Top 10 Concrete Moisture Questions

At Wagner Meters, we do all we can to provide information and resources to answer all questions from the field. We work to supply concrete and flooring professionals both the answers and the tools they need to ensure their installations and reputations survive the tests of time.

When looking to determine if a concrete slab is dry enough to proceed with a finish, flooring or occupancy, there are several methods commonly specified for testing the relative humidity (or moisture content) of the slab.

Concrete floors have become a staple of the building industry for their strength, durability, and the wide range of aesthetic looks possible. The initial treatment of the concrete once it is poured has much to do with its long-term strength and performance.

Woods cells fit together like groups of drinking straws or thin pipes. The cell wall naturally contains a small amount of moisture, and the “hollow” part of the cell also has room to hold and release moisture.

All wood will, over time, adjust to its surroundings, in a process known as equalizing. Understanding that give-and-take moisture process, and controlling the rate at which it happens, means that with some precautions at each stage of the life span of wood, moisture does not have to lead to flooring problems.

Every industry has rules-of-thumb. However, accepting them as the standard for your business practices can be hazardous, particularly if you’re not clear why a rule-of-thumb exists.

Hydrostatic pressure is a term that is often used when excess moisture has created problems with concrete slabs and connected flooring systems. However, it is not as generic a term as people in the industry often think.

Once wet concrete starts to pour, you need to be prepared to move quickly. No one wants to get to the job site and realize they left a tool behind. Here’s a list of 30 tools you might need on a concrete construction site from start to finish.

They work along a couple of different mechanism designs, but ultimately the effectiveness of the drill is only as strong as its drill bit. With that dual action in a tough building material like concrete, the drill bit itself has to withstand incredible pressure.

Being more than just assessing the tree felled in the forest, calculating environmental impact is more complex than it appears. Homeowners and builders should assess the composite environmental impact at all times.

With increased interest in the building industry in sustainable practices and environmental impact, the process and energy costs of producing hardwood flooring need to be examined.

Transforming basic concrete into a structural work of art can include stamping, dying, overlays, polishing, engraving, staining, grinding, waxing and more. Decorative concrete applications are continuing to grow in popularity as the range of finishes and looks continues to expand. The need for accurate moisture measurement hasn’t changed.

As decorative concrete flooring options continue to expand, the choices available to clients can become bewildering. As their best resource and as the concrete installer, you as the professional must be on your game to ensure their satisfaction and continue to build and maintain your own reputation.