paste, mortar, or concrete. ACI CT 18
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 alkali, n—a basic, ionic salt of an alkali or alkaline
1 earth metal chemical element; also, a base that dissolves in
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F06 on Resilient Floor
Coverings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F06.40 on Practices. water.
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2024. Published February 2024. Originally
approved in 2023. Last previous edition approved in 2024 as F3441 – 24. DOI:
10.1520/F3441-24A.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), 38800 Country Club Dr.,
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3439, http://www.concrete.org.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 200
the ASTM website. Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210, http://www.osha.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3441 − 24a
3.2.2 properly prepared concrete slab surface, n—a con- other alkaline hydroxides are formed. The pH of wet concrete
crete slab surface that has been prepared in strict accordance and cementitious underlayments are extremely alkaline, typi-
with the written instructions of the resilient flooring, adhesive, cally around pH 12 to 13.
underlayment manufacturer, Practice F710, or project specifi- 7.2.1 Any portland cement dust or cementitious underlay-
cations.
ment dust on the concrete surface could interfere with the
results of pH evaluation and should be completely removed
4. Significance and Use
before evaluating concrete slab surface pH.
4.1 There is typically a higher concentration of soluble
7.3 The surface of concrete slabs will naturally react with
alkali salts in the surface region of a concrete slab due to the
atmospheric carbon dioxide to produce calcium carbonate in
initial bleeding process of a freshly placed concrete slab. If
the hydraulic cement paste through a process known as
after a resilient floor covering material is installed there is
carbonation, which reduces the pH of the concrete slab surface.
sufficient moisture within the slab to place these salts into
7.3.1 Carbonation slowly progresses deeper into the con-
solution a potentially damaging high pH solution can develop
crete over time.
beneath the installed material.
7.3.2 Concrete slab surface pH results in the range of pH 8
4.2 Results obtained through the use of this guide indicate
to 10 are typical for a concrete slab surface with at least a thin
the comparative pH of reagent water placed on properly
layer of carbonation (approximately 0.04 in. (1 mm)).
prepared concrete slab surfaces only at the time of the
7.3.3 The more concrete removed from the surface, the less
procedure and in the specific locations evaluated.
the remaining carbonated layer, if any, so the pH of a solution
of water added to the abrasively or mechanically prepared
4.3 If pre-installation surface pH evaluation is required by
surface is expected to increase, possibly up to that of portland
the manufacturer of the resilient flooring, adhesive, patching/
cement (pH 12 to 13).
underlayment products or project specifications, their instruc-
tions and limitations should be consulted. 7.3.4 Shotblasting, sanding, grinding, or other such methods
of surface preparation can remove the carbonated surface layer
5. Summary of Guide
of a concrete slab and expose a more highly alkaline condition,
5.1 This guide covers various procedures that may be used which if tested by this method, will likely result in a higher pH
to evaluate the comparative change in the pH of reagent water measurement.
placed on a concrete slab surface. The pH of the reagent water 7.3.5 Unless required for the proper concrete surface prepa-
is first evaluated in a clean vessel and the result recorded. A ration for the materials to be installed, no mechanical surface
sample of the reagent water is then placed on a properly preparation should be done prior to using this method.
prepared concrete slab surface, allowed to set for 60 s, and the
7.4 Accumulation of alkali on a concrete slab is commonly
pH of the reagent water on the concrete slab surface is
known as efflorescence; the most common efflorescence is a
evaluated and the result recorded.
white powdery deposit of calcium carbonate which has a pH of
NOTE 1—It should be understood that this guide incorporates the 9 to 10. Such deposits can interfere with the results of concrete
addition of an external source of liquid water in order to form a solution
slab surface pH evaluation and should be completely removed
in which the pH can be measured. However, if there is not sufficient
before evaluating concrete slab surface pH.
moisture in the concrete to create a solution, the results of this test
procedure do not provide an accurate assessment of the condition that will 7.5 A common misconception concerning reagent water is
develop or exist below the flooring and adhesive after they are installed.
that it is neutral with a pH of 7. However, reagent water can
If the moisture level in a slab is high enough to place soluble alkali salts
absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere forming carbonic
in the surface region of the slab into solution, that solution will be alkaline
acid. This acidification of the reagent water can cause the
and depending on the composition of the concrete the pH measurement
reagent water to have a pH of less than 6 and can occur within
may increase over time.
NOTE 2—When a water-based adhesive is applied to the surface of a
as little as two hours exposure of the reagent water to normal
bare concrete slab there may be sufficient free water in the adhesive to
atmospheric conditions.
place soluble alkali salts in the surface region of the slab into solution and
create a high pH condition.
8. Hazards
6. Reagents and Materials
8.1 Respirable Crystalline Silica and Asbestos Warning—
6.1 Unless otherwise indicated, references to water shall be
Concrete slab surfaces, underlayment material, or existing
understood to mean deionized (DI) or distilled water.
resilient flooring, backing, lining felt, paint, asphaltic cutback
adhesives, or other adhesives may contain respirable asbestos
7. Interferences
fibers or respirable crystalline silica if disturbed.
7.1 Membrane forming curing compounds used to cure
8.1.1 Consult with OSHA §1926.1153 for latest federal
freshly placed concrete slabs may leave a residual surface film
regulatory requirements before sanding, grinding, scarifying,
of oil, wax, resin, or a combination thereof, which can interfere
dry sweeping, dry scraping
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F3441 − 24 F3441 − 24a
Standard Guide for
Measurement of pH Involving Resilient Flooring
Installations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3441; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This guide coversdiscusses procedures that may be used for evaluating the comparative change in pH of reagent water placed
on the surface of a properly prepared concrete slab surface.
1.2 This guide is intended to be used in conjunction with the flat surface electrode pH meter manufacturer’s calibration procedures,
operation instructions, and interpretive data where available.
1.3 This guide is intended to be used in conjunction with the pH paper manufacturer’s instructions, product shelf life, and
interpretive data where available.
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use Some specific hazards statements are given in Section 9 on Hazards.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Aggregates
D1129 Terminology Relating to Water
D4262 Test Method for pH of Chemically Cleaned or Etched Concrete Surfaces
F141 Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
F710 Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
F2170 Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using in situ Probes
2.2 ACI Standards:
ACI CT 18 Concrete Terminology
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F06 on Resilient Floor Coverings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F06.40 on Practices.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2024Jan. 15, 2024. Published February 2024. Originally approved in 2023. Last previous edition approved in 20232024 as
F3441 – 23a.F3441 – 24. DOI: 10.1520/F3441-24. DOI: 10.1520/F3441-24A.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), 38800 Country Club Dr., Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3439, http://www.concrete.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3441 − 24a
2.3 OSHA Standards:
§1926.1153 Respirable Crystalline Silica
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 See Terminology C125 for definition of the term: concrete.
3.1.2 See Terminology D1129 for definitions of the terms: alkalinity and reagent water.
3.1.3 See Terminology F141 for definitions of the term: resilient flooring.
3.1.4 See Test Method F2170 for definition of service temperature and relative humidity.
3.1.5 See Test Method D4262 for definition of pH from which the following is quoted: pH—a measure of acidity or alkalinity of
a solution, with neutrality represented by a value of 7, with increasing acidity represented by smaller values, and with increasing
alkalinity represented by increasing values.
3.1.5.1 If pH is hydrogen ions in solution, then if the "dry salts" do not enter into solution, they will not be separated into their
ionic and anionic constituents, so effectively pH cannot be measured. Adding water to a dry, salt-containing compound, and then
measuring the resulting pH only provides a measurement for future potential pH related activity, should a solution become realized.
3.1.5 pH, n—a measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution, with neutrality represented by a value of 7, with increasing acidity
represented by smaller values, and with increasing alkalinity represented by increasing values. D4262
3.1.6 carbonation, n—reaction between carbon dioxide and a hydroxide or oxide to form a carbonate, especially in cement paste,
mortar, or concrete. ACI CT 18
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 alkali, n—a basic, ionic salt of an alkali or alkaline earth metal chemical element; also, a base that dissolves in water.
3.2.2 properly prepared concrete slab surface, n—a concrete slab surface that has been prepared in strict accordance with the
written instructions of the resilient flooring, adhesive, underlayment manufacturer, Practice F710, or project specifications.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 There is typically a higher concentration of soluble alkali salts in the surface region of a concrete slab due to the initial bleeding
process of a freshly placed concrete slab. If after a resilient floor covering material is installed there is sufficient moisture within
the slab to place these salts into solution a potentially damaging high pH solution can develop beneath the installed material.
4.2 Results obtained through the use of this guide indicate the comparative pH of reagent water placed on properly prepared
concrete slab surfaces only at the time of the procedure and in the specific locations evaluated.
4.3 If pre-installation surface pH evaluation is required by the manufacturer of the resilient flooring, adhesive, patching/
underlayment products or project specifications, their instructions and limitations should be consulted.
5. Summary of Guide
5.1 This guide covers various procedures that may be used to evaluate the comparative change in the pH of reagent water placed
on a concrete slab surface. The pH of the reagent water is first evaluated in a clean vessel and the result recorded. A sample of
the reagent water is then placed on a properly prepared concrete slab surface, allowed to set for 60 s, and the pH of the reagent
water on the concrete slab surface is evaluated and the result recorded.
NOTE 1—It should be understood that this guide incorporates the addition of an external source of liquid water in order to form a solution in which the
Available from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20210, http://www.osha.gov.
F3441 − 24a
pH can be measured. However, if there is not sufficient moisture in the concrete to create a solution, the results of this test procedure do not provide an
accurate assessment of the condition that will develop or exist below the flooring and adhesive after they are installed. If the moisture level in a slab is
high enough to place soluble alkali salts in the surface region of the slab into solution, that solution will be alkaline and depending on the composition
of the concrete the pH measurement may increase over time.
NOTE 2—When a water-based adhesive is applied to the surface of a bare concrete slab there may be sufficient free water in the adhesive to place soluble
alkali salts in the surface region of the slab into solution and create a high pH condition. However, if the surface region of the slab is porous, and the
relative humidity level in the slab is 85 % or lower, as measured by Test Method F2170, the pH effect of water in an adhesive will be a short-term
condition.
6. Reagents and Materials
6.1 Unless otherwise indicated, references to water shall be understood to mean deionized (DI) or distilled water.
7. Interferences
7.1 Membrane forming curing compounds used to cure freshly placed concrete slabs may leave a residual surface film of oil, wax,
resin, or a combination thereof, which can interfere with the results of concrete slab surface pH testing. Such materials should be
completely removed in accordance with F710 before testing concrete slab surface pH.
7.2 As portland cement and cementitious underlayment materials for resilient flooring hydrate, calcium hydroxide and other
alkaline hydroxides are formed. The pH of wet concrete and cementitious underlayments are extremely alkaline, typically around
pH 12 to 13.
7.2.1 Any portland cement dust or cementitious underlayment dust on the concrete surface could interfere with the results of pH
evaluation and should be completely removed before evaluating concrete slab surface pH.
7.3 The surface of concrete slabs will naturally react with atmospheric carbon dioxide to produce calcium carbonate in the
hydraulic cement paste through a process known as carbonation, which reduces the pH of the concrete slab surface.
7.3.1 Carbonation slowly progresses deeper into the concrete over time.
7.3.2 Concrete slab surface pH results in the range of pH 8 to 10 are typical for a concrete slab surface with at least a thin layer
of carbonation (approximately 0.04 in. (1 mm)).
7.3.3 The more concrete removed from the surface, the less the remaining carbonated layer, if any, so the pH of a solution of water
added to the abrasively or mechanically prepared surface is expected to increase, possibly up to that of portland cement (pH 12
to 13).
7.3.4 Shotblasting, sanding, grinding, or other such methods of surface preparation can remove the carbonated surface layer of a
concrete slab and expose a more highly alkaline condition, which if tested by this method, will likely result in a higher pH
measurement.
7.3.5 Unless required for the proper concrete surface preparation for the materials to be installed, no mechanical surface
preparation should be done prior to using this method.
7.4 Accumulation of alkali on a concrete slab is commonly known as efflorescence; the most common efflorescence is a white
powdery deposit of calcium carbonate which has a pH of 9 to 10. Such deposits can interfere with the results of concrete slab
surface pH evaluation and should be completely removed before evaluating concrete slab surface pH.
7.5 A common misconceptio
...