Concrete Moisture Test Kit: Emission Test, 12-Pack
Don’t let millions of dollars in coating and flooring system damage occur every year due to moisture migration through concrete slabs and structures. Electronic moisture meters will tell you the level of saturation but not the rate of emission. The Concrete Moisture Tester uses the flooring industry’s most widely accepted method, the calcium chloride test, to measure moisture emission through concrete floor slabs.
The calcium chloride test is the industry standard for measuring moisture vapor emission in concrete subfloors and is widely used in the market today.
A container of moisture-absorbing calcium chloride is weighed and placed under a plastic “dome” that is sealed to the concretesurface with a stickygasket. Note: The test should be performed when the building is at the same temperature and humidity as it will be during flooring use to ensure accurate results. Proper contact between the calcium chloride and the concrete surface is essential for accurate measurement. After 60-72 hours the plastic is cut open and the dish of calcium chloride is removed, sealed and weighed. The weight gain and exposure time are used to calculate the test result, expressed in pounds of moisture emitted per 1,000 square feet in 24 hours. The test quantifies water evaporations giving off from the concrete over a 24-hour period, reflecting the current condition of the slab. Recommended testing frequency is 3 for the first 500 square feet and 1 test for each additional 500 square feet of total area. Each area to be covered should be tested separately to meet floor manufactures requirements. This test must be done on concrete floors before any flooring installation. Browse all of the concrete moisture meters we have and make sure you have all the concrete testing equipment you need.
Each kit includes a sealed calcium chloride dish and a plastic dome with a pre-installed butyl rubber gasket. 3 pH test strips with color chart are also included. Using a moisture test kit ensures accurate moisture level measurements. The price includes all necessary kits and materials for the test service, and a free analysis of the results is available. Calcium chloride test kits are easy to use and provide reliable results for contractors and builders. The Canadian Carpet Institute agree with the importance of proper moisture and alkalinity testing before flooring installation. Customer reviews and review feedback highlight the accuracy and ease of use of the test kits. The test service helps ensure that coatings and epoxy applied to concrete floors will adhere properly and prevent moisture-related issues.
Note: Always follow the instructions carefully and ensure the testing area is representative of the building’s conditions for best results. For more information on selecting the right concrete testing equipment, be sure to consult reputable resources.
Introduction
Concrete moisture testing is an essential process for anyone planning to install flooring over concrete slabs. Excess moisture in concrete can compromise the integrity of flooring materials, leading to issues such as adhesive failure, warping, and even mold growth. The calcium chloride test kit is a widely accepted quantitative method for determining the vapor emission rate (MVER) in concrete slabs. By using anhydrous calcium chloride, this test kit absorbs moisture from the air above the concrete surface, providing a precise, quantitative figure for the amount of moisture vapor present. Accurate results from this test are critical for making informed decisions about flooring installation, ensuring that the concrete is in optimal condition before proceeding. With the right test kit, you can confidently assess moisture levels and protect your investment in new flooring.
Understanding Concrete Slab Moisture
Moisture within a concrete slab is a key factor that can impact the success of any flooring installation. Sources of moisture include water vapor rising from the ground, humidity in the environment, and residual water from the original concrete mix. The moisture vapor emission rate (MVER) measures how much water vapor is released from the concrete floor over a 24-hour period, providing a clear indication of the slab’s readiness for new flooring. Leading industry organizations such as the Carpet and Rug Institute, Resilient Floor Covering Institute, and Canadian Carpet Institute all recommend thorough testing for moisture vapor emission rate before installing any flooring materials. In addition to MVER testing, using a pH test kit is important to determine the alkalinity of the concrete surface, as high pH levels can affect the performance and longevity of resilient floor coverings. Proper testing ensures that the concrete surface is suitable for installation, helping to prevent future flooring failures.
What is a Moisture Emission Test Kit?
A moisture emission test kit is a must have for measuring the vapor emission rate (MVER) of a concrete slab. The calcium chloride test is a standard method for accurately measuring vapor emission rate in concrete floors. This kit is for contractors, builders and flooring professionals who need to know if a concrete floor is ready for painting, coating, installing coatings such as epoxy, or installing carpet or wood flooring. The test kit is used to ensure that concrete subfloors in a building meet floor requirements before installing coatings or epoxy. Typically the kit includes a calcium chloride test kit, pH test strips and a gram scale to measure the moisture absorbed by the calcium chloride. Each area should be tested separately as part of the service to ensure results. The test kit is widely used by contractors and builders to assess the suitability of concrete floors in various building types. By using this test kit professionals can measure the moisture levels and make informeddecisions on flooring installations.
How does the Test Kit work?
The test kit works by using anhydrous calcium chloride to absorb moisture from the concrete slab. For accurate measurement, it is essential to ensure proper contact between the calcium chloride and the concrete surface. The calcium chloride is placed in a sealed container and left on the surface for a specified time, usually 24 hours. During this period, the test measures evaporations giving off from the concrete slab, reflecting the condition of the concrete. After that time the moisture absorbed by the calcium chloride is measured with a gramscale. Each area should be tested separately to ensure reliable results. pH strips are also used to test the alkalinity of the concrete surface. The results give you a quantitative measurement of the vapor emission rate and the pH level of the concrete slab, a complete picture of the concrete condition.
Test Kit Components and Usage
A typical calcium chloride test kit is designed for ease of use and reliable results. Each kit includes a pre-weighed plastic jar filled with anhydrous calcium chloride, a transparent plastic cover to create a sealed environment, and a set of pH strips for surface alkalinity testing. To perform the test, place the pre-weighed jar directly on the concrete surface, cover it with the transparent plastic cover, and secure it with an airtight snap lid to prevent outside air from affecting the results. After a 24-hour period, remove the jar and use a gram scale to measure the weight gain, which indicates the amount of moisture absorbed from the concrete. The included pH strips allow you to quickly assess the alkalinity of the surface, providing additional information for flooring installation decisions. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and standards to ensure accurate and consistent results.
Features and Benefits
The emission test kit includes a calcium chloride test kit, test strips and a gram scale. The benefits are:
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Accurate measurement of vapor emission rate and pH level
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Easy to use with easy to read results
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Meets ASTM test method
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Accepted by flooring manufacturers
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Prevents costly repairs and replacements due to trapped moisture
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Ensures successful installation
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Humidity meters also available for comprehensive environmental testing
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Price includes all necessary kits and materials for testing
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Free analysis of test results is available
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Positive customer reviews and review feedback highlight the accuracy and ease of use of the kits
