Contractor drilling a concrete floor with tools, vacuum hoses, and equipment cases nearby

Concrete Moisture Testing

PROFESSIONAL CONCRETE MOISTURE TESTING

​MOISTURE: The #1 Cause of Flooring Problems

Close-up of hardwood flooring with several small blue tape markers and decorative ceramic vases at the edge

Hardwood Floor Buckling Due To Excessive Moisture In Concrete

Concrete slabs, wood subfloors and wood flooring are all porous materials, so absorb and release moisture. When installing wood flooring, it is therefore just as important to measure the moisture content of the concrete subfloor as as the flooring itself. The moisture that passes through the porous concrete can become the source for problems such as warping, gaps and even mold.

Person using a vacuum attachment and power drill to clean or repair a concrete floor.

Vacuuming Drill Holes In Concrete

Understanding Concrete Moisture Problems

Unfortunately, concrete with high moisture emission rate may result in an unsuccessful flooring installation.  Reasons for this can be:

  • Too much water in the concrete mix

  • Insufficient drying time

  • ​Improper curing

  • Excessive rainfall or drainage issues

Concrete Relative Humidity (RH) Testing

Man repairing a light-colored surface with a drill, brush, tape, and other tools

Installing The Digital Probe In Previously Drilled Hole

Very strict testing procedures must be followed and the correct instruments used to obtain proper results. Best results are obtained using On-site Relative Humidity (RH) testing using digital probes inserted in multiple location and depths of the concrete slab.

Man in a green shirt and black cap kneeling on a floor while using a handheld measuring device

Concrete Moisture Testing as part of Trouble Free Flooring Installation

X-Raying the Concrete Slab

Correctly preparing for a hardwood flooring installation will insure years of trouble-free enjoyment. Your inspection report will include moisture content readings and data pertaining to your home's humidity and temperature. And in the case of problems caused by the flooring substrate, a concrete inspection will give you an accurate assessment of the root cause.

Learn about the newest in flooring innovation, Smart Floors: