Prevention and Remediation of Concrete Moisture-Caused Flooring Issues Prevention and Remediation of Concrete Moisture-Caused Flooring Issues Name Tandus Flooring Date

Course Objectives You will learn… What floor moisture is and where it comes from How floor moisture affects floor coverings and adhesives The importance of identifying floor moisture issues prior to floor covering installation How to accurately test for floor moisture Moisture testing minimums Requirements for Moisture Vapor Emissions Rate, pH and Relative Humidity Information on approved remediation systems

Floor moisture issues have become more frequent and difficult to identify. All floor covering manufacturers and adhesive companies have seen a tremendous increase in the number of moisture related issues. Factors include: Changes in concrete composition High recycle content concrete The variety of curing & sealing compounds commonly used Different surfacing techniques Fast track construction schedules The practice of not running HVAC systems to help acclimate concrete prior to testing and/or the use of new hybrid ventilation systems.

What is Floor Moisture & Where Does it Come From?

Green Concrete

How Does Floor Moisture Affect Floor Coverings & Adhesives? Debonding Adhesive failure Tile instability Bubbles in VCTT (Powerbond)or broadloom Good medium for biological growth

If moisture issues are identified before the floor covering is installed, corrective measures are much simpler and less expensive than after the floor covering is in place Mold colonization due to moisture in slab Degraded adhesive due to moisture in slab Curling tile that was installed in entry area over an 8lb slab

How to Measure Concrete Floor Moisture CaCl (Anhydrous Calcium Chloride) ASTM F RH (In-situ) ASTM F pH (Alkalinity) ASTM F

Anhydrous Calcium Chloride Testing ASTM F What are we measuring? MVER Inaccurate or inconsistent results Typical industry requirements

pH ASTM Standard Practice F What are we measuring? Inaccurate or inconsistent results Typical industry requirements

Relative Humidity (RH) ASTM F What are we measuring? Inaccurate or inconsistent results Typical industry requirements

Moisture meter that is commonly used but does not provide quantifiable results.

3 three moisture tests to be completed within the first 1000 sq ft of concrete on each floor One moisture test to be completed within each additional 1000 sq ft MVER Testing ASTM F % of these tests be conducted RH Testing ASTM F % of the tests to be conducted pH Testing ASTM F Surface pH of the concrete flooring substrate must be between 7 and 9 and absolutely must not exceed 9. A minimum of one test per 1000 sq ft is required. TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR POWERBOND, MODULAR AND BROADLOOM

It is the General Contractor’s and/or Architect’s responsibility to specify a concrete substrate that is suitable for the installation of a floor covering product at the desired time of installation. “It is solely the responsibility of the installation contractor to insure that the sub-floor is properly prepared prior to installation.” Tandus Flooring Installation Instructions

Approved Remediation Systems Underlayment for use with Tandus Flooring’s modular carpet Remediate MVER up to 10 lbs. pH requirements maximum 9 Closed-cell cushion; based on the technology of Powerbond Both Tandus Flooring’s modular carpet and power(shield) warrantied when used together.

Approved Remediation Systems XL Brands DynaMix Green concrete only, <8 lbs MVER with decreasing trend pH requirements maximum 9 Warranty is limited to 3 years Cost = $0.27 per sf

Approved Remediation Systems VersaShield Green concrete or existing moisture source <12 lbs MVER pH requirements maximum 12 RH requirements maximum 95% Warranty covers warranty period of product type selected Cost = $0.65 sf - $0.90 sf

Approved Remediation Systems Koester Green concrete or existing moisture source <25 lbs MVER pH requirements maximum 14 Warranty is lifetime of the flooring product Cost = 7.50 sf - $9.50 sf

Approved Remediation Systems 2 Part Epoxy Systems Ardex MCI Bostik D261 Key Resin MTV 635 Mapei EMB Refer to Field Technical Services for Moisture pH, MVER and RH limits for these products as well as availability and pricing.

Important Things to Remember Do not assume that proper testing has been performed by general contractor or end user. Be knowledgeable and ask questions prior to installation. Avoiding required testing is not an option.

“We’re fully aware that these recommendations go well beyond what is presently being done or required on most projects. Given the very common, serious, and costly nature of flooring failures, however, it’s believed that these measures are necessary to reduce the risk of flooring problems and the significant cost associated with failure of the flooring system.” Reference from: “Moisture Testing of Concrete Slabs, When 3lbs is not 3lbs”

Conclusion…You should know What floor moisture is and where it comes from How floor moisture affects floor coverings and adhesives The importance of identifying floor moisture issues prior to floor covering installation How to accurately test for floor moisture Moisture testing minimums Requirements for MVER, pH and RH Information on approved remediation systems

Thank you.