StarLog

™
An ongoing series
of bulletins
that address
floorcovering issues
Published by StarNet
Commercial Flooring
Cooperative.
Volume VII
Issue 2

In this
Issue...
The “Cure” for
An Old Problem With
Concrete Moisture and
New Challenges
pH Ills
Prevention
oisture-related floor covering failures are responsible for over $1 billion
Independent Testing

Test Methods
M annually in damages. The problems range from cupping, buckling, blistering
and adhesive failure to discoloration and mold growth. These issues can occur
Possible Solutions soon after the installation, and in some cases, years down the road. This StarLog
When Floors
Must Be Installed Over provides information about concrete, moisture and pH problems and solutions.
A Slab With
A High Moisture
Emission Rate
An Old Problem With
Finding an
Independent New Challenges
Testing Company
There’s no mystery about why moisture-related failures happen. Concrete is porous
Quick Facts by its very nature. The greater the porosity, the
StarNet is greater the potential for moisture vapor to move at
a Member of... a volume intolerable to the floor covering. Concrete
slabs that have a high moisture emission rate and/or
too high a pH level have never provided the right
sub-floor foundation for a successful floor covering
installation. Major culprits for excess moisture vapor
include too much water in the concrete mix, too
little curing and/or drying time, rainfall from
incomplete roofing systems, lack of HVAC climate
control and poor landscaping that fails to drain water
away from building foundations. Another culprit is
buffing the concrete smooth to eliminate potential

Moisture-related Continued on page 2.

floor covering
failures—a $1 billion
dollar problem.
 The use of independent testing
Group on Concrete Floor Issues, comprised of
Independent companies is endorsed by all
representatives from the construction trades, flooring
Testing major construction industry
manufacturers, specification bodies and technical
Historically, floor covering installers were accountable organizations.
societies, collaborated on the topic of concrete and
for the testing and the satisfactory installation of floor
moisture in an effort to reduce the number of
covering over concrete. The more recent and accepted
callbacks, claims and litigation. Their final report also Another important recommendation that both the
Air and Moisture Water Solid Particles school of thought is that the responsibility for
endorses the practice of hiring an independent testing WFCA and the IIWG-CF agree on is that the cost for
Slab porosity and permeability moisture testing rests with the general contractor
agent to conduct floor moisture testing, with the use tests and potential moisture remediation be included in
(GC) or with the concrete subcontractor (CS) who
of trained and certified testing personnel. Your the initial planning process and budget, and be paid for
“telescoping” imperfections on the floor covering. This specified and poured the concrete. The CS in particular
StarNet Member contractor will be happy to by the building owner. These important points of
practice inhibits drying time even more because it seals is responsible for the slab’s behavior and condition
recommend a certified independent testing company business are the most professional way to avoid
the concrete’s pores. A related problem — too much prior to receiving a floor covering. That said, neither
to consult on your project. after-the-fact budget and accountability issues.
alkali — destroys the bond between the adhesive and the GC, CS nor the floor covering installer should
floor covering. High alkalinity results when too much conduct moisture vapor testing themselves.
moisture moves through the slab. Today’s fast track Independent professionals have the best equipment to
mind that floor covering manufacturers may stipulate
construction schedules, in combination with new conduct moisture emission and pH tests, and the best Test Methods
which test, or combination of tests,
technologies in adhesives and floor covering products training for obtaining accurate and quantifiable results. No single test should determine if a concrete slab is
should be conducted for 41% Gravel or Crushed Stone
can exacerbate the problem. Their autonomy assures no allegiance and no stake in ready for floor covering. A combination of tests is the (Course Aggregate) Cement
warranty protection.
the outcome. GCs, CSs and flooring installers not only smarter choice. Test timing is as important as the Ingredients
Prevention have a vested interest in test results, they simply don’t method because moisture emissions change as a result There are well
The best prevention is educating all parties on a project have the expertise to determine if the slab is ready for of natural and man–made forces. Ideally, tests should over a dozen
about the downside of installing the floor covering on the floor covering. be conducted on the slab after the building and finish tests and test 11% Portland
Cement
concrete that’s simply too wet. The pluses of waiting materials have been acclimated to final operating methods avail-
The use of independent testing companies is endorsed
until concrete conditions are acceptable far outweigh conditions. HVAC systems (heating and air conditioning) able. Here are
by all major construction industry organizations. The 26% Sand 6% Air
the minuses, especially when you think about the cost in particular, have an effect on moisture in the the most common, (Fine Aggregate)
World Floor Covering Association, the floorcovering
of floor failures and the ensuing liability, the effect on concrete. Typically, a benchmark reading should be along with sage advice. 16% Water
industry’s largest advocacy organization, not only
indoor air quality and health, and the added costs of taken one week after HVAC systems are turned on. If
recommends that testing be performed by qualified 1. Calcium Chloride
downtime for corrective action and floor replacement. moisture readings are
independent agencies, Test ASTM F1869
However, construction schedules drive many projects, low, you can proceed No single test
it further recommends Independent Pros: This test has been the standard for testing
and waiting until the concrete is dry enough may not with installing the floor
that architects, building professionals have should determine concrete moisture vapor emissions for
be an option. In this situation, a remediation budget covering. If moisture
owners and GCs move approximately 50 years and is endorsed by most
needs to be included up front, and all parties including the best equipment readings are high, it’s a if a concrete slab
such testing away from floor covering manufacturers. It is considered
the building owner should sign a waiver of liability to conduct moisture good idea to review the
Division 9 (finishes) is ready for the best and first test to use to measure
releasing the installer from responsibility if the floor options which include
specifications and place emission and moisture emission levels in concrete. The results
fails from moisture. The floor covering installer should waiting and testing again floor covering.
them with other con- are expressed as pounds of moisture emitted
not be liable for moisture-related flooring failures that
pH tests and at a later date, and/or
struction related test from 1,000 square feet of concrete in 24 hours.
are beyond his control. the best training discussing the moisture A combination
requirements. Another It is the only test that accurately measures how
remediation measures of tests is the
construction body, the for obtaining much moisture is moving through the concrete.
that were included in
Inter-Industry Working accurate and smarter choice.
the initial planning and
quantifiable results. budgeting. Keep in
2 3
 Possible Solutions multi-stage systems that combine two or more
Cons: It’s not foolproof. An accurate inside a hole in the concrete. This method
materials. Proper preparation of the concrete, e.g.
reading relies on proper measures the amount of free water in the When Floors
the removal of sealers, is critical to the success of
Neutral site preparation, which concrete without the need for drilling. It is Must Be Installed
7-9 any suppression system.
may include mechanically similar to the Calcium Chloride Test but not as Over A Slab With
removing sealers, bonds sensitive to atmospheric conditions, according to A High Moisture • Moisture that originates below the slab may
or other coatings that may manufacturers of the test. Emission Rate contribute to high moisture levels in concrete.
High have been applied to the Cons: New for the US, although used in Europe • Consider using a floor covering that can withstand Vapor barriers/retarders installed beneath the
10-14 concrete during the for quite a number of years, it does not have the a higher moisture emission rate, like tile instead of slab can be effective in blocking moisture from
drying/curing process. proven track record or experience yet to be a sheet, or carpet instead of resilient. migrating upward to the concrete.
Low
1-6 In other words, the sole source for determining whether or not a
concrete pores must be slab is ready. • As risky as it seems, it may cost less to replace only
open. This test also a few failed sections of floor covering than to lose
4. Moisture Meters: revenue from postponing an opening date. But, be
involves a required waiting
The pH Scale Pros: These meters may be helpful as part of aware that over time, if the moisture problem is
Top Layer
period, plus the correct
a multi-test system for measuring the dryness not corrected, the cost for repeatedly replacing
number of tests performed based on square
of gypsum underlayments and for identifying failed flooring may become significant.
footage. Another “con” is that this test measures Ground/Ground Fill
concrete locations that are wetter than others.
vapor emissions at the time of testing, which can
Cons: Although easy to use, these meters were • Balance the pros and cons of installing a cheaper
change as the building environment changes.
originally developed to test wood, not concrete. floor compared to the costs of remediation with a
Finally, it measures moisture vapor emissions only
They are a snapshot in time that gives no more expensive floor covering. Look at the needs Vapor Retarder
from the top one inch of the slab and is not an
indication of the long-term moisture conditions. of the space aesthetically and functionally, and run
indicator of moisture deep in the slab. As new technologies and test methods evolve, the
NO resilient flooring or adhesive manufacturers some cost scenarios with different types of floors.
2. Relative Humidity Probe ASTM F2170: will accept this method exclusively for installing scientific community may develop better and more
• Use a topical moisture or pH suppression system. accurate ways to test moisture emission levels.
Pros: Relative humidity (RH) probes are less their product over concrete.
These are surface-applied treatments intended to Additional remediation methods will most likely be
sensitive to fluctuations in ambient air humidity
5. The “Senses” Method mitigate a high moisture condition within the slab introduced by the construction trades. Manufacturers
and temperature above the slab than calcium
Pros: None! either before or after a problem develops. of floor coverings and installation systems will
chloride testing. This test is thought to be an
Cons: Never trust anyone who says, “it looks Treatments range from single coat applications to introduce new constructions and compositions, too.
accurate way of predicting what will happen
to the slab in the future by some industry experts, dry,” “it feels dry,” or “it smells dry.” It’s Your local StarNet Member contractor will be happy
and some floor covering manufacturers are now impossible to make a decision based on looks, to keep you informed about any updates.
recommending this test be included in specifications. touch or smell.
Cons: The test involves drilling holes to 40% of
6. The Plastic Sheet Test
the slab thickness to measure moisture inside
Pros: None!
the slab. It does not measure moisture moving
Cons: Concrete dries from the top down,
through the slab.
so even if the underside of the sheet looks and
3. Relative Humidity “Hood” Method feels dry, the slab may still by drying throughout
ASTM F2420:
the bulk of its thickness.
Pros: Like the ASTM F 2170 method, this test
measures RH, but on the surface instead of
5
4
Finding an Independent Quick Facts 4. Alkalinity is measured by pH from
1-14. The ideal pH for installing a floor
Testing Company 1. If a floor covering starts exhibiting covering is 7-9. High alkalinity (high
Testing, inspection and consulting companies are located throughout the country. Many of signs of moisture-related failure, the pH) combined with moisture will
these offer lab and field test services for a range of disciplines including geotechnical engineering, problem is probably one or more of destroy flooring adhesive bonds. pH
the following: test materials are part of the ASTM
environmental sciences, microbiology and analytical chemistry. Others specialize in construction
• The concrete has a higher F 1869 Calcium Chloride kit.
materials testing and evaluation, while a few actually specialize in concrete testing for the floor
moisture emission rate than the
covering industry. The most important criteria for selecting a testing service includes confirmation 5. You can download free WFCA White
floor covering can tolerate.
Papers about concrete and moisture
that the company conducts their tests according to ASTM and other recognized standards, and • The floor covering was installed
testing. “Position Statement on
that their technicians are thoroughly trained and/or certified. before the concrete had cured
Moisture Emission Testing” and
and/or dried.
“Moisture Emission Testing—
There is no one “parent” organization that lists these companies, but there are multiple national • Moisture testing wasn’t conducted Responsibility and Qualifications for
and state sources you can use to locate a qualified professional. Here are just a few: at all, or wasn’t conducted correctly. Testing” are available at wfca-
• The moisture testing didn’t indicate pro.org. The “Summary Report” by
• ACIL (American Council of Independent • The ASCC (American Society of future concrete slab behavior. the IIWG-CF is available at
Laboratories), www.acil.org Concrete Contractors), • A high moisture emission rate led www.concrete.org/general/floors.htm
ACIL members are organized by the type of www.ascconline.org/home.asp
to a high pH level in the concrete,
6. The maximum acceptable moisture
testing services they provide. Click on The “contact us” option may be able to direct you compromising the adhesive bond.
emission level (as tested by the
“Construction Materials Engineering and Testing” to independent testing service in your locale.
2. The responsibility for concrete Calcium Chloride Test) differs from
for an alphabetical listing. Many members have
• In some parts of the country, such as the moisture testing rests with the GC, floor type to floor type, and the
links to their websites on this page. but the cost should be borne by the manufacturer. Most commercial
southeast, concrete and moisture issues are a
building owner. floors have an acceptable rate of 3
• ACI (American Concrete Institute), larger problem than in the drier desert states.
www.concrete.org/certification/ pounds for resilient sheet, 5 pounds
In those states, look for specialists that have 3. Curing and drying are not the same. A
cert_search.asp for resilient tile, and 5 – 7 pounds for
national plus state-specific qualifications such as concrete slab cures in 28 days. The
carpet and hardwood, per 1,000
This landing page has drop-down and selection Florida’s CTQP (Construction Training drying time is in addition to curing,
square feet per 24 hours.
boxes where you can enter certification category Qualification Program). ideally, one month for each inch of
and location. Select “concrete field testing slab thickness.
technician” and “concrete lab testing technician”
to see who employs the most qualified personnel.

• ASTM (American Society for Testing

and Materials), www.astm.org/cgi-bin/
SoftCart.exe/CONSULTANTS/index.
html?L+mystore+ddzj1857+1185905711
This landing page has drop-down and selection
boxes in which you can enter a category for
scientific and technical consultants. Click on
“construction” and then on “concrete.”

6 7
The StarLog™ Library Volume 4 Issue 1
Annual StarNet
Volume 5 Issue 1
Anticipating the
StarLog reports on subjects that impact commercial flooring products, Design Awards Unexpected...
installations, maintenance and reclamation. Past issues are available in pdf A Starstruck Evening for StarNet Anticipating the Unexpected
Commercial Flooring Cooperative to Keep Flooring Projects on
format at www.starnetflooring.com. Click on “Technical Library”. and the Winners of the Fourth Schedule and on Budget
Annual Design Competition Collective Strength Builds
Volume 1 Issue 1 Volume 1 Issue 6 Better Business
Volume 4 Issue 2 Total Job Guarantee
Shading, Pile Reversal What you Should Up with Lift Systems!
& Pooling Know about “Green” The Downside of Volume 5 Issue 2
What are Shading & Pile Reversal? Floorcovering Traditional Moving Hassle-Free Flooring
Pooling/Watermarking Confused about “Green?” Renovations in
What Causes Pooling? You’re Not Alone Methods
Preventing Pooling Fast, Hassle-Free Office Renovations Retail and Library
Defining Green Floorcovering
Advice from Carpet’s Green Guru Need Help on Your Next Renovation Environments
Volume 1 Issue 2 Retail LIFTMAN
Coming Unglued Volume 2 Issue 1 Volume 4 Issue 3 Library LIFTMAN
Bond Failure Symptoms & Solutions The Growing Commercial Wood and
Causes of Bond Failure Laminate Floors Growing Volume 5 Issue 2
Popularity of Specialty The High Cost of
Moisture & Alkali
Floor Coverings in Popularity
Other Concrete Problems What’s New in: Hardwood, Cork, Buying Low
One Size Does Not Fit All Stick to What You are Good At
Bamboo and Laminate
Volume 1 issue 3 Why Use Specialty Floors?
Changes for the Better Carpet is Not a Commodity
Carpet Air Quality: Costs Considerations Across the Board Our Thoughts on Lowest Price
Tips on Selection and Specification and Reverse Auctions
The debate, the
Volume 2 Issue 2 Volume 4 issue 4
myths, the facts. Volume 6 Issue 1
Can Carpet Actually Improve Safety Underfoot
It’s What You Don’t Flooring in the LEED
Indoor Air Quality? Advances in Flooring
See that Makes LEED Categories and Credits
5 Easy Steps for Choosing Safety that Apply to Flooring
Better Carpet the Difference: Carpet – Safe and Sound
The Importance of NRDC Tips for Controlling Costs
Rubber Flooring & Stairwell Systems on LEED Projects
Volume 1 Issue 4 Floor Patches Partnering with a StarNet Flooring Dealer
Carpeting Without and Levelers to Reach Your Safer Building Goals Volume 6 Issue 2
a Professional, A Smooth Move – Patterned Carpets:
Review of the Costs Selecting the Right Patch
Volume 4 Issue 5
The Perfect Match: Finding the Best
and Complications and/or Leveler
Penny Wise Patch Foolish Carpet Built on the Match for Your Project
Underlying Costs Uncovered Patterned Carpet Trends
Volume 2 issue 3 Right Foundation Experience Counts
See our first report about Patterned Carpet Big & Small, We Work
concrete emissions...
Purchasing Carpet Why Upgrade Carpet Backings? with Them All
Direct: An Update Backing Basics – What You Should Know You Get What You Pay For
Volume 1 Issue 5 on the Costs Specify Branded Backings
Understanding and Complications Volume 7 Issue 1
Volume 4 Issue 6 A Glossary of Terms
Concrete Moisture and Hidden Costs and
Appearances
Vapor Emission Problems Added Hassles Commonly Used in
Experience Counts Do Matter
The High Price of H2O Maximize Life Cycle and the Flooring Industry
Moisture and Vapor Sources Volume 2 Issue 4 Warranty Protection
Minimizing Concrete Moisture Problems Ceramic Tile Good Design and Planning =
Who’s Responsible Cool-to-the Touch, it’s Easier Maintenance
Tackling Moisture and One of the Hottest Floors for Caring for Carpets
Vapor Emission Problems Commercial Installations Carpet Cleaning Professionals

To locate a StarNet Professional near you

call or visit us online at www.starnetflooring.com
1-800-787- 6381
One in a series of bulletins from your
Commercial Floorcovering Professionals at:

StarNet Commercial Flooring Cooperative

20 Homestead Road
Darien, CT 06820
(800) 787-6381
Fax: (203) 353-9521
www.starnetflooring.com