Vapor Emission Test Kits: Concrete Test Kit, 3-Pack (1000 Sq Ft)

Vapor Emission Test Kits: Concrete Vapor Emission Test Kit, 3-Pack (1000 Sq Ft)

Humboldt HC-2993A Concrete Vapor Emission Test Kit, 3-Pack (1000 Sq Ft)

Meets: ASTM F1869, ASTM E1907

The vapor emission test is used to determine the moisture acceptability for the placement of floor coverings and coatings over concrete slab surfaces. Calcium chloride test kits are used to test concrete floors for moisture vapor transmission and alkalinity before flooring installation. With this method, you can quantify the amount of water vapor emitted from a 1,000 square foot concrete slab over a 24 hour period. This is commonly known as the anhydrous calcium chloride vapor emission method. It’s specified by the majority of the floor covering Industry as the primary measure of moisture acceptability for floor covering or coating installations. The kit includes a calcium chloride, a dome cover with seal and instructions. A balance or scale readable to 0.1 grams is required but must be purchased separately.

Moisture test kits are necessary in construction to ensure proper curing and adhesion and follow ASTM standards when measuring moisture vapor emission from concrete slabs.

Epoxy coatings can be damaged by moisture vapor and alkalinity if the concrete is not tested and prepared properly.

During site preparation a ph test is also recommended to test the alkalinity of the concrete surface before flooring installation. A ph test kit can be used to ensure compliance with ASTM standards for concrete surface preparation.

Meets Test Method: ASTM F 1869. For information on ASTM C143 concrete slump testing, see this guide.

Ph test kits are used to test both moisture and alkalinity in concrete floors before installation or finishing. The vapor test is a critical step in testing moisture vapor transmission and alkalinity in concrete floors to prevent damage and comply with standards.

Kit Components

Each concrete vapor emission test kit is designed to provide precise and reliable results for measuring the moisture vapor emission rate (MVER) in concrete slabs—a critical factor in the floor covering industry. The kit includes a calcium chloride container, a dome cover with seal and step-by-step instructions. The calcium chloride container is the heart of the test, absorbing water vapor emitted from the bare concrete surface during the testing period. The dome cover with its tight seal isolates the test area from external air currents and temperature fluctuations so the measurement obtained is only the vapor emission from the concrete slab itself.

To make placement easy the kit includes materials to attach the calcium chloride container to the test site. This secure attachment is critical to maintain consistent test conditions and prevent any movement that could compromise the results. Many test kits also include a data sheet to record all the details and results which is essential for documenting compliance with flooring manufacturers requirements and standards.

For best results a balance or scale readable to 0.1 grams is required. This is necessary to measure the weight change in the calcium chloride container before and after the test which directly determines the moisture vapor emission rate. The measurement obtained is a quantitative figure that is the primary measure of moisture acceptability for floor covering installation.

Proper site preparation is key: the test site must be clean, free of old adhesive residue and at the same temperature as the surrounding environment. Any curing compounds, coatings or contaminants should be removed to avoid false high or low readings. The relative humidity and current building condition should also be considered as these can affect the vapor emission rate and the accuracy of the test.

By following the step-by-step instructions and maintaining the recommended test conditions you can ensure the calcium chloride test provides reliable data on the moisture content of concrete subfloors. This information is critical to prevent trapped moisture beneath floor coverings which can cause coating failures or damage to concrete flooring. The kit meets the industry standards of the floor covering industry including ASTM F-1869 and related specifications making it a trusted solution for new construction and renovation projects. For comprehensive assessment, consider concrete corrosion testing to detect chloride-induced corrosion in reinforcing steel, which complements moisture tests for complete concrete evaluation.

In summary the components of the concrete moisture test kit work together to provide an industry standard assessment of vapor emission from concrete slabs. This allows flooring professionals to make informed decisions to ensure the long term success of floor covering installations and the durability of concrete floors.