ASTM F2659-10(2015)

Standard Guide for Preliminary Evaluation of Comparative Moisture Condition of Concrete, Gypsum Cement and Other Floor Slabs and Screeds Using a Non-Destructive Electronic Moisture Meter

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Moisture in concrete floor slabs affects the performance of flooring systems such as resilient, wood, and textile floor coverings and coatings. Manufacturers of such systems generally require moisture testing be performed before installation of coverings on floor slabs and screeds. The measurement of sub-surface comparative moisture condition in the upper 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) stratum of a concrete slab with a non-destructive moisture meter is one such method.  
5.2 Excessive moisture in floor slabs after installation can cause floor covering system failures such as delamination, bonding failure, deterioration of finish flooring and coatings, and microbial growth.  
5.3 5.3 Comparative moisture content tests indicate the moisture in the slab, which is usually referenced to the percentage of dry weight. That is:
Results indicate conditions at the time of the test.  
5.4 Methods of meter calibration and factors affecting equilibration are described in Section 8.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide focuses on obtaining the comparative moisture condition within the upper 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) stratum in concrete, gypsum, anhydrite floor slabs and screeds for field tests. Due to the wide variation of material mixtures and additives used in floor slabs and screeds, this methodology may not be appropriate for all applications. See 1.2 through 1.8 and Section 11. Where appropriate or when specified use further testing as outlined in Test Methods F1869, F2170 or F2420 before installing a resilient floor covering.  
1.2 This guide is intended for use to determine if there are moisture-related conditions existing on, or in, the floor slabs that could adversely impact the successful application and performance of resilient flooring products.  
1.3 This guide may be used to aid in the diagnosis of failures of installed resilient flooring.  
1.4 This guide is intended to be used in conjunction with meter manufacturer’s operation instructions and interpretive data where available.  
1.5 Where possible, or when results need to be quantified use this standard guide to determine where additional testing such as Test Methods F1869, F2170, or F2420 as specified to characterize the floor slab and the test area environment for moisture, humidity and temperature conditions.  
1.6 This guide may not be suitable for areas that have surface applied moisture migration systems, curing compounds or coatings that cannot be removed or cleaned off sufficiently to allow the moisture to move upwards through the slab. For a floor slab of 6 in. (150 mm) plus thickness, low porosity slabs, slabs with no vapor retarder installed, and slabs where the above surface environmental conditions can have a greater than normal influence on the moisture reduction gradient of the floor slab or screed, consider Test Method F2170 (below surface in situ rh method) as a more suitable test method under these circumstances.  
1.7 This guide is not intended to provide quantitative results as a basis for acceptance of a floor for installation of moisture sensitive flooring finishes systems. Test Methods F1869, F2170, or F2420 provide quantitative information for determining if moisture levels are within specific limits. Results from this guide do not provide vital information when evaluating thick slabs, slabs without effective vapor retarders directly under the slab, lightweight aggregate concrete floors, and slabs with curing compound or sealers on the surface.  
1.8 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.  
1.9 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitatio...

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2015
• ICS: 91.060.30 - Ceilings. Floors. Stairs
• Technical Committee: F06 - Resilient Floor Coverings
• Drafting Committee: F06.40 - Practices

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
Designation: F2659 − 10 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Guide for
Preliminary Evaluation of Comparative Moisture Condition
of Concrete, Gypsum Cement and Other Floor Slabs and
Screeds Using a Non-Destructive Electronic Moisture Meter
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2659; 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 normalinfluenceonthemoisturereductiongradientofthefloor
slab or screed, consider Test Method F2170 (below surface in
1.1 This guide focuses on obtaining the comparative mois-
situ rh method) as a more suitable test method under these
ture condition within the upper 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) stratum in
circumstances.
concrete, gypsum, anhydrite floor slabs and screeds for field
tests. Due to the wide variation of material mixtures and 1.7 This guide is not intended to provide quantitative results
additivesusedinfloorslabsandscreeds,thismethodologymay as a basis for acceptance of a floor for installation of moisture
not be appropriate for all applications. See 1.2 through 1.8 and sensitive flooring finishes systems. Test Methods F1869,
Section 11. Where appropriate or when specified use further F2170,or F2420 provide quantitative information for deter-
testing as outlined in Test Methods F1869, F2170 or F2420 mining if moisture levels are within specific limits. Results
before installing a resilient floor covering. from this guide do not provide vital information when evalu-
ating thick slabs, slabs without effective vapor retarders di-
1.2 This guide is intended for use to determine if there are
rectlyundertheslab,lightweightaggregateconcretefloors,and
moisture-related conditions existing on, or in, the floor slabs
slabs with curing compound or sealers on the surface.
that could adversely impact the successful application and
performance of resilient flooring products. 1.8 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
1.3 This guide may be used to aid in the diagnosis of
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
failures of installed resilient flooring.
and are not considered standard.
1.4 This guide is intended to be used in conjunction with
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the
meter manufacturer’s operation instructions and interpretive
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
data where available.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
1.5 Where possible, or when results need to be quantified
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
use this standard guide to determine where additional testing
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific warnings
such as Test Methods F1869, F2170,or F2420 as specified to
are given in Section 7.
characterize the floor slab and the test area environment for
2. Referenced Documents
moisture, humidity and temperature conditions.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.6 This guide may not be suitable for areas that have
D4259 Practice for Abrading Concrete
surfaceappliedmoisturemigrationsystems,curingcompounds
F1869 Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission
orcoatingsthatcannotberemovedorcleanedoffsufficientlyto
Rate of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium
allow the moisture to move upwards through the slab. For a
Chloride
floor slab of 6 in. (150 mm) plus thickness, low porosity slabs,
F2170 Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in
slabs with no vapor retarder installed, and slabs where the
Concrete Floor Slabs Using in situ Probes
abovesurfaceenvironmentalconditionscanhaveagreaterthan
F2420 Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity on
ThisguideisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeF06onResilientFloor
Coverings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F06.40 on Practices. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
CurrenteditionapprovedMay1,2015.PublishedJuly2015.Originallyapproved contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as F2659-10. DOI: 10.1520/F2659- Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10R15. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2659 − 10 (2015)
the Surface of Concrete Floor Slabs Using Relative
Humidity Probe Measurement and Insulated Hood (With-
drawn 2014)
NOTE 1—Also see Related Documents section at the end of this
standard.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 dew point, n—dew point temperature is the tempera-
NOTE 1—Not to scale.
ture at which condensation begins. It is the temperature at
FIG. 1 Typical Non-destructive Electronic Moisture Meter for Con-
whichairmustbecooledinordertoreachsaturation(assuming
crete
air pressure and moisture content are constant).
3.1.2 moisture content (MC), n—moisture content tests
indicate the moisture content in the slab at the time of the test.
4.2.2 The depth of the signal penetration will vary depend-
This can be defined as the mass of moisture per unit mass of
ing on the material and moisture content of the material being
dry material, for example:
tested. It generally varies from 0.5 to 1.0 in. (12.7 to 25.4 mm).
Wet weight 2 Dry weight
Dry weight
5. Significance and Use
.
5.1 Moisture in concrete floor slabs affects the performance
3.1.3 relative humidity, n—ratio of the amount of water
of flooring systems such as resilient, wood, and textile floor
vaporactuallyintheaircomparedtotheamountofwatervapor
coverings and coatings. Manufacturers of such systems gener-
required for saturation at that particular temperature and
allyrequiremoisturetestingbeperformedbeforeinstallationof
pressure, expressed as a percentage.
coverings on floor slabs and screeds. The measurement of
3.1.4 service temperature and relative humidity, n—the
sub-surfacecomparativemoistureconditionintheupper1.0in.
average ambient air temperature and relative humidity that
(25.4 mm) stratum of a concrete slab with a non-destructive
typically will be found in the buildings occupied spaces during
moisture meter is one such method.
normal use.
5.2 Excessive moisture in floor slabs after installation can
3.1.5 vapor emission, n—moisture vapor emission is used to
cause floor covering system failures such as delamination,
define the amount of water vapor emitting from the concrete
bonding failure, deterioration of finish flooring and coatings,
floor slab when using the Anhydrous Calcium Chloride test.
and microbial growth.
This is usually expressed in lb/1000 ft during a 24-h period.
5.3 5.3 Comparative moisture content tests indicate the
moisture in the slab, which is usually referenced to the
4. Summary of Guide
percentage of dry weight. That is:
4.1 Procedure:
Wet weight 2 Dry weight
4.1.1 This guide covers a procedure in which a purpose-
Dry weight
made and calibrated electronic moisture meter is used in
Results indicate conditions at the time of the test.
conjunctionwithinterpretivemethodsprovidedbymeterorthe
meter manufacturer, or both, to determine the comparative 5.4 Methods of meter calibration and factors affecting
moisture content in the upper 1 in. (25.4 mm) stratum of
equilibration are described in Section 8.
concrete and other floor slabs and screeds by non-destructively
measuring the electrical ac impedance. 6. Apparatus for Non-Destructive Moisture Meter
Testing Procedure
4.2 Principles of Operation:
4.2.1 The electrical impedance of a material varies in 6.1 An electrical impedance moisture meter specifically
developed and calibrated for the non-destructive measurement
proportiontoitscomparativemoisturecondition.Theelectrical
impedance of the floor slab directly under the footprint of the of the comparative moisture condition in concrete flooring
slabs.
instrument is measured by creating an alternating electric field
that penetrates the material under test. The small alternating
6.2 The moisture meter should have a clear display giving
current flowing through the field is inversely proportional to
readings of the moisture condition for concrete and other floor
the impedance of the material. The instrument determines the
slabs in meaningful and interpretable units of measurement.
current’s amplitude and thus derives the moisture value. (See
6.3 The moisture meter should be placed in direct contact
Fig. 1). Classifications of meters using this technology are
with the surface of the bare clean concrete in accordance with
impedance, capacitance based and electrical field change
the meter manufacturer’s recommendations. Direct contact
detecting devices.
between the instrument and the concrete itself is required so
that there is no loss of signal sensitivity, which could occur as
the sensing signals pass through the thickness of covering or
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
www.astm.org. coating materials on the material (floor slab) being tested.
F2659 − 10 (2015)
6.4 The moisture meter should be capable of sending possiblethenthetestshouldbeconductedwithconditionsat75
non-destructive signals through the surface into the concrete 6 10 ºF (24 6 5ºC) and relative humidity of 50 6 10 %.
slab without damage. Examples of suitable meters are illus-
9.1.1 All artificial aids used to accelerate drying should be
trated in Appendix Appendix X2.
turned off at least 96 h before commencement of the moisture
testing otherwise results may not accurately reflect the amount
7. Hazards
of moisture present in the slab during normal operating
conditions.
7.1 Silica and Asbestos Warning—Do not sand, dry sweep,
drill, saw, bead blast, or mechanically chip or pulverize
9.2 No visible water in liquid form should be present on the
existing resilient flooring, backing, lining felt, paint, asphaltic
concrete at the time this testing procedure is being carried out.
cutback adhesives, or other adhesives. These products may
9.3 Avoid testing locations in direct sunlight or subject to
containasbestosfibersorcrystallinesilica.Avoidcreatingdust.
direct sources of heat.
Inhalation of such dust is a cancer and respiratory tract hazard.
Smoking by individuals exposed to asbestos fibers greatly
9.4 Prior to moisture testing the concrete, the surface of the
increases the risk of serious bodily harm. Unless positively
test area shall be clean and free of any covering, coatings,
certain that the product is non-asbestos-containing material,
adhesive residue, finishes, dirt, curing compounds, or other
presume that it contains asbestos. Regulations may require that
substances. Non-chemical methods for removal, such as abra-
the material be tested to determine asbestos content. The
sive cleaning or bead blasting, including methods described in
Resilient Floor Covering Institute’s (RFCI) recommended
Practice D4259 may be used on existing slabs with deleterious
work practices for removal of existing resilient floor coverings
residues to achieve an appropriate state for testing. Surface
should be consulted for a defined set of instructions addressed
preparation shall take place as follows:
to the task of removing all resilient floor covering structures.
9.5 Concrete slabs covered by existing resilient floor cov-
7.1.1 Various federal, state, and local government laws have
erings must have such coverings and all three-dimensional
regulations covering the removal of asbestos-containing mate-
adhesive removed, and the test area should be exposed to
rials. If considering the removal of resilient flooring or asphal-
conditions specified in 9.1 for a minimum of 24 h prior to
tic cut–back adhesive that contains or presumes to contain
cleaning and testing.
asbestos, review and comply with the applicable regulations.
9.6 Remaining adhesive or other deleterious residues, or
7.2 Lead Warning—Certain paints may contain lead. Expo-
both, or concrete slabs that have never hosted resilient floor
suretoexcessiveamountsofleaddustpresentsahealthhazard.
coverings must be cleaned of all substances as noted in 9.4.
Refer to applicable federal, state, and local laws and guidelines
Such cleaning may take place immediately prior to testing.
for hazard identification and abatement of lead-based paint
Removal of any floor covering or adhesive shall be carried out
published by the US Department of Housing and Urban
in accordance with RFCI recommended work practices for the
Development regarding appropriate methods for identifying
removal of resilient floor coverings.
lead-based paint and removing such paint, and any licensing,
certification, and training requirements for persons performing
9.7 Moisture meters for concrete normally have their initial
lead abatement work.
calibration based on clean and bare concrete.
9.8 Removalofanyexistingfloorcoveringoradhesiveshall
8. Calibration
be accomplished using approved OSHA work practices. For
8.1 Moisture Measurement meters should be manufactured
removableofanyexistingflooringoradhesivesstrictlyobserve
with traceable calibration procedures and have manufacturer’s
Section7andanyotherappropriatesafetyandhealthpractices.
certification, or documentation, available stating the range of
calibration and the accuracy of the meter. Moisture Meters
10. Procedure
should be initially calibrated at a minimum of two points.
10.1 Follow the instrument manufacturer’s instructions.
8.2 The Moisture Meter should be of a design that the user
Typically, power up the moisture meter, place the meter on the
can check the calibration.
bare and clean concrete slab with its sensors firmly pressed
8.3 Check calibration within 30 days before use by using
down giving direct contact with the surface of the floor slab.
guidelines or equipment, or both, supplied or recommended by
Concrete moisture meters that have spring-loaded contacts
the manufacturer of the moisture meter. If the as-found
incorporated in the electrodes or sensor should be pressed
readings differ from the nominal readings by more than the
down onto the surface of the area being tested so that these
tolerances as laid down by the manufacturer, then the meter
contacts are fully compressed when taking measurements.
manufacturer or its approved recalibration service provider
10.2 With the meter switched on, an electric field penetrates
should recalibrate the meter before it is used.
the slab. The current flowing through this field is determined
and converted to a comparative or percentage moisture content
9. Pre-test Conditioning and Preparation
reading, which is
...

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: F2659 − 10 F2659 − 10 (Reapproved 2015)
Standard Guide for
Preliminary Evaluation of Comparative Moisture Condition
of Concrete, Gypsum Cement and Other Floor Slabs and
Screeds Using a Non-Destructive Electronic Moisture Meter
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2659; 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 focuses on obtaining the comparative moisture condition within the upper 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) stratum in concrete,
gypsum, anhydrite floor slabs and screeds for field tests. Due to the wide variation of material mixtures and additives used in floor
slabs and screeds, this methodology may not be appropriate for all applications. See 1.2 through 1.8 and Section 11. Where
appropriate or when specified use further testing as outlined in Test Methods F1869, F2170 or F2420 before installing a resilient
floor covering.
1.2 This guide is intended for use to determine if there are moisture-related conditions existing on, or in, the floor slabs that
could adversely impact the successful application and performance of resilient flooring products.
1.3 This guide may be used to aid in the diagnosis of failures of installed resilient flooring.
1.4 This guide is intended to be used in conjunction with meter manufacturer’s operation instructions and interpretive data
where available.
1.5 Where possible, or when results need to be quantified use this standard guide to determine where additional testing such
as Test Methods F1869, F2170, or F2420 as specified to characterize the floor slab and the test area environment for moisture,
humidity and temperature conditions.
1.6 This guide may not be suitable for areas that have surface applied moisture migration systems, curing compounds or
coatings that cannot be removed or cleaned off sufficiently to allow the moisture to move upwards through the slab. For a floor
slab of 6 in. (150 mm) plus thickness, low porosity slabs, slabs with no vapor retarder installed, and slabs where the above surface
environmental conditions can have a greater than normal influence on the moisture reduction gradient of the floor slab or screed,
consider Test Method F2170 (below surface in situ rh method) as a more suitable test method under these circumstances.
1.7 This guide is not intended to provide quantitative results as a basis for acceptance of a floor for installation of moisture
sensitive flooring finishes systems. Test Methods F1869, F2170, or F2420 provide quantitative information for determining if
moisture levels are within specific limits. Results from this guide do not provide vital information when evaluating thick slabs,
slabs without effective vapor retarders directly under the slab, lightweight aggregate concrete floors, and slabs with curing
compound or sealers on the surface.
1.8 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.
1.9 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use. Specific warnings are given in Section 7.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D4259 Practice for Abrading Concrete
F1869 Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride
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 July 1, 2010May 1, 2015. Published September 2010July 2015. DOI: 10.1520/F2659-10.Originally approved in 2010. Last previous edition
approved in 2010 as F2659-10. DOI: 10.1520/F2659-10R15.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2659 − 10 (2015)
F2170 Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using in situ Probes
F2420 Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity on the Surface of Concrete Floor Slabs Using Relative Humidity Probe
Measurement and Insulated Hood (Withdrawn 2014)
NOTE 1—Also see Related Documents section at the end of this standard.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 dew point, n—dew point temperature is the temperature at which condensation begins. It is the temperature at which air
must be cooled in order to reach saturation (assuming air pressure and moisture content are constant).
3.1.2 moisture content (MC), n—moisture content tests indicate the moisture content in the slab at the time of the test. This can
be defined as the mass of moisture per unit mass of dry material, for example:
Wet weight 2 Dry weight
Dry weight
.
3.1.3 relative humidity, n—ratio of the amount of water vapor actually in the air compared to the amount of water vapor required
for saturation at that particular temperature and pressure, expressed as a percentage.
3.1.4 service temperature and relative humidity, n—the average ambient air temperature and relative humidity that typically will
be found in the buildings occupied spaces during normal use.
3.1.5 vapor emission, n—moisture vapor emission is used to define the amount of water vapor emitting from the concrete floor
slab when using the Anhydrous Calcium Chloride test. This is usually expressed in lb/1000 ft during a 24-h period.
4. Summary of Guide
4.1 Procedure:
4.1.1 This guide covers a procedure in which a purpose-made and calibrated electronic moisture meter is used in conjunction
with interpretive methods provided by meter or the meter manufacturer, or both, to determine the comparative moisture content
in the upper 1 in. (25.4 mm) stratum of concrete and other floor slabs and screeds by non-destructively measuring the electrical
ac impedance.
4.2 Principles of Operation:
4.2.1 The electrical impedance of a material varies in proportion to its comparative moisture condition. The electrical impedance
of the floor slab directly under the footprint of the instrument is measured by creating an alternating electric field that penetrates
the material under test. The small alternating current flowing through the field is inversely proportional to the impedance of the
material. The instrument determines the current’s amplitude and thus derives the moisture value. (See Fig. 1). Classifications of
meters using this technology are impedance, capacitance based and electrical field change detecting devices.
4.2.2 The depth of the signal penetration will vary depending on the material and moisture content of the material being tested.
It generally varies from 0.5 to 1.0 in. (12.7 to 25.4 mm).
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Moisture in concrete floor slabs affects the performance of flooring systems such as resilient, wood, and textile floor
coverings and coatings. Manufacturers of such systems generally require moisture testing be performed before installation of
coverings on floor slabs and screeds. The measurement of sub-surface comparative moisture condition in the upper 1.0 in. (25.4
mm) stratum of a concrete slab with a non-destructive moisture meter is one such method.
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
NOTE 1—Not to scale.
FIG. 1 Typical Non-destructive Electronic Moisture Meter for Concrete
F2659 − 10 (2015)
5.2 Excessive moisture in floor slabs after installation can cause floor covering system failures such as delamination, bonding
failure, deterioration of finish flooring and coatings, and microbial growth.
5.3 5.3 Comparative moisture content tests indicate the moisture in the slab, which is usually referenced to the percentage of
dry weight. That is:
Wet weight 2 Dry weight
Dry weight
Results indicate conditions at the time of the test.
5.4 Methods of meter calibration and factors affecting equilibration are described in Section 8.
6. Apparatus for Non-Destructive Moisture Meter Testing Procedure
6.1 An electrical impedance moisture meter specifically developed and calibrated for the non-destructive measurement of the
comparative moisture condition in concrete flooring slabs.
6.2 The moisture meter should have a clear display giving readings of the moisture condition for concrete and other floor slabs
in meaningful and interpretable units of measurement.
6.3 The moisture meter should be placed in direct contact with the surface of the bare clean concrete in accordance with the
meter manufacturer’s recommendations. Direct contact between the instrument and the concrete itself is required so that there is
no loss of signal sensitivity, which could occur as the sensing signals pass through the thickness of covering or coating materials
on the material (floor slab) being tested.
6.4 The moisture meter should be capable of sending non-destructive signals through the surface into the concrete slab without
damage. Examples of suitable meters are illustrated in Appendix Appendix X2.
7. Hazards
7.1 Silica and Asbestos Warning—Do not sand, dry sweep, drill, saw, bead blast, or mechanically chip or pulverize existing
resilient flooring, backing, lining felt, paint, asphaltic cutback adhesives, or other adhesives. These products may contain asbestos
fibers or crystalline silica. Avoid creating dust. Inhalation of such dust is a cancer and respiratory tract hazard. Smoking by
individuals exposed to asbestos fibers greatly increases the risk of serious bodily harm. Unless positively certain that the product
is non-asbestos-containing material, presume that it contains asbestos. Regulations may require that the material be tested to
determine asbestos content. The Resilient Floor Covering Institute’s (RFCI) recommended work practices for removal of existing
resilient floor coverings should be consulted for a defined set of instructions addressed to the task of removing all resilient floor
covering structures.
7.1.1 Various federal, state, and local government laws have regulations covering the removal of asbestos-containing materials.
If considering the removal of resilient flooring or asphaltic cut–back adhesive that contains or presumes to contain asbestos, review
and comply with the applicable regulations.
7.2 Lead Warning—Certain paints may contain lead. Exposure to excessive amounts of lead dust presents a health hazard. Refer
to applicable federal, state, and local laws and guidelines for hazard identification and abatement of lead-based paint published by
the US Department of Housing and Urban Development regarding appropriate methods for identifying lead-based paint and
removing such paint, and any licensing, certification, and training requirements for persons performing lead abatement work.
8. Calibration
8.1 Moisture Measurement meters should be manufactured with traceable calibration procedures and have manufacturer’s
certification, or documentation, available stating the range of calibration and the accuracy of the meter. Moisture Meters should
be initially calibrated at a minimum of two points.
8.2 The Moisture Meter should be of a design that the user can check the calibration.
8.3 Check calibration within 30 days before use by using guidelines or equipment, or both, supplied or recommended by the
manufacturer of the moisture meter. If the as-found readings differ from the nominal readings by more than the tolerances as laid
down by the manufacturer, then the meter manufacturer or its approved recalibration service provider should recalibrate the meter
before it is used.
9. Pre-test Conditioning and Preparation
9.1 The floor slab shall be at service temperature and the occupied air space above the floor slab shall be at service temperature
and relative humidity expected under normal use for at least 48 h prior to moisture content testing. If this is not possible then the
test should be conducted with conditions at 75 6 10 ºF (24 6 5ºC) and relative humidity of 50 6 10 %.
9.1.1 All artificial aids used to accelerate drying should be turned off at least 96 h before commencement of the moisture testing
otherwise results may not accurately reflect the amount of moisture present in the slab during normal operating conditions.
9.2 No visible water in liquid form should be present on the concrete at the time this testing procedure is being carried out.
F2659 − 10 (2015)
9.3 Avoid testing locations in direct sunlight or subject to direct sources of heat.
9.4 Prior to moisture testing the concrete, the surface of the test area shall be clean and free of any covering, coatings, adhesive
residue, finishes, dirt, curing compounds, or other substances. Non-chemical methods for removal, such as abrasive cleaning or
bead blasting, including methods described in Practice D4259 may be used on existing slabs with deleterious residues to achieve
an appropriate state for testing. Surface preparation shall take place as follows:
9.5 Concrete slabs covered by existing resilient floor coverings must have such coverings and all three-dimensional adhesive
removed, and the test area should be exposed to conditions specified in 9.1 for a minimum of 24 h prior to cleaning and testing.
9.6 Remaining adhesive or other deleterious residues, or both, or concrete slabs that have never hosted resilient floor coverings
must be cleaned of all substances as noted in 9.4. Such cleaning may take place immediately prior to testing. Removal of any floor
covering or adhesive shall be carried out in accordance with RFCI recommended work practices for the removal of resilient floor
coverings.
9.7 Moisture meters for concrete normally have their initial calibration based on clean and bare concrete.
9.8 Removal of any existing floor covering or adhesive shall be accomplished using approved OSHA work practices. For
removable of an
...