ASTM E1907-97

Standard Practices for Determining Moisture-Related Acceptability of Concrete Floors to Receive Moisture-Sensitive Finishes

SCOPE
1.1 These practices include both quantitative and qualitative procedures used to determine the amount of water or water vapor present in or emitting from concrete slabs and criteria for evaluating the moisture-related acceptability of concrete slabs to receive moisture-sensitive manufactured finish products, including certain types of resilient flooring (see Terminology F141), carpet tiles, carpet, and wood flooring, as well as related adhesives.  
1.2 Although coatings, films, and paints are not specifically intended to be included in the category of "moisture sensitive finishes" the procedures included in these practices may be useful for evaluating the moisture-related acceptability of concrete slabs for such finishes.  
1.3 These practices do not cover the adequacy of a concrete floor to perform its structural requirements.  
1.4 These practices do not include procedures to determine the presence of non-moisture related impediments to the application of finishes.  
1.5 these practices do not supersede the specific instructions or recommendations of manufacturers for their flooring finishes.  
1.6 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 the appropriate safety and health practices and detemine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Dec-1997
• ICS: 91.100.30 - Concrete and concrete products
• Technical Committee: F06 - Resilient Floor Coverings
• Drafting Committee: F06.40 - Practices

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM E1907-04 - Standard Guide to Methods of Evaluating Moisture Conditions of Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Floor Coverings
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2004
• Referred By: ASTM C898/C898M-09(2017) - Standard Guide for Use of High Solids Content, Cold Liquid-Applied Elastomeric Waterproofing Membrane with Separate Wearing Course
• Effective Date: 10-Dec-1997

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
An American National Standard
Designation: E 1907 – 97
Standard Practices for
Determining Moisture-Related Acceptability of Concrete
Floors to Receive Moisture-Sensitive Finishes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1907; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope C 332 Specification for Lightweight Aggregate for Insulat-
ing Concrete
1.1 These practices include both quantitative and qualitative
D 2216 Test Method for Laboratory Determination ofWater
procedures used to determine the amount of water or water
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock
vaporpresentinoremittingfromconcreteslabsandcriteriafor
D 4259 Practice for Abrading Concrete
evaluating the moisture-related acceptability of concrete slabs
D 4263 Test Method for Indicating Moisture in Concrete by
to receive moisture-sensitive manufactured finish products,
the Plastic Sheet Method
including certain types of resilient flooring (see Terminology
D 4397 Specification for Polyethylene Sheeting for Con-
F 141), carpet tiles, carpet, and wood flooring, as well as
struction, Industrial, and Agricultural Applications
related adhesives.
E 631 Terminology of Building Constructions
1.2 Although coatings, films, and paints are not specifically
E 1643 Practice for Installation of Water Vapor Retarders
intended to be included in the category of “moisture sensitive
Used in Contact with Earth or Granular Fill Under Con-
finishes” the procedures included in these practices may be
crete Slabs
useful for evaluating the moisture-related acceptability of
E 1745 Specification for Plastic Water Vapor Retarders
concrete slabs for such finishes.
Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill under Concrete
1.3 These practices do not cover the adequacy of a concrete
Slabs
floor to perform its structural requirements.
F 141 Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
1.4 These practices do not include procedures to determine
2.2 Other Sources:
the presence of non-moisture related impediments to the
BS 5325:1983 British Standard Code of Practice for Instal-
application of finishes.
lation of Textile Floor Coverings
1.5 These practices do not supersede the specific instruc-
BS 8203:1987 British Standard Code of Practice for Instal-
tions or recommendations of manufacturers for their flooring
lation of Sheet and Tile Flooring
finishes.
CRI 104-1994, Standard for Installation of Commercial
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Textile Floorcovering Materials
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
AddressingMoistureRelatedProblemsRelevanttoResilient
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Floor Coverings Installed Over Concrete
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
Moisture Guidelines for the Floor Covering Industry
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3. Terminology
2. Referenced Documents
3.1 Definitions:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.1 For terms used in these procedures, see Terminologies
C 33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates
C 168, E 631 and F 141.
C 125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete
Aggregates
C 168 Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulating Materi-
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
als
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 06.02.
C 330 Specification for Lightweight Aggregate for Struc-
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.03.
tural Concrete
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.11
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.04.
British Standards Institution, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL.
1 10
These practices are under the jurisdiction ofASTM CommitteeF06 on Resilient The Carpet and Rug Institute, P.O. Box 2048, Dalton, GA 30722-2048,
Floor Coverings and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F06.40 on 706/278-3176, 1994.
Practices. Resilient Floor Covering Institute, 966 Hungerford Drive, Suite 12-B, Rock-
Current edition approved Dec. 10, 1997. Published September 1998. ville, MD 20850 [phone], November 1995.
2 12
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02. World Floor Covering Association, 2211 E. Howell Avenue, Anaheim, CA
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.06. 92806 [phone] Fax [phone], undated but received August 1995.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E1907–97
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: blasting, including methods described in Practice D 4259, may
3.2.1 mat, as in “mat test”—a sample of vapor-retardant be used on existing slabs with deleterious residues to achieve
sheet resilient floor finish material an appropriate state for testing. Cleaning, if required, shall take
3.2.2 moisture emission—a term used by the flooring indus- place a minimum of 48 h prior to testing.
try in the U.S. to measure moisture emission from concrete 6.5 When using procedures involving electronic instru-
2 2
floors in lb/[1,000 ft · 24 h] (56.51 µg/(s·m )) using the ments, the presence of chlorides or carbonates, whether present
anhydrous calcium chloride test. as deliberate additions or otherwise, and other concrete addi-
3.2.3 concrete—concrete made using hydraulic cement as tives or metallic fibers can result in erroneous readings. The
defined in Terminology C 125. error will depend on the quantity present but, in general, the
water content indicated by the test will be the maximum water
4. Summary of Practice content.
4.1 This document describes eight procedures, commonly
7. Procedures
referred to as “tests,” used in the construction industry to
determine if unacceptable moisture is present in or being 7.1 General:
emitted from concrete slabs. 7.1.1 Perform bond and moisture testing procedures on
concrete to determine if surfaces are sufficiently dry and free
5. Significance and Use from deleterious substances.
7.1.2 Measure ambient temperature and relative humidity
5.1 These practices are intended to be used by applicators of
within the structure in which the floor is located at beginning
moisture-sensitive floor finish products to determine if there
and completion of each procedure.
are moisture-related conditions existing in concrete slabs
7.1.3 Sampling
which would adversely impact the successful application and
7.1.3.1 Unless otherwise indicated, sampling shall be as
performance of these products.
follows:
5.2 These practices can also be used as an aid in the
7.1.3.2 Locations shall not be concentrated and shall be
diagnosis of performance failures in moisture-sensitive floor
distributed around the floor area. One location shall be near the
finish products.
center with others around the perimeter. Selection of locations
5.3 Although these practices are called “tests” for confor-
shall include, but not be limited to, areas of potentially high
mity with accepted and familiar industry nomenclature, they
moisture such as joints and areas closer than 5 ft (1.5 m) from
are intended to be used only in concert with the judgment and
the edge of the slab.
experience of the user. One or more of the practices may be
7.1.3.3 Use three sample locations for areas up to 500 ft (50
referenced in a floor finish application specification only to
m )
establish the procedures the specifier intends the applicator to
7.1.3.4 Use one additional sample location for each addi-
utilize in assessing the acceptability of a concrete surface for a
2 2
tional 500 ft (50m ).
particular finish product.
7.2 Polyethylene Sheet Test:
5.4 Unless otherwise indicated, these practices are appli-
7.2.1 Summary of Method—This method uses a vapor-
cable to slabs on grade, slabs below grade, and slabs above
retardant plastic sheet sealed to the floor as a vapor trap to
grade (see Terminology F 141).
determine if excessive moisture is present.
7.2.2 Significance and Use:
6. Interferences
7.2.2.1 See Section 5.
6.1 Conduct procedures after the internal conditions of the
7.2.2.2 This method, described byTest Method D 4263, was
building in which a slab is located have been at normal service
developed by Committee D-33 on Protective Coatings and
temperature and humidity for at least 48 h. Otherwise, results
Lining Work for Power Generating Facilities. It is the respon-
may not accurately reflect the amount of moisture which is
sibility of Subcommittee D33.05 on Surface Preparation.
present in the slab or would normally be emitted from or
7.2.2.3 Although developed for coating systems prepara-
through the concrete during normal operating conditions. If the
tion, it is also widely used in the flooring industry.
service temperature and humidity is unattainable, the internal
7.2.3 Apparatus—none.
conditions of the building in which a slab is located shall have
7.2.4 Reagents and Materials:
been maintained within the following temperature and humid-
7.2.4.1 Transparent polyethylene sheet Specification
ity range for at least 48 h:
D 4397, minimum 4 mils (0.1 mm) thick.
6.1.1 Temperature: 65° to 85°F (18° to 29°C), and
7.2.4.2 Adhesive tape that will adhere to the floor and the
6.1.2 Relatively humidity: 40% to 60%.
sheet, such as duct tape, 2 in (50 mm) wide.
6.2 No visible water in liquid form shall be present on the
7.2.5 Preparation of Apparatus—none.
concrete at the time procedures commence.
7.2.6 Calibration and Standardization—none.
6.3 Avoid locations in direct sunlight or subject to direct
7.2.7 Procedure:
sources of heat.
6.4 The concrete surface shall be free of coatings, finishes,
dirt, curing compounds, or other substances which may affect
the rate of moisture dissipation or the adhesion of finishes.
Placement in a grid array is recommended when an isoplethic analysis is
Non-chemical methods, such as abrasive cleaning or bead- anticipated in order to facilitate documentation and accuracy.
E1907–97
7.2.7.1 Tape a plastic sheet approximately 18 in. by 18 in. between the meter probes. Conductivity varies in proportion
(460 mm by 460 mm) tightly to the concrete surface making to moisture content. Uses proprietary meters and interpretive
sure all edges are sealed. methods provided by meter manufacturers.
7.4.2 Significance and Use—see Section 5.
7.2.7.2 After a minimum of 16 h , remove the plastic sheet
7.4.3 This procedure provides a relatively quick way to
and inspect the underside of the sheet and the concrete surface
obtain an approximation of the moisture content of concrete.
for presence of moisture.
7.4.4 Apparatus—Suitable instrument to measure the con-
7.2.8 Calculation and Interpretation of Results—Presence
ductivity between two electrodes which are placed in contact
of visible liquid water indicates concrete is insufficiently dry
with the concrete floor surface or placed into two pre-drilled
for application of finishes.
holes one inch (25 mm) deep into the concrete floor.
7.3 Mat Test:
7.4.5 Reagents and Materials—none.
7.3.1 Summary of Method:
7.4.6 Preparation of Apparatus—Follow instrument manu-
7.3.1.1 This method uses a sample of vapor retardant floor
facturer’s instructions.
finish material and a water-based adhesive to predict the
7.4.7 Calibration and Standardization—Follow instrument
behavior of moisture-sensitive adhesives.
manufacturer’s instructions
7.3.2 A variation of this procedure (known as the “bond”
7.4.8 Procedure—To use one type of instrument, it is
test) beyond the scope of this document can be used to test for
necessary to drill holes in the slab to receive pins.Another type
bond between substrate and floor finish products such as vinyl
can be used with or without drilling holes, but the readings will
composition tile, PVC backed carpet, and sheet vinyl.
bemoreaccurateifholesaredrilledandthepinsaredriveninto
7.3.3 Apparatus—None.
the holes. Care shall be taken to avoid contact between the
7.3.4 Reagents and Materials:
probes and any metal incorporated into the slab.
7.3.4.1 Latex multipurpose or water soluble adhesive in- 7.4.9 Calculation or Interpretation of Results:
tended for use with resilient flooring products. It is not 7.4.9.1 Generic data to correlate measured electrical resis-
necessary to use the type of floor finish product intended for tance to acceptable moisture conditions are not available at this
application in this procedure, since the sheet product simply time; however, instrument manufacturers generally publish
provides a vapor-retardant surface which has sufficient rigidity guides for this purpose specific to the instruments they manu-
and weight to remain in place during the procedure. facture.
7.4.9.2 Although a high reading (good conductance) typi-
7.3.4.2 Sheet vinyl, or similar resilient vapor-retardant re-
cally indicates high moisture content, a low reading (poor
silient flooring sheet product.
conductance) does not necessarily indicate more than surface
7.3.4.3 Adhesive tape that will adhere to the floor and the
dryness, as the concrete may have a higher moisture content
sheet, such as duct tape, 2 in (50 mm) wide.
below the surface. Conversely, a concrete with low moisture
7.3.5 Preparation of Apparatus—Prepare number of mats
content but containing metal fibers could cause a high reading.
as required approximately 24 in. by 24 in. (600 mm by 600
7.4.9.3 Confirmation measurements can be made by taking
mm).
readings at a number of locations which are then covered by a
7.3.6 Calibration and Standardization—None
vapor retarder material such as polyethylene sheeting then
7.3.7 Procedure—Apply adhesive to an area 24 in. by 24 in.
taking subsequent readings 24 h later after removing the
(600 mm by 600 mm). While the adhesive is wet, place the
covers. Where the second reading significantly exceeds the
mat, surface or face down, immediately into the adhesive. Seal
first, it indicates that the concrete has an unacceptable level of
the perimeter edges using tape. The face is placed down to
moisture.
avoid absorption of water in the adhesive by the backing.
7.5 Electrical Impedance Test:
7.3.8 Calculation or Interpretation of Results:
7.5.1 Summary of Method—Uses proprietary meters and
7.3.8.1 After72h,makeavisualinspectiontodeterminethe
interpretive methods provided by meter manufacturers to
condition of the adhesive.
determine the moisture content of concrete by measuring both
7.3.8.2 If the adhesive is partially or completely dissolved, conductance and capacitance.
is still wet, or has little bond, there is too much moisture
7.5.2 Significance and Use—See Section 5.
present to proceed with the installation of flooring material. 7.5.2.1 A quick, non-destructive way t
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