How To Test For Moisture In Concrete Walls

Look at the wall surface carefully.

How to test for moisture in concrete walls.

The plastic sheet method was developed by astm international and involves taping a plastic sheet to the surface of the concrete to create a vapor proof seal around the plastic. Tape a 12 inch by 12 inch piece of plastic wrap onto a part of the basement wall. This particular moisture meter is ideal for checking the moisture content of walls because it has reading scales for both drywall and wood that allow for precise quantitative moisture measurements in these materials. Testing with either method will tell you how precisely how much moisture is present making it possible to choose a surface flooring that is appropriate.

9 and or plastic sheet tests astm d4263 test method for indicating moisture in concrete by the plastic sheet method. The sheet is left in place for 72 hours then a dewpoint hygrometer is used to test the level of moisture that is in the air under the sheet. Only tape the edges but make sure they are sealed really good to the concrete. In 2016 the society for protective coatings sspc expects to publish a new guidance document field methods for the determination of moisture in concrete and masonry walls and ceilings that will describe the types of instruments used for determining moisture content.

The easiest way to test for moisture in concrete is to duct tape a 2 foot square piece of plastic right to the concrete floor. Reference scale moisture meters can provide a quick and reliable wet dry indication for concrete. To test for moisture inside the walls start with manual tests and proceed to moisture meters. Then use the meter to test the rest of the concrete if a reading is significantly higher than the sample you tested then that section of concrete is probably wet and needs more exhaustive testing per the astm f 2170 standard.

Determinations need to be made using instruments fig. Seal the edges of the plastic wrap with tape. Simply test a bit of concrete you know to be dry with the meter and make a note of the reading given. Rh probes are embedded into the slab or inserted through small drilled holes.

A definitive test that measures the amount of moisture released from the concrete requires a calcium chloride kit or a relative humidity meter. Consider using pinless moisture meters. This method indicates the moisture condition throughout the slab. Visual inspections are not adequate.

Check the plastic for the next several days noting when moisture. Three methods for testing concrete moisture levels. It is vitally important to test your concrete slab s moisture before installing flooring over it.