Vapor Emission Test Kits: Concrete Testing Kit, 12-Pack (10,000 Sq Ft)

Vapor Emission Test Kits: Concrete Vapor Emission Test Kit, 12-Pack (10,000 Sq Ft)

Humboldt HC-2993B Concrete Vapor Emission Test Kit, 12-Pack (10,000 Sq Ft)

Meets: ASTM F1869, ASTM E1907

The vapor emission test, also known as the calcium chloride test, is the industry standard for measuring the moisture vapor emission rate (MVER) in concrete subfloors. This vapor test is used for determining the moisture acceptability for the placement of floor coverings and coatings over concrete slab surfaces, especially in building and construction environments. With this method, you can easily measure the volume of water vapor emissions from a 1,000 square foot concrete slab over a 24-hour period. Excessive vapor emissions from concrete can cause flooring failures such as peeling, buckling or mold growth and can negatively impact the adhesion and longevity of paints and adhesives applied to concrete surfaces. This is commonly known as the anhydrous calcium chloride vapor emission method and is specified by the majority of the floor covering industry as the primary measure of moisture acceptability for floor covering or coating installations, especially during new construction projects.

The kit includes a calcium chloride container, a dome cover with seal and instructions. A balance or scale readable to 0.1 grams is required but must be purchased separately.

Note: For accurate results, test within the recommended temperature range of 65-75°F. Surface preparation is critical—adhesive residues or conditions created by previous coatings or adhesives on the concrete surface can interfere with testing and may affect the results, sometimes requiring additional preparation before testing. After testing, epoxy coatings are recommended to seal concrete slabs and prevent future moisture transmission.

Meets Test Method: ASTM F 1869. For information on the Mini Slump Cone and its role in concrete testing, see concrete consistency testing, and for guidelines, see ASTM C143 slump cone testing.

Test Kit Components

Accurate moisture testing is key in the floor covering industry and the right concrete moisture test kits make all the difference. Each test kit is designed to provide a reliable measurement of the moisture vapor emission rate from concrete slabs so your floor covering installations are built on a solid foundation.The kit includes several key components. At the heart of the system is the calcium chloride container which holds anhydrous calcium chloride. This is very effective at absorbing water vapor from the concrete floor slab. To get precise results the container is placed directly on the concrete surface and then covered with a plastic dome. This dome creates a sealed environment so the calcium chloride only interacts with the moisture vapor coming from the concrete not the surrounding air.

In addition to the calcium chloride test the kit may include a pH test kit or pH test strips. These are used to measure the alkalinity of the concrete surface another critical factor in determining the suitability of the slab for floor covering installation. High alkalinity can affect adhesives and coatings so knowing the pH level is important for long term flooring performance.

Step by step instructions are included with each test kit to guide the user through the process to get accurate results. The measurement from the calcium chloride test is expressed in pounds of water vapor emission per 1,000 square feet over a 24-hour period which is the industry standard for measuring moisture acceptability in concrete subfloors.

The majority of flooring manufacturers require the use of calcium chloride test kits as the primary measure of moisture in concrete floor slabs. By following the instructions and using all components as intended contractors and installers can confidently test the current condition of concrete floors, reduce the risk of trapped moisture, and ensure successful floor covering installation. The combination of the calcium chloride container, plastic dome, pH test kit and instructions makes these test kits a must have for anyone working with concrete floors in the flooring and coatings industry.