Testing concrete for moisture
All concrete slabs contain a certain amount of moisture. Hardwood
floors can be installed over concrete sub floors provided the moisture
content within the concrete slab is at an acceptable level. See
manufacturer’s specifications for acceptable moisture levels.
Hardwood floors installed over concrete sub floors that contain
unusually high levels of moisture content, will result in the wood
floor not adhering to the sub floor, and can also cause the hardwood
floor to buckle or warp.
The following methods are acceptable means of testing for concrete
sub floor moisture content:
• Polyfilm test: Apply 3´ x 3´ (90 cm x 90 cm)
pieces of polyethylene film to the sub floor and leave in place
for 24 hours.Assure all edges are completely sealed with water-resistant
tape. Darkened concrete or condensation on film indicates presence
of moisture and requires additional measurements with a moisture
meter.
• Concrete Moisture Meter. .
If the moisture content in the concrete slab exceeds the manufacturers recommended
guidelines, then one should not glue the hardwood floor directly to the concrete
sub floor, instead one should consider a floating floor construction. Floating
floors are installed over a moisture barrier, which prevents any moisture contained
in the concrete sub floor from infecting your hardwood floor.
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