The C555 concrete moisture meter allows a person to follow the suggestions of the ASTM F2659 procedure for preliminary evaluation of moisture conditions. ASTM (the American Society for Testing and Materials) creates standards to guide professionals in each industry. Now let’s talk more about why it’s crucial to perform moisture testing in concrete subfloors. Why Concrete Moisture Testing Matters in Residential Flooring The ASTM F2659-23 standard puts it like this: “Moisture in concrete floor slabs affects the performance of flooring systems such as resilient, wood, and textile floor coverings and coatings.” “Excessive moisture in floor slabs after installation can cause floor covering system failures such as delamination, bonding failure, deterioration of finish flooring and coatings, and microbial growth.” Now let’s cover some quick science behind why moisture can become an issue. All concrete starts as a mix of water, cement,
aggregates, and sometimes other additives. Water binds the other ingredients and causes the chemical reaction that hardens, or cures, the concrete over time. Concrete usually cures enough to walk on within 24 to 48 hours. But concrete will continue to release excess moisture through the surface from deep inside the slab. This evaporation process continues until the concrete reaches the same humidity level as the air. But if you install flooring before the slab releases enough moisture, it can cause: 1. Breakdown of flooring adhesives 2. Wood floor warping, cracking, shrinking, or crowning 3. Linoleum floor warping or discoloration 4. Vinyl floor buckling, swelling, or shifting 5. Growth of mold or mildew in carpet Most of these issues cause unsightly and damaged floors. And that’s not ideal for residents or flooring professionals. But mold growth impacts air quality. So, measuring moisture in slab before floor installation is not only crucial for floor integrity—but for the health of residents.
30 Premier Flooring Retailer tise | 2026
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