Test Method for Indicating Moisture in Concrete
Materials
Transparent polyethylene sheet, commercially available, 18" x 18",
minimum 10 mils thick, tape edges.
Duct tape, good quality that will adhere to the substrate, 2 in. wide is suggested.
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demo photo
Optional test materials:
Flooring material to be installed, and the appropriate recommended adhesive,
18" x 18", edges must be taped (as recommended by Armstrong).
Clear Plexiglas, , 18" x 18", edges must be sealed by plumbers putty
(as recommended by Carpet Rug Institute, CRI).
NOTE: Concrete treated with MOXIE 1500 CONCRETE
SEALER produces an impermeable, non-porous and non-absorptive surface; therefore, all
products considered for the project must be applicable for use, compatibility, curing
aspects and properties for the application over an IMPERMEABLE, NON-POROUS and
NON-ABSORPTIVE surface, additionally, concrete is void of any free lime. Some patching
materials, as well as surface applied coloring agents, cannot be applied over
non-absorptive surfaces or those void of free lime. When flooring is to be installed and a
"wet set" adhesives is being used they must develop "tack" or
"flash," prior to the installation or they will not adhere properly or cure
and appear to have characteristics of moisture migration. Most manufacturers require an adhesive trowel with less notch depth
and spacing when used for application over impermeable surfaces. A floor treated with MOXIE 1500 CONCRETE SEALER will not absorb any of the
liquid carrier from the adhesive.
Ambient temperature must be AT LEAST 700 F, OR 150 F GREATER
THAN THE SLAB TEMPERATURE, FOR A MINIMUM OF 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF TESTING.
Any parting or curing compound must be removed a minimum of 30 days prior to testing as
well. Any other conditions must be within the established parameters, as recommended by
the manufacturer, for application of the coating, paint, surface treatment, or flooring
system and adhesives. Protect test areas from direct sunlight and damage; reliability of
test results will be affected. Clear membrane may be protected by covering with a
protective cover such as cardboard, carpet, or rubber mat. Water to cement ratios greater
than .54, or more, and curing or parting compounds will dramatically delay the proper
hydration of the slab and chemical reaction of MOXIE 1500 CONCRETE SEALER. Refer to the
MOXIE International publications, "Moisture Migration Table & Graphs". A
visqueen vapor barrier will further delay the hydration process for several months.
Procedure
Tape a segment of clear visqueen membrane, approximately 18" x 18", tightly
to the concrete surface making sure that all edges are sealed. Allow plastic sheet to
remain in place a minimum of 72 hours, 7 days is preferred. Test areas may be left in
place for one week or longer depending on time constraints. The use of a heat lamp is
recommended to force moisture movement. After the allowed time has elapsed, visually
inspect the clear membrane or Plexiglas, and note the presence, if any, of visible
moisture or condensation. A dew point hygrometer may also be used for quantitative
results. Do not confuse a clean area for a damp area. Duct tape will remove surface
dusting and appear lighter, making the area under the membrane appear darker by
comparison. Upon removal, there should be no visible condensation, dampness, discoloration
or an odor of dampness from the slab under the test membrane areas. The presence of the
membrane will protect that area from dust and dirt and appear darker.
Sampling:
Floors - One test area per 500 square feet (46 square meters) or portion thereof,
of surfaces unless otherwise specified.
Walls and ceilings - One test area per 500 square feet (46 square meters) or
portion thereof, of surface area unless otherwise specified. The recommended practice is a
minimum of one test for each 10 feet (3 meters) of vertical rise in all elevation starting
within 12 in. (300 mm) of the floor.
Form Requirements
The general contractor, foreman, or technician on the project must certify results and
initial EACH space provided for each test membrane. Original forms must be
forwarded to MOXIE International. Hash marks are acceptable for repetitive results.
Temperature and humidity MUST be recorded.
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