10
R
4 A GUIDE TO MOISTURE TESTING
Drying time
Concrete must be allowed to dry to an adequate
level before applying coatings or installing sheet
material, tile, wood, etc. Manufacturers of these
coating systems and sheet materials generally
require moisture testing to be performed before
application on a concrete surface. Moisture
content measurement is one such method of
testing. Excessive moisture in or permeating from
concrete after application of a coating, or
covering with sheet material, can cause failures
such as condensation, blistering, delamination,
movement and general deterioration of the
finished product. There is also a risk of promoting
microbial growth.
No exact period can be specified for the drying
time of concrete as this is affected by
temperature and humidity as well as concrete
curing times and other factors. During the drying
period and prior to applying the coating or sheet
material, the concrete surface should be checked
regularly to monitor moisture content.
For best and most accurate results, tests should
be carried out after the environment in which the
concrete is located has 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
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Concrete Moisture Meter
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For more information
/ 1300 287 935
[email protected] / www.burwell.com.au
