Rising moisture might not seem the problem, but your concrete is much more damaged by it than you may imagine. Humidity may also be caused by leaking pipes running through or beneath your concrete. So having a pressure test performed by a plumber is a good idea. As a result, moisture won’t rise and won’t seep through or beneath your concrete.
How do you spot increasing moisture?
A clear indication that moisture damage the formation of region wetness or dampness on the surface of the concrete. A wet surface can hinder the adhesion of protective coatings and harm the concrete’s foundational strength. Checking for moisture in your concrete is crucial for this reason.
How might growing moisture damage be reduced?
The best strategy to prevent growing moisture damage is to test the ground for moisture before covering it with anything. If not, you risk squandering a lot of time and cash. Your cement flooring’s moisture content may be measured using several techniques. Using concrete floor moisture test, and moisture-sensitive finishes and coatings, the three best quantitative ways to detect moisture in your concrete slabs are:
RH Test: Relative Humidity
A hydrometer is necessary for this. A self-sealing one or a probe version is also available. Before doing the test, you must drill a hole through the concrete for the investigation. An RH test will gauge humidity levels between the device and the concrete. It is crucial to use the device on the ground and keep it there for sixteen continuous hours.
Performing an electrical resistance test
The electrically conductive property between two places is measured using this technique. The metre will show how much moisture is present in the concrete. For an accurate reading, the resistivity metre has to be able to measure changes to within 0.5% and set for precision in the range of 4% to 9% moisture. Drilling holes into the concrete slab will allow you to test the moisture content throughout, giving you a more accurate result.
The Test on Plastic Sheets
Do not worry if you lack access to the mentioned devices. The tool is in the typical Australian product shed and may be used to perform a moisture test. A square plastic sheet (50 cm x 50 cm) and some duct tape are required.
Method:
- Over the concrete floor, spread out the square sheet.
- Apply duct tape from the sheet’s corners to secure it to the ground.
- Take a 24-hour break.
- Check for moisture after removing the plastic sheet’s seal.
If there is moisture on the plastic sheet, it will eventually rise through the concrete. This approach offers a fair indication of how much humidity is in your cement if you won’t obtain a measurable answer.
Contact ATTAR for more about the rising moisture in your concrete and how to protect your flooring, consulting, and training services in Australia.