Concrete Encounter CME 4
User Guide
24/08/04
Working with your Concrete Encounter CME 4
Drying time for concrete floors and screeds
Concrete floors and screeds must be allowed to dry to an
adequate level before the installation of sheet material, tile,
wood or coating. Manufacturers of such systems generally
require moisture testing to be performed before installation
on a floor slab. Moisture content measurement is one such
method. Excessive moisture in or permeating from a floor
slab after the installation of a floor covering or coating can
cause failures such as condensation, blistering, delaminating,
movement and general deterioration of the finished
flooring/coating. There is also a risk of promoting microbial
growth.
No exact period can be specified for the drying of such
floors as this is affected by temperature and humidity within
the building as well as concrete curing times and other
factors. Typically a period of 3 to 4 weeks per 25mm (1inch)
depth of concrete or sand/cement screed needs to be
allowed. Longer periods may be required in areas of high
humidity or low temperature. During the drying period and
prior to applying the floor covering, the floor should be
regularly checked to monitor moisture content.
Testing for moisture content in a floor slab
Pre-test conditioning and preparation
For best and most accurate results, tests should be carried
out after the internal conditions of the building in which the
slab is located have been at normal service temperature and
humidity for at least 48 hours.
All artificial heating or drying equipment should be turned
off at least 96 hours before final readings are attempted,
otherwise results may not accurately reflect the amount of
moisture present or moisture movement in the slab during
normal operating conditions.
Prior to testing, the actual test area should be clean and free
of any foreign substances.
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CME4/1005
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