Moisture Mitigation

Northeast Flooring Solutions offers concrete moisture testing and mitigation as part of our concrete floor preparation and installation.

Moisture Vapor Transmission (MVT) is the movement of water vapor from “high to low” concentrations as it attempts to reach equilibrium within its overall environment. When we test concrete for moisture, we test for MVT in accordance with ASTM F1869 (using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride) and ASTM F2170 (determining relative humidity). We recommend a simple moisture test before installing any flooring, which can now be done in as little as 24 hours using Rapid RH tests from Wagner Meters testing for relative humidity in the slab, giving the most accurate results.

Flooring problems due to moisture vapor transmission can cost the construction industry and facility owners billions of dollars each year. MVT problems attack impervious and permeable flooring materials including wood, vinyl, tile, urethane, epoxy, and carpet. Often the end result is disbondment, blistering, pinholes, chipping and pitting, adhesive reversion, and cracking and heaving. If left untreated it can introduce health concerns associated with Sick Building Syndrome – by aiding the growth of algae, bacteria, mildew and mold, as well as inducing rot.

Excess moisture and water can wreak havoc on your flooring products and ultimately lead to a failure. Moisture can come from high water tables, drainage deposits, residual water from run-off or irrigation, broken or leaky plumbing or lack of, or improper installation of a positive side moisture barrier.

When excessive moisture is detected, we treat flooring surfaces with AC•Tech 2170 by Allied Construction Technologies. Northeast Flooring Solutions is an official distributor of AC•Tech 2170.

AC•Tech 2170® FC ZERO is a 2 component, 100% solids vapor reduction epoxy that contains ZERO VOCs and is fast curing, making it ideal for fast track construction. It is a true one-coat system that has been formulated to remain bonded to properly prepared concrete with high moisture levels and alkalinity loads. AC Tech ® 2170 FC ZERO withstands moisture levels as high as 100% RH (ASTM F2170) with no upper MVER limit (ASTM F1869) and is insensitive to sustained alkalinity as high as pH 14.

Providing a reliable moisture control is an important surface preparation factor and an essential part of new floor installations.  Moisture mitigation comes after any removal, grinding, or shot blasting that may be needed is complete, and before self-leveling if needed.  Contact us to schedule a concrete moisture test or apply a moisture barrier to protect the life of your flooring system.