concrete floor moisture testing

[jaye944]

Is a calcium Chloride test still required if the taped down plastic is bead free

also should this be done at various places on a big area basement?

oh,
if there is , is correction difficult i.e. out of range of the home diyers

 

[benwah]

To determine whether too much moisture is present or migrating through concrete, ASTM D4263 “Standard Test Method for Indicating Moisture in Concrete by the Plastic Sheet Method” is useful. An 18" x 18" transparent polyethylene plastic sheet (minimum 4.0 mils thick) is placed on bare concrete and the edges are taped to form an airtight seal. The sheet is left in place for a 16-hour period (minimum). The shortcomings of this method are that the test takes 16 hours to perform and does not quantify the amount of moisture present. Also, floors to be coated are often indoors and no sunlight is present. In this case, place a light (100 watt) approximately 8"-12" over the plastic sheet. However, it can be stated that if any amount of water is detected, during or subsequent to the test, there is probably too much moisture to install a floor coating system.

Usually the frequency of testing can be determined on a per job basis, a minimum of one test per 1,000 sq. ft. of floor area should be performed.


That being said, if you find no moisture you should be good. If you have a gut feeling that you might have a moisture issue, go ahead and perform ASTM F1869 “Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006MO36AY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jaye944]

thanks benwah

there are 2 areas of concern

1) a couple of hairline cracks

2) there appears to be a drain in the floor, where the AC lines and washer overflow runs off into, I'll need to do some kinda of boxing in that area

Maybe I'll get some pics

and also try the moisture test

 

[benwah]

Hairline cracks can be easily filled with an 100% solids epoxy surfacer/filler and a putty knife.

Depending on the drain type, you may want to remove the cover and apply your coating into the drain hole to terminate.

Pics would be great!