You’re Foundation for Accurate Moisture Results.
HK Concrete Testing offers RH in-situ and Calcium Chloride testing to ensure accurate readings and allow you to install flooring with confidence.
Why is concrete moisture testing necessary?
Concrete moisture testing is a definitive way to know if the slab you are installing floor covering on is over-saturated with moisture; which can cause catastrophic failures if not addressed properly.
Moisture moves through concrete
Concrete is porous, meaning water vapor naturally moves through it even after it has hardened. Moisture from the ground or improper curing can migrate upward toward the surface, especially if there’s no proper vapor barrier.
Excess moisture causes flooring failures
If flooring is installed before the slab has properly dried or if moisture vapor emissions are too high, you can experience:
Mold and mildew growth: Moisture trapped under flooring creates a perfect environment for microbial growth.
Adhesive breakdown: Glue softens or fails to bond.
Flooring warping or bubbling: Vinyl, LVT, and hardwood can lift or curl.
Discoloration or staining: Especially under resilient floors or carpet.
Testing verifies readiness
Concrete moisture testing confirms whether the slab’s moisture level is within manufacturer tolerances for the chosen flooring system. Our tests follow these standards:
- ASTM F2170: In-situ Relative Humidity (RH) Test — measures internal slab RH.
- ASTM F1869: Calcium Chloride Test — measures surface moisture vapor emission rate (MVER).
Each test provides insight into whether it’s safe to proceed with installation.
Protects warranties and liability
Most flooring and adhesive manufacturers require documented moisture testing results before installation. If you skip testing and moisture causes a failure later, warranties are void, and the installer or building owner is typically liable.
Saves money and time long-term
Moisture-related flooring failures can cost tens of thousands of dollars in repairs, downtime, and lost productivity.
In short..
Concrete moisture testing ensures the floor will bond properly, remain stable, and perform as intended — protecting your investment and reputation.
What may happen to flooring installed over concrete with excess moisture
Yes that is what it looks like…
The tenant had to tape the seams just to be able to have their Yoga studio open and prevent a tripping hazard to their clients
No moisture testing was done prior to the floor being installed and the results were pivotal in finding out why this flooring had failed.
The moisture results tell a story
Our testing showed that the concrete slab this flooring was installed over had an extremely high level of moisture. Had this testing been done prior to installation, the installer would have known that preventative measures were needed to ensure the product would not fail due to excessive moisture.
HK Concrete Testing 