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Description / Abstract:
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.