How to Test Moisture in Concrete Floors

Testing for moisture in concrete floor slabs could sound daunting, which is why we’ve made this easy-to-follow concrete moisture testing guide, just for you.

Before we start, let’s debunk this idea: the calcium chloride (CaCl) testing method is sufficient for moisture testing. No, it is not.

The CaCl method (standardized today as ASTM F1869) was first established in the 1940s with no real basis in scientific research. Since it only measures the surface of the slab, you’re not getting an accurate forecasting picture. It tells you what’s happening now on the surface, but as a general contractor or flooring contractor, your job’s success is based on what happens in the future—after you lay the flooring.

To get this necessary information, you need to use the in situ relative humidity (RH) test method.

Here’s why:

When the concrete is still drying, moisture levels on the surface read lower than in the center of the slab. But when you seal your concrete and lay the flooring, the moisture inside the slab will equilibrate (disperse evenly). This means the moisture that was hidden below could rise toward the top and damage your hard work.

To avoid the guessing game of how much moisture is actually in the slab, you should use RH testing which reads deeper in the concrete than the CaCl method.

Scientific research determined that testing at 40% of the slab’s depth for concrete drying from one side (20% if drying from two sides) would best predict the final slab RH levels—if it were sealed by a low permeable material at that point in time.

Knowing the accurate RH level of the slab can prevent potential moisture-related flooring failure.

The patented Rapid RH® Smart Sensor design is superior in a number of ways to other RH test methods. For one, the Rapid RH L6 single-use sensor is permanently embedded into the concrete, making it easy to obtain fast, accurate RH readings consistent with ASTM F2170 and drastically cutting down on otherwise required paperwork and regular calibration checks.

If you want to know even more about your moisture situation, you can do this: combine the Smart Logger™, C555 Concrete Moisture Meter, and Rapid RH L6 System to measure and log ambient temperature and RH. This cocktail of tools is unbeatable for fast, accurate moisture testing that will protect your job and give you peace of mind.

Tools for Testing Moisture in Concrete

The Rapid RH L6 Starter Kit comes with everything you need to get started: including two Smart Logger recorders, five Rapid RH L6 Smart Sensors, and a Total Reader®, along with the necessary attachments/tools.

Here’s the full list of what’s included in the Starter Kit. If you need any of the individual items, each item is also available here.

In addition to the Starter Kit, you’ll also want to use these tools:

• C555 Concrete Moisture Meter
• Smart Logger app, available for any iOS or Android device
• DataMaster™ app, available for any iOS or Android device
• Hammer drill
• Vacuum

What are Concrete Moisture Testing Tools, and Why Do I Need Them?

Smart Logger

When the concrete slab is enclosed with a running HVAC, it’s time to install your Smart Logger.

The Smart Logger requires very little set up. Since it’s small and needs no power connection, it can be placed pretty much anywhere (use one in each area of differing ambient conditions).

Once set up, the Smart Logger starts taking ambient temperature and RH measurements on a pre-programmed schedule. Allow 48 hours of logging time to show correct, stable ambient conditions. Up to 12,000 recordings can be stored on the device and easily accessed through the Smart Logger app.

The free Smart Logger app is available for any IOS or Android device. Access your recordings via Bluetooth® with the option to generate, print, and email PDF reports of the readings.

When the logger shows favorable conditions have been in place for 48 hours, it’s time to determine where to place the in situ probes.

C555 Concrete Moisture Meter

A good way to find where to put in situ probes is by using the C555 meter.

In compliance with ASTM F2659, the C555 measures concrete moisture in seconds. Its built-in sensors also take measurements of ambient temperature and RH.

When placed on the smooth, flat surface of the slab, the C555 provides fast, non-destructive “wet/dry” qualitative moisture measurements. These measurements show where potential problem areas are, giving you a good indication of where to install the Rapid RH L6 Smart Sensors.

Rapid RH L6 Smart Sensors

The Rapid RH L6 Smart Sensors are in situ concrete testing probes that are extremely accurate and fully comply with F2170.

These sensors come factory calibrated with a NIST-traceable certificate of calibration and never need recalibration.

Their advanced technology means easier testing and faster results. The Smart Sensors go 40% into the concrete slab, and each sensor needs 24 hours of equilibration time. After they’re installed, there’s no need to transfer them and no need for additional equilibration time. Repeat readings can be taken easily—no extra time or effort required.

All Rapid RH L6 Smart Sensors come with an ASTM F2170 test results sheet. This sheet gives documentation of the required data: floor map of the sensor location, sensor recording, depth, and dates and times of RH readings.

Download this form here. If you want the full version—including an ASTM F2170 checklist—download this one.

Total Reader

When sensors are in place and equilibrated, the Total Reader is what connects the sensors wirelessly to your smartphone.

The Total Reader pulls data from the Smart Sensors and sends it to the free DataMaster L6 app (available for any IOS or Android device). From the app, you can create time-stamped, PDF data reports for clients.

This provides you with the highest data integrity and lets you sleep easy knowing you’re covered.

6 Steps to Testing Moisture in Concrete Slabs

Before you start testing, your space should be enclosed with the HVAC up and running. Then follow these 6 steps to get accurate moisture levels.

1. 1. 1. Install Smart Logger and log 48 hours before testing
         1. Use one per zone of conditioned space where concrete will be tested 
      2. Use C555 to identify areas with the highest comparative moisture
         1. Use only on smooth surfaces 
         2. Note: Do not use alone as it only measures the top, “drier” part of the slab
      3. Install Rapid RH L6 Smart Sensors in areas of potential high moisture, as identified by the C555
         1. Use a hammer drill and masonry drill bit to drill holes at 40% depth in concrete, if drying from one side
         2. Use wire brush, vacuum, and attachment to clean out holes
         3. Place the required number of sensors first targeting areas with the highest moisture levels, then over the rest of the slab 
            1. Drill and place at least 3 sensors for the first 1,000 sq. ft. and 1 more per additional 1,000 sq. ft.
               (Example: if your slab is 3,000 sq. ft., you’ll need 5 sensors—3 for the first 1,000 sq. ft. and 2 for the additional 2,000 sq. ft.)
         4. Note: Official, actionable RH% results can be obtained 24 hours after the sensor is installed in the concrete.
      4. Use the free DataMaster L6 app to create a sensor map showing the locations of each sensor
         1. Upload photos of each sensor location to easily find them for readings
         2. Name each sensor to keep an accurate record of the data for each sensor 
      5. Use the Total Reader to transfer your RH readings to the DataMaster L6 app on your smartphone
         1. Locate each sensor from the sensor map
         2. Remove the protective cap from the sensor
         3. Insert the Total Reader
         4. Download the reading to the app on your smartphone
         5. Replace the protective cap 
         6. Complete steps A-E until all sensors have been read
      6. Analyze data and determine if the concrete needs additional drying time
         1. Should you need to take repeat readings, you can do so immediately
         2. The Smart Logger and L6 Smart Sensors will continue to operate and store data for months

What is an acceptable moisture level in concrete?

Once you get your readings, it’s time to make the call on whether or not to proceed with the installation of the floor covering.

The ASTM F710 standard says the concrete slab needs to be below 75% relative humidity, or whatever RH level the floor covering manufacturer specifies. Some products can handle 80% RH, and some even up to 90%.

Check the floor covering manufacturer’s website for specifics on RH levels, or visit www.rhspec.com for a list of most products with links to the manufacturer website.

To purchase the tools necessary for accurate concrete moisture testing, visit the online Rapid RH store. For more information about RH testing or any of the tools in the Rapid RH L6 system, call the Rapid RH specialists at Wagner Meters. Available worldwide toll-free at 800-933-3506.

Last updated on May 5th, 2022