scope:

Introduction

Delamination, blistering, staining, mold growth, and other problems related to the installation and performance of moisture-sensitive flooring materials on concrete slabs are common. The problems include claims for total failure of the flooring system, construction-schedule delays caused by slow concrete drying, and lawsuits involving indoor air quality. It is currently up to architects, engineers, floor covering installers, flooring and adhesive manufacturers, concrete contractors, and concrete producers to solve these problems.

The objective of this document is to reduce the potential for moisture-related problems in both slabs-on-ground and suspended slabs. It provides basic information on the concrete drying process, moisture behavior in concrete, testing for pH and moisture, and vapor retarders/barriers. Based on this information, recommendations for the design and construction of concrete slabs that will receive moisture-sensitive or pHsensitive flooring materials or coatings are presented.