Should you conduct a Concrete Moisture testing prior to installing your new hardwood or laminate floors?
The answer is a resounding yest. Whether you install the flooring or you are hiring a contractor, you need to conduct a concrete moisture test to see if your foundation slab is not emitting moisture levels above the acceptable levels.
If you are a contractor, you might have the proper tools to conduct a Relative Humidity Test. This test usually includes a probe where you drill a hole in the concrete slab and insert the probe to conduct the test. For non-glue down flooring installations, otherwise known as floating, the humidity level must remain below 80%. If the floor installation will be a glue down application, the moisture level must remain below 75%.
Another acceptable test by most floor manufacturers, is the Calcium Chloride Test. This pre-packaged test can be purchased at most professional flooring supply stores and costs about $15. The Calcium Chloride Test measures the quantity of moisture passing through a concrete floor. The acceptable level of moisture is less than 4.5 lbs.
You likely spent a significant amount of money on your new hardwood or laminate flooring, make sure to take the extra step to protect yourself and your investment.
Brian Heltzel
The Floor Barn
Burleson, TX
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