FLOOR COVERING INSTALLATION AND CONCRETE SURFACE PREPARATION EQUIPMENT

 

Conditioning:

1. The test site should be at the same temperature and humidity expected during normal use. If this is not possible, then the test conditions should be 75 ± 10°F (23.9 ± 5.5°C) and 50 ± 10% relative humidity. Maintain these conditions 48 hrs. prior to, and during testing.

2. Prior to placement of the tests, the actual test area should be clean
and free of all foreign substances. All residual adhesives, curing
compounds, sealers, paints, floor coverings, etc. should be removed by
using approved OSHA work practices. approved OSHA work practices.

 

Testing:

1. Expose a minimum area of 20 by 20 in. (50.8 by 50.8 cm) to conditions specified above for a minimum period of 24 hrs. prior to starting each test. Weigh the container of calcium chloride, including the container lid and the label which should be affixed to the lid. Record the weight to the nearest 0.1 g on the container label along with the starting time to the nearest ± 1/4 hr. Also note the prevailing temperature and humidity.

 

 

2. Remove the lid from the plastic jar containing the calcium chloride and, being careful not to spill any of the calcium chloride, place the jar on the floor. (Note: If any of the calcium chloride is spilled, the test kit must be discarded and the test must be performed with a new kit.) Place the lid on the lid caddy to save for resealing andweighing. Avoid mixing with jars from other kits. Note: Do not place the lid inside the plastic dome.

 

3. Remove the release paper from the sealant on the plastic cover and immediately place the plastic cover over the calcium chloride jar and press firmly to the floor making certain that the sealant gives an airtight seal around the plastic cover. DO NOT use any additional tape to seal the plastic lid to the floor.

 

4. Unfold and set up the test kit box according to the printed instructions and place over the test plastic dome and stabilize by taping to the floor (do not tape entire edge of box as this willinvalidate the test).

 

5. Leave the test undisturbed for a minimum of 60 hours (do not exceed 72 hrs.). Be sure to note the date and the exact time (to the nearest 1/4 hr.) the test was started on the dish label.

 

6. After 60 hrs. and before 72 hrs., remove the cover and replace the snap lid. Make sure that none of the calcium chloride is spilled. Record the date and exact time the test was concluded on the label.
(NOTE: Results will be invalid if test duration does not comply to 60-72 hour parameters).

 

 

MOISTURE MEASUREMENT: QUANTITATIVE EVALUATION

 

The jar containing the calcium chloride has been pre-weighed, and the weight is indicated on the label. The weight (in grams) of this dish
includes the jar, the lid, and the calcium chloride. If you would like Taylor Tools to do the moisture analysis, be sure to indicate on the label the dates and times the test was started and completed. 

NOTE: It is absolutely essential that you do not spill any of the calcium chloride as that will invalidate the test results. 

The Taylor #626 Moisture Test Kit Gram Scale or #626-MPB, Mini Precision Balance, available from your local distributor, will allow you to conduct the test yourself. Simply weigh the dish (including the lid, and calcium chloride) to the nearest milligram and then determine the moisture content using the following formula. (Note: If you do not have a gram scale, ask your local pharmacist to weigh the sample for you.) 

 

MOISTURE FORMULA:

 

 

 

 

 

Example: Preweighed jar weighed 32.5 grams. It was placed on the floor on 4/3/18 at 4:00 pm and removed on 4/6/18 at 8:00 am (64 hrs.). After resealing the lid to the jar, the sample was weighed and showed a weight of 35.4 grams or a net gain of 2.9 grams.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

or, in other words, the moisture emission is 4.93 lbs. over a 1000 sq. ft. area.

In the above example, if the flooring material to be used is rubber, solid vinyl or wood, the manufacturer may not recommend the installation since their upper limit may only be 3.0 lbs. On the other hand, if this were a vinyl composition tile installation, it would probably be acceptable, since vinyl composition tiles can generally be safely installed when the moisture level is 5 lbs. or less. However, you should always consult the manufacturer of the adhesive and floor covering for specific moisture level limits for any particular products to be installed. Although the test duration is 60-72 hours most flooring manufactures specify the results to reflect a 24 hour period and weight in pounds vs. grams, the above equation converts the 60-72 hours of the actual test to a 24 hour period, and the area of the dome is converted from roughly 95 square inches to 1,000 sq. ft. The formula also converts weight from grams to lbs.

 

NUMBER OF TESTS TO USE:

In areas of 1000 sq. ft. or less you should conduct three tests and add one more for each additional 1000 sq. ft. These tests should be conducted simultaneously and should be placed apart to cover representative areas of the floor (usually one test in the center and others around the perimeter of the room but not closer than five feet from the edge or exterior wall). A concrete surface moisture meter is recommended to determine the placement of the Calcium Chloride test.

LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE AND GYPSUM

Do not use the #625 Moisture Test Kit for lightweight concrete and/or gypsum floors. Refer to ASTM F2471 (“Standard Practice for Installation of Thick Poured Lightweight Cellular Concrete Underlayments and Preparation of the Surface to Receive Resilient Flooring”) for testing information regarding the use of a surface moisture meter. Consult the manufacturer of the concrete and materials being installed for specific methods and values required for installation.

Refer to ASTM F-710, (“Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floor to Receive Resilient Flooring”) for further information.

Note: For a copy of ASTM F-710, F-2471 or F-1869 visit: www.astm.org

 

 

 

pH Test Procedure

 

1. Clean floor to remove all oil, dirt, dust and any floor coating or sealer. If the surface has a primer, sealer or old adhesive that might affect the test procedure, it must be removed by lightly grinding, sanding or bead blasting. Do not remove more than 1/16" of concrete. Remember, since alkali is present in cement, removal of more than 1/16" may give a high pH reading. This test is designed to test the surface that will come in contact with the adhesive.

 

 

 

2. Pour a small amount of pH Balanced Testing Fluid
(approx. 1 1/2" diameter) on flooring surface.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. After allowing fluid to sit for approx. 30 seconds, place a Taylor Tools narrow range pH strip into the fluid for 1 second. Remove and match with best color after 15 but before 25 seconds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acceptable pH Levels

Concrete flooring with a surface alkali content of pH 9 or higher must be corrected, according to the Carpet and Rug Institute and the Canadian Carpet Institute.

Two (2) pH alkalinity tests should be performed for each moisture test procedure. If the pH level is 9 or higher, it may be reduced by mopping the floor with a 10% muriatic acid solution. Allow the acid wash to dry, then mop with tap water. Repeat the procedure twice, then test again. Typically, the higher the calcium chloride test results are, the higher the pH factor will be. Always consult the adhesive manufacturer for the acceptable pH range