FACTS EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FLOORING INSTALLATIONS OVER CONCRETE

1.All concrete regardless of age or grade level emits some degree of moisture and must be tested prior to installation

2.The majority of flooring material manufacturers, organizations, and experts recognize the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association Test (calcium chloride) as their primary criterion for determining moisture vapor emission limitations since it is the only quantitative measurement of moisture.

3.Mat and bond test do not model vapor emissions and are only subjective, at best, in their interpretation.

4.The calcium chloride test is used by the vast majority of flooring contractors.

5.Flooring manufacturers do not warrant against substrate moisture, and most recognize a limit of 3.0 pounds as the maximum allowable amount of moisture vapor emission. Pounds refers to the actual weight of the water passing through a 1,000 square foot surface area, every 24 hours. Over 3.0 lbs. and floors will eventually fail.

6.Calcium chloride crystal tests produce their results by changes in weight. The dish must be weighed within 1 hour upon termination of the test to be valid. Mailing off the dish to be weighed invalidates the results.

7.Flooring contractors who do not test for moisture prior to flooring installations run the risk of total liability for a moisture failure.