An Innovative Technical Flooring Consulting Firm Focused on Preventing & Solving Problems with Floor Coverings, Coatings, & Concrete Slabs Utilizing Scientific Testing, Evaluations, & Expertise
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ANALYTICAL, PHYSICAL, & ENVIRONMENTAL
TESTING, EVALUATION, & ANALYSIS of
FLOOR COVERINGS, COATINGS, & CEMENTITIOUS SUBSTRATES
FloorSciences™ utilizes established industry standards (test methods, practices, guides, etc.) and other relevant industry documents in the forensic analysis of failed flooring systems, and in the quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) testing and evaluations of new/replacement flooring installations. This is not intended to be an exhaustive listing but a sampling of relevant flooring industry standards.
Forensic & QA/QC Technical Flooring Consultant, Walter Bell with FloorSciences™, is a voting member of many of the technical committees for these standards for commercial flooring, underlayments, and concrete coatings. These standards development organizations include ASTM International and the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) (merger of former SSPC & NACE).
Forensic & QA/QC Technical Flooring Consultant, Walter Bell with FloorSciences™, is a voting member of many of the technical committees for these standards for commercial flooring, underlayments, and concrete coatings. These standards development organizations include ASTM International and the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) (merger of former SSPC & NACE).
§ A. OVERVIEW OF SOME COMMON TESTING & EVALUATION SERVICES
§A.1. Quality Assurance & Quality Control (QA/QC)
The success of a flooring system (floor coverings, floor coatings, underlayments, moisture mitigation systems, adhesives etc.) installation relies on adherence to manufacturers' guidelines, relevant industry standards, and architectural and other construction documents. FloorSciences™ can conduct quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) construction material testing (CMT) and observations of the flooring system components based on the relevant manufacturer guidelines, industry standards, architectural specifications, and project documents.
The success of a flooring system (floor coverings, floor coatings, underlayments, moisture mitigation systems, adhesives etc.) installation relies on adherence to manufacturers' guidelines, relevant industry standards, and architectural and other construction documents. FloorSciences™ can conduct quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) construction material testing (CMT) and observations of the flooring system components based on the relevant manufacturer guidelines, industry standards, architectural specifications, and project documents.
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§A.2. Concrete Sub-surface Scanning
FloorSciences™ is one of a very few flooring consultancy firms in the nation with in-house capability to conduct ground penetrating radar (GPR) concrete subsurface scanning. GPR is utilized to locate post-tensioning (PT) cables, reinforcement, conduit, and other concrete embeddings, along with other concrete subsurface assessments. The advanced technology of ground penetrating radar (GPR) enables technicians with FloorSciences™ to drill into concrete slabs while avoiding these types of embeddings, to perform internal concrete relative humidity (RH) moisture testing (ASTM F2170) and extract concrete core samples. Don't allow a flooring inspection and testing firm to risk damaging concrete embeddings because they do not have the advanced tech instrumentation to locate what's in, or directly under, your concrete slab prior to drilling or coring into your concrete slab. |
Concrete internal relative humidity testing requires drilling into the slab.
FloorSciences utilizes high-tech ground penetrating radar (GPR) to locate post-tension cables, rebar, conduit, and other embedding prior to drilling or coring into a slab.
GPR also allows us to measure slab thickness to conduct the internal relative humidity tests at the correct slab depth.
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§A.3. Concrete Internal Relative Humidity (RH) Moisture Testing
Being an industry leader at the forefront of utilizing advanced technologies is not new for FloorSciences. Shortly after the ASTM F2170 test method for determining internal relative humidity of the air void space in concrete slabs using in situ probes became a new standard in the U.S., we recognized it's efficacy and was an early adopter in 2003.
At that time, very few companies had the high-tech instrumentation to conduct concrete moisture testing following the ASTM F2170 test method, and it was primarily only European flooring manufacturers that included it in their U.S. specifications. Now almost all flooring and concrete floor coating manufacturers recognize or require the ASTM F2170 test method in their specifications.
A critical part of performing the ASTM F2170 internal relative humidity concrete moisture test method is the knowing the actual slab thickness to in turn drill and install the RH test sleeves at the proper depth (specific percentage of slab thickness) to gain accurate data. FloorSciences™ measures slab thickness at each test location utilizing high-tech ground penetrating radar (GPR).
The ASTM F2170 test method is generalized as a concrete moisture test although this test only determines the internal relative humidity of the air voids or capillaries of the concrete slab.
Related standard:
§A.4. Concrete Moisture Vapor Emissions Testing
This test method measure the amount of water absorbed in a dish of anhydrous calcium chloride under a plastic dome adhered to a properly prepared concrete slab over a period of 60 to 72 hours.
Related standard:
§A.5. Dry Film Thickness (DFT) Measurements of Concrete Coatings
The thickness of a high performance or protective coating can be crucial in the properties needed to fulfill their intended function, such as adhesion, chemical resistance, durability, flexibility, hardness, water vapor permeability, and wearability. This is of critical importance for concrete moisture mitigation systems.
As a leader in the flooring inspection and consultancy industry, we have the capability to determine the dry film thickness (DFT) of concrete coatings utilizing high-tech non-destructive ultrasonic instrumentation. These concrete coatings include those that become the finished floor surface and those used as part of a flooring system such as with concrete moisture mitigation systems.
Related standards:
§A.6. Tensile Strength Bond of Concrete Coatings, Overlays, Toppings, Underlayments, & Repair Materials
Sufficient tensile bond strength of concrete coatings, underlayments, toppings, and the tensile strength of the concrete slab itself can play a crucial role in the success of a flooring system.
Utilizing high-tech electronic hydraulic instrumentation, we are able to determine the greatest perpendicular force or strength (PSI) of the weakest plane within the flooring system. This includes concrete coatings, cementitious underlayments and toppings, or within the concrete slab itself.
Related standards:
§A.7. Data Logging & Remote Monitoring of Environmental Conditions
FloorSciences™ can provide data logging documentation for the ambient conditions (relative humidity, temperature, dew point, air movement, and more) during the testing process, flooring installation, or other given times.
Utilizing wireless transmitters, our clients and other selected parties involved with a project are able to log into a secure webserver to remotely monitor in real time the ambient environmental conditions. This system can also be used to monitor heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Email alerts can be sent when conditions meet chosen minimum or maximum thresholds. This system also data logs all recordings and provides for the creation of various reports and graphs.
Being an industry leader at the forefront of utilizing advanced technologies is not new for FloorSciences. Shortly after the ASTM F2170 test method for determining internal relative humidity of the air void space in concrete slabs using in situ probes became a new standard in the U.S., we recognized it's efficacy and was an early adopter in 2003.
At that time, very few companies had the high-tech instrumentation to conduct concrete moisture testing following the ASTM F2170 test method, and it was primarily only European flooring manufacturers that included it in their U.S. specifications. Now almost all flooring and concrete floor coating manufacturers recognize or require the ASTM F2170 test method in their specifications.
A critical part of performing the ASTM F2170 internal relative humidity concrete moisture test method is the knowing the actual slab thickness to in turn drill and install the RH test sleeves at the proper depth (specific percentage of slab thickness) to gain accurate data. FloorSciences™ measures slab thickness at each test location utilizing high-tech ground penetrating radar (GPR).
The ASTM F2170 test method is generalized as a concrete moisture test although this test only determines the internal relative humidity of the air voids or capillaries of the concrete slab.
Related standard:
- ASTM F2170 Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using in situ Probes
§A.4. Concrete Moisture Vapor Emissions Testing
This test method measure the amount of water absorbed in a dish of anhydrous calcium chloride under a plastic dome adhered to a properly prepared concrete slab over a period of 60 to 72 hours.
Related standard:
- ASTM F1869 Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride
§A.5. Dry Film Thickness (DFT) Measurements of Concrete Coatings
The thickness of a high performance or protective coating can be crucial in the properties needed to fulfill their intended function, such as adhesion, chemical resistance, durability, flexibility, hardness, water vapor permeability, and wearability. This is of critical importance for concrete moisture mitigation systems.
As a leader in the flooring inspection and consultancy industry, we have the capability to determine the dry film thickness (DFT) of concrete coatings utilizing high-tech non-destructive ultrasonic instrumentation. These concrete coatings include those that become the finished floor surface and those used as part of a flooring system such as with concrete moisture mitigation systems.
Related standards:
- ASTM D4138 Practices for Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of Protective Coating Systems by Destructive, Cross-Sectioning Means
- ASTM D6132 Standard Test Method for Nondestructive Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of Applied Organic Coatings Using an Ultrasonic Coating Thickness Gage
§A.6. Tensile Strength Bond of Concrete Coatings, Overlays, Toppings, Underlayments, & Repair Materials
Sufficient tensile bond strength of concrete coatings, underlayments, toppings, and the tensile strength of the concrete slab itself can play a crucial role in the success of a flooring system.
Utilizing high-tech electronic hydraulic instrumentation, we are able to determine the greatest perpendicular force or strength (PSI) of the weakest plane within the flooring system. This includes concrete coatings, cementitious underlayments and toppings, or within the concrete slab itself.
Related standards:
- ASTM C1583 Standard Test Method for Tensile Strength of Concrete Surfaces and the Bond Strength or Tensile Strength of Concrete Repair and Overlay Materials by Direct Tension (Pull-off Method)
- ASTM D7234 Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings on Concrete Using Portable Pull-Off Adhesion Testers
§A.7. Data Logging & Remote Monitoring of Environmental Conditions
FloorSciences™ can provide data logging documentation for the ambient conditions (relative humidity, temperature, dew point, air movement, and more) during the testing process, flooring installation, or other given times.
Utilizing wireless transmitters, our clients and other selected parties involved with a project are able to log into a secure webserver to remotely monitor in real time the ambient environmental conditions. This system can also be used to monitor heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Email alerts can be sent when conditions meet chosen minimum or maximum thresholds. This system also data logs all recordings and provides for the creation of various reports and graphs.
§B. CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS TESTING (CMT)
& OTHER INDUSTRY STANDARDS
This section is intended to give an overview and not a comprehensive listing of construction materials testing (CMT) and other industry standards relevant to the flooring industry. We are actively updating this section and adding additional standards and subsections. (04/30/2024)
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§B. Subsections:
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§ B.1. CONCRETE SLAB MOISTURE & ALKALINITY
Concrete Moisture Vapor Emission Rate (MVER)
Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs
Relative Humidity on the Surface of Concrete Floor Slabs
Alkalinity/pH Level on the Surface of Concrete Floor Slabs
Preliminary Evaluation of Concrete Moisture
- ASTM F1869 Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloors Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride.
(1) This test method covers the quantitative determination of the rate of moisture vapor emitted from below-grade, on-grade, and above-grade (suspended) bare concrete floors.
(2) This test shall not be used to evaluate the rate of moisture vapor emitted by gypsum concrete or floors containing lightweight aggregate.
(3) This test shall not be used to evaluate moisture vapor emissions over coatings on concrete or through reactive penetrants or over patching or leveling compounds.
(4) This quantity of moisture shall be expressed as the rate of moisture vapor emission, measured in pounds of moisture over a 1000 ft2 area during a 24-h period.
Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs
- ASTM F2170 Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using In-Situ Probes.
This test method covers the quantitative determination of percent relative humidity in concrete slabs for field or laboratory tests.
Relative Humidity on the Surface of Concrete Floor Slabs
- ASTM F2420 Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity on the Surface of Concrete Floor Slabs Using Relative Humidity Probe Measurement and Insulated Hood.
This test method covers the quantitative determination of percent relative humidity above the surface of concrete floor slabs for field or laboratory tests.
(Although this is no longer a current standard, it is still used in forensic evaluations of concrete slab moisture, moisture mitigation systems, moisture reducing concrete ad-mixtures, and other related products.)
Alkalinity/pH Level on the Surface of Concrete Floor Slabs
- ASTM F710 Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
This standard specifies that the surface of concrete slabs be tested for alkalinity before installing a floor covering. - ASTM D4262 Standard Test Method for pH of Chemically Cleaned or Etched Concrete Surfaces
This test method covers procedures for determining the acidity or alkalinity of concrete surfaces prepared by chemical cleaning or etching prior to coating. - ASTM F3441 Standard Guide for Measurement of pH Involving Resilient Flooring Installations
(1) This guide discusses procedures that may be used for evaluating the comparative change in pH of reagent water placed on the surface of a properly prepared concrete slab surface.
(2) This guide is intended to be used in conjunction with the flat surface electrode pH meter manufacturer’s calibration procedures, operation instructions, and interpretive data where available.
(3) This guide is intended to be used in conjunction with the pH paper manufacturer’s instructions, product shelf life, and interpretive data where available.
Preliminary Evaluation of Concrete Moisture
- ASTM F2659 Standard Guide for Preliminary Evaluation of Comparative Moisture Condition of Concrete, Gypsum Cement and Other Floor Slabs and Screeds Using a Non-Destructive Electronic Moisture Meter
(1) This guide focuses on obtaining the comparative moisture condition within the upper 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) stratum in concrete, gypsum, anhydrite floor slabs and screeds for field tests. Due to the wide variation of material mixtures and additives used in floor slabs and screeds, this methodology may not be appropriate for all applications. See 1.2 through 1.8 and Section 11. Where appropriate or when specified, use further testing as outlined in Test Methods F1869 or F2170 before installing a resilient floor covering.
(2) This guide is intended for use to determine if there are moisture-related conditions existing on, or in, the floor slabs that could adversely impact the successful application and performance of resilient flooring products.
(3) This guide may be used to aid in the diagnosis of failures of installed resilient flooring.
(4) This guide is intended to be used in conjunction with meter manufacturer’s operation instructions and interpretive data where available.
(5) Where possible or when results need to be quantified, use this guide to determine where additional testing such as Test Methods F1869 or F2170 as specified to characterize the floor slab and the test area environment for moisture, humidity and temperature conditions.
(6) This guide may not be suitable for areas that have surface applied moisture migration systems, curing compounds or coatings that cannot be removed or cleaned off sufficiently to allow the moisture to move upwards through the slab. For a floor slab of 6 in. (150 mm) plus thickness, low porosity slabs, slabs with no vapor retarder installed, and slabs where the above surface environmental conditions can have a greater than normal influence on the moisture reduction gradient of the floor slab or screed, consider Test Method F2170 (below surface in situ rh method) as a more suitable test method under these circumstances.
(7) This guide is not intended to provide quantitative results as a basis for acceptance of a floor for installation of moisture sensitive flooring finishes systems. Test Methods F1869 or F2170 provide quantitative information for determining if moisture levels are within specific limits. Results from this guide do not provide vital information when evaluating thick slabs, slabs without effective vapor retarders directly under the slab, lightweight aggregate concrete floors, and slabs with curing compound or sealers on the surface.
§ B.2. CONCRETE SLABS, SUBFLOORS, OVERLAYS, TOPPINGS, UNDERLAYMENTS, & REPAIR MATERIALS
- ACI PRC-302.2 Concrete Slabs that Receive Moisture-Sensitive Flooring Materials - Guide
(1) This guide contains materials, design, and construction recommendations for concrete slabs-on-ground and suspended slabs that are to receive moisture-sensitive flooring materials. These flooring materials include sheet rubber, epoxy coatings, vinyl composition tile, sheet vinyl, carpet, athletic flooring, laminates, and hardwood.
(2) This guide contains chapters on: concrete moisture basics, concrete moisture testing, concrete pH testing, floor coverings and adhesive manufacturer's recommendations, drying of concrete, vapor retarders, floor covering materials, design and construction recommendations,, and more. - ASTM C1583/C1583M Standard Test Method for Tensile Strength of Concrete Surfaces and the Bond Strength or Tensile Strength of Concrete Repair and Overlay Materials by Direct Tension (Pull-off Method)
(1) This test method is suitable for both field and laboratory use to determine one or more of the following:
(1.1) The near-surface tensile strength of the substrate as an indicator of the adequacy of surface preparation before application of a repair or overlay material.
(1.2) The bond strength of a repair or an overlay material to the substrate.
(1.3) The tensile strength of a repair or overlay material, or an adhesive used in repairs, after the material has been applied to a surface. - ASTM E1643 Standard Practice for Selection, Design, Installation, and Inspection of Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Earth or Granular Fill Under Concrete Slabs
(1) This practice covers procedures for selecting, designing, installing, and inspecting flexible, prefabricated sheet membranes in contact with earth or granular fill used as vapor retarders under concrete slabs.
(2) Conditions subject to frost and either heave or hydrostatic pressure, or both, are beyond the scope of this practice. Vapor retarders are not intended to provide a waterproofing function. - ASTM E1745 Standard Specification for Plastic Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill under Concrete Slabs
(1) This specification covers flexible, preformed sheet membrane materials to be used as vapor retarders in contact with soil or granular fill under concrete slabs.
(1.1) This specification does not cover bituminous vapor retarders. See Specification E1993/E1993M for information on bituminous vapor retarders.
(2) The specified tests are conducted on new materials and materials that have been conditioned or exposed to simulate potential service conditions. - ASTM E1993/E1993M Standard Specification for Bituminous Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill Under Concrete Slabs
(1) This specification covers bituminous water vapor retarders for use in contact or granular fill under concrete slabs.
(2) The specified tests are conducted on new materials and materials that have been conditioned or exposed to simulate potential service conditions. - ASTM F710 Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
(1) This practice covers the determination of the acceptability of a concrete floor for the installation of resilient flooring.
(2) This practice includes suggestions for the construction of a concrete floor to ensure its acceptability for installation of resilient flooring.
(3) This practice does not cover the adequacy of the concrete floor to perform its structural requirements.
(4) This practice covers the necessary preparation of concrete floors prior to the installation of resilient flooring.
(5) This practice does not supersede in any manner the resilient flooring or adhesive manufacturer’s written instructions. Consult the individual manufacturer for specific recommendations.
(6) Although carpet tiles, carpet, wood flooring, coatings, films, and paints are not specifically intended to be included in the category of resilient floor coverings, the procedures included in this practice may be useful for preparing concrete floors to receive such finishes. - ASTM F1482 Standard Practice for Installation and Preparation of Panel Type Underlayments to Receive Resilient Flooring
This practice includes recommendations for the installation of panel type underlayments including wood based, fiber reinforced gypsum and fiber-cement panel underlayment/subfloor assemblies upon which resilient flooring may be installed. - ASTM F2419 Standard Practice for Installation of Thick Poured Gypsum Concrete Underlayments and Preparation of the Surface to Receive Resilient Flooring
(1) This practice covers the installation and preparation of the thick poured gypsum concrete underlayments over wood structural panel subfloors in commercial structures or over concrete floors in commercial structures and the preparation of the thick poured gypsum concrete underlayment surface prior to the installation of resilient flooring in commercial buildings.
(2) This practice covers the factors that are required to be controlled while installing thick poured gypsum concrete underlayment as a base for resilient flooring.
(3) This practice does not cover the structural adequacy of the wood structural panel subfloor or concrete subfloor. The structural integrity of assemblies is governed by local building codes.
(4) This practice does not supersede in any manner the thick \poured gypsum concrete underlayment manufacturers, adhesive manufacturer’s or resilient flooring manufacturer’s written instructions. Consult the individual manufacturer for specific recommendations.
(5) Thick poured gypsum concrete underlayments are not suitable for use on concrete slabs on ground due to potential moisture problems arising from moisture intrusion, unless an adequate vapor retarder or vapor barrier is present directly beneath the concrete subfloor. - ASTM F2471 Standard Practice for Installation of Thick Poured Lightweight Cellular Concrete Underlayments and Preparation of the Surface to Receive Resilient Flooring
(1) This practice covers the installation and preparation of the thick poured lightweight cellular concrete underlayments over wood structural panel subfloors in commercial structures or over concrete floors in commercial structures and the preparation of the thick poured lightweight cellular concrete underlayment surface prior to the installation of resilient flooring in commercial buildings.
(2) This practice points out the factors that are required to be controlled while installing thick poured lightweight cellular concrete underlayment as a base for resilient flooring.
(3) This practice does not cover the structural adequacy of the wood structural panel subfloor or concrete subfloor. The structural integrity of assemblies is governed by local building codes.
(4) This practice does not supercede the thick poured lightweight cellular concrete underlayment manufacturers’, adhesive manufacturers’ or resilient flooring manufacturers’ written instructions. Consult the individual manufacturer for specific recommendations.
(5) Thick poured lightweight cellular concrete underlayments are not suitable for use on concrete slabs on ground due to potential moisture problems arising from moisture intrusion, unless an adequate vapor retarder or vapor barrier is present directly beneath the concrete subfloor. - ASTM F2678 Standard Practice for Preparing Panel Underlayments, Thick Poured Gypsum Concrete Underlayments, Thick Poured Lightweight Cellular Concrete Underlayments, and Concrete Subfloors with Underlayment Patching Compounds to Receive Resilient Flooring
(1) This practice includes recommendations for preparing and smoothing panel underlayments, gypsum concrete and concrete subfloors with patching compounds upon which resilient flooring may be installed.
(2) This practice does not cover the adequacy of the subfloor assembly to perform its structural requirements, which is governed by local building codes.
(3) This practice does not supersede in any manner the resilient flooring, underlayment or adhesive manufacturer’s written instructions. Consult the individual resilient flooring, underlayment or adhesive manufacturer for specific recommendations. - ASTM F2873 Standard Practice for the Installation of Self-Leveling Underlayment and the Preparation of Surface to Receive Resilient Flooring
(1) This practice covers the installation of self-leveling underlayments, which may include a priming system, over solid wood, wood structural panel subfloors, over concrete, and over certain solidly bonded existing flooring systems such as epoxy floors, ceramic and natural stone tiles, terrazzo, metal subfloors and foils such as steel, copper and lead, solidly bonded patching and other leveling materials as well as properly prepared non water-soluble adhesive residues as recommended by the underlayment manufacturer. This practice also covers the preparation of the self-leveling underlayment’s surface prior to the installation of resilient flooring.
(2) This practice points out the factors that are required to be controlled while installing a self-leveling underlayment to be used as a substrate for resilient flooring.
(3) This practice does not cover the structural adequacy of the subfloor. The structural integrity of assemblies is governed by local building codes and may be superseded by the resilient flooring manufacturer’s and the self-leveling underlayment manufacturer’s requirements.
(4) This practice does not supersede the self-leveling underlayment manufacturer’s, adhesive manufacturer’s or resilient flooring manufacturer’s written instructions. Consult the individual manufacturer for specific recommendations.
(5) Some self-leveling underlayments are not suitable for use on concrete slabs on or below grade due to potential moisture problems arising from moisture intrusion. However, most of the self-leveling underlayments may be suitable for use on and below grade if an adequate and effective vapor retarder or vapor barrier is present directly beneath the concrete slab or an effective moisture remediation system has been installed beneath the surface of the self-leveling underlayment. Consult the manufacturer of the self-leveling underlayment and flooring system for specific recommendations - ASTM F3191 Standard Practice for Field Determination of Substrate Water Absorption (Porosity) for Substrates to Receive Resilient Flooring
(1) This practice covers the determination of whether or not a substrate surface, in lieu of written instruction from a product manufacturer, is considered porous or non-porous prior to the installation of resilient flooring materials.
(2) Although carpet tiles, carpet, wood flooring, coatings, films, paints, self-leveling and trowel-grade underlayments, primers, and other associated products are not specifically intended to be included in the category of resilient floor coverings, the procedures included in this practice may be useful for assessing the substrate water absorption for substrates to receive such materials. - ICRI 03739 Guide to Using In-Situ Tensile Pull-Off Tests to Evaluate Bond of Concrete Surface Materials
§ B.3. COATINGS ON CONCRETE & OTHER CEMENTITIOUS SUBSTRATES
- NACE TR02203 - ICRI Technical Guideline 710.1 - SSPC-TR 5 Design, Installation, and Maintenance of Protective Polymer Flooring Systems
- SSPC Guide 20 Guide for Applying Thick Film Coatings and Surfacings Over Concrete Floors
- SSPC Guide 26 Concrete Floor Coating System Selection Guide
- SSPC PA 7 Applying Thin Film Coatings to Concrete
Coating Wet Film Thickness Measurement
- ASTM D4414 ASTM Standard Practice for Measurement of Wet Film Thickness by Notch Gages
Concrete Slab Moisture Mitigation Systems
- ASTM F3010 Standard Practice for Two-Component Resin Based Membrane-Forming Moisture Mitigation Systems for Use Under Resilient Floor Coverings
(1) This practice covers the properties, application, and performance of a two-component resin based membrane forming moisture mitigation system to high moisture concrete substrates prior to the installation of resilient flooring.
(2) This practice includes recommendations for the preparation of the concrete surface to receive a two-component resin based membrane-forming moisture mitigation system.
(3) This practice does not supersede written instructions of the two-component resin based membrane-forming moisture mitigation system manufacturer, the resilient flooring manufacturer, underlayment manufacturer, the adhesive manufacturer, or other components of the finish flooring system, or combinations thereof. Users of this practice shall review manufacturer’s technical data sheets and installation
instructions for compatibility of system components.
(4 ) The following membrane-forming or non membrane forming moisture mitigation systems are not included in the scope of this practice:
(4.1) Moisture mitigation systems that chemically react with any constituent of the concrete to form a gel or crystalline substance within the concrete.
(4.2) Penetrating, water- or solvent-based compounds that do not form a continuous membrane on the concrete surface.
(4.3) Water-based membrane-forming moisture mitigation systems are not included in the scope of this document.
Surface Hardness
- ASTM D2240 Standard Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hardness
Tensile Adhesion/Bond Strength Testing of Coatings on Cementitious and other Substrates
- ASTM D7234 Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Adhesion Strength of Coatings on Concrete Using Portable Pull-Off Adhesion Testers
(1) This test method covers procedures for evaluating the pull-off strength of a coating on concrete. Pull-Off strength of coatings for other rigid substrates is described in Test Method D4541. The test determines the greatest perpendicular force (in tension) that a surface area can bear before a plug of material is detached. Failure will occur along the weakest plane within the system comprised of the loading fixture, glue, coating system, and substrate, and will be exposed by the fracture surface.
(2) This test method uses a class of apparatus known as portable pull-off adhesion testers.2 They are capable of applying a concentric load and counter load to a single surface so that coatings can be tested even though only one side is accessible. Measurements are limited by the strength of adhesion bonds between the loading fixture, coating system and the substrate or the cohesive strengths of the glue, coating layers, and substrate.
(3) This test method is suitable for both laboratory and field testing.
(4) Pull-off strength measurements depend upon both material and instrumental parameters. There are different instruments used that comply with this test method. The specific instrument used should be identified when reporting results. This test is destructive and spot repairs may be necessary.
Thickness Testing of Coatings on Cementitious and other Substrates
- ASTM D4138 Practices for Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of Protective Coating Systems by Destructive, Cross-Sectioning Means
(1) This practice describes the measurement of dry film thickness of coating films by microscopic observation of precision angular cuts in the coating film. Use of these procedures may require repair of the coating film. This practice is intended to supplement the manufacturers' instructions for the manual operation of the gages and is not intended to replace them. It includes definitions of key terms, reference documents, the significance and use of the practice, and the advantages and limitations of the instruments.
(2) Three procedures are provided for measuring dry film thickness of protective coating systems:
(2.1) Procedure A—Using groove cutting instruments.
(2.2) Procedure B—Using grinding instruments.
(2.3) Procedure C—Using drill bit instruments.
(3) These procedures are not applicable for soft or ductile substrates that may deform under the test gage cutting tip. The substrate should be sufficiently rigid to prevent deformation of the coating during the cutting process. The surface may be flat or moderately curved. Pipes as small as 25 mm (1 in.) in diameter may be measured in the axial direction.
(4) Individual coats in a multicoat system where there is a discernible visual difference between coats or the overall thickness of a coating system can be measured by these procedures.
(5) The range of thickness measurement is typically 2 to 2000 microns (0.1 to 80 mils) and depends upon the cutting angle of the blade. - ASTM D6132 Standard Test Method for Nondestructive Measurement of Dry Film Thickness of Applied Organic Coatings Using an Ultrasonic Gage
(1) This test method describes the use of ultrasonic film thickness gages to measure accurately and nondestructively the dry film thickness of organic coatings applied over a substrate of dissimilar material. Measurements may be made on field structures, on commercially manufactured products, or on laboratory test specimens. These types of gages can accurately measure the dry film thickness of organic coatings on a variety of substrates such as concrete, wood, wallboard, plastic, fiber composites and metal.
(2) This test method is not applicable to coatings that will be readily deformable under load of the measuring instrument as the instrument probe is placed directly on the coating surface to take a reading.
(3) The effective range of instruments using the principle of ultrasonics is limited by gage design. A thickness range of 8 μm to 7.60 mm (0.3 to 300 mils) has been demonstrated.
Relative Humidity on the Surface of Concrete Floor Coatings
- ASTM F2420 (Modified) Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity on the Surface of Concrete Floor Slabs Using Relative Humidity Probe Measurement and Insulated Hood. (No longer a current standard but still used in forensic evaluations.)
Porosity of Concrete Floor Slabs & other Cementitious Substrates
- ASTM F3191 Standard Practice for Field Determination of Substrate Water Absorption (Porosity) for Substrates to Receive Resilient Flooring
(1) This practice covers the determination of whether or not a substrate surface, in lieu of written instruction from a product manufacturer, is considered porous or non-porous prior to the installation of resilient flooring materials.
(2) Although carpet tiles, carpet, wood flooring, coatings, films, paints, self-leveling and trowel-grade underlayments, primers, and other associated products are not specifically intended to be included in the category of resilient floor coverings, the procedures included in this practice may be useful for assessing the substrate water absorption for substrates to receive such materials.
§ B.4. COMMERCIAL CARPET
- CRI 104 Standard for Installation of Commercial Carpet
This industry document encompasses a comprehensive range of guidelines for the installation of commercial carpet: (1) terminology, (2) tools and materials, (3) storage and handling, (4) planning, (5) testing, (6) site conditions, (7) substrate preparation, and (8) installation procedures and requirements for both carpet tile and broadloom carpet.
§ B.5. HARD TILE (Ceramic, Stone, etc.)
- TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation
This industry document encompasses a comprehensive range of guidelines for the installation of ceramic, glass, and stone tile installation.
§ B.6. HARDWOOD FLOORING
- NWFA TP-A100 Moisture and Wood
This technical publication/guide explores the relationship between moisture & wood as related to methods and procedures involved when using it as flooring material. Moisture content, relative humidity, acclimation, flooring testing, sources of moisture, addressing water damage, is some of the valuable information in this document. - NWFA TP-A400 Jobsite Evaluation, Estimating and Preparation
- NWFA TP-B300 Ornamental Floors
- NWFA TP-C200 Problems, Causes, and Cures
Wood floors are a product of nature. They literally change every day as a result of the environment in which they're installed. This publication will explore 78 issues that can impact a wood floor, their causes, and potential cures. Not every issue is contained in this publication, nor is every cause or cure included.
A few of the chapters includes, How to inspect a floor, Wood Distortion, Installation Appearance, Color Inconsistencies, and Finish Performance. Even when there is a problem the floor doesn't have to be a failure --- your guidance is in this technical chapter booklet. - NWFA Wood Flooring Installation Guidelines
The Hardwood Flooring Installation Guidelines manual is an indispensable tool offering industry-accepted standards for hardwood flooring installations. Topics range from evaluating job site conditions, to subfloor preparation, to proper installation techniques. Guidelines for moisture testing, fastener schedules, radiant heat installations and a variety of other topics are included as well. This manual is the industry standard for quality hardwood flooring installations, and will be a manual you will refer to again and again.
§ B.7. RESILIENT FLOOR COVERINGS
- ASTM D2240 Standard Test Method for Rubber Property—Durometer Hardness
- ASTM F693 Standard Practice for Sealing Seams of Resilient Sheet Flooring Products by Use of Liquid Seam Sealers
This practice covers the instructions and precautions to be observed to ensure satisfactory performance of seams in sheet resilient flooring sealed with liquid seam sealers. - ASTM F1066 Standard Specification for Vinyl Composition Floor Tile
This specification covers vinyl composition tile (VCT) with either smooth or embossed surfaces for flooring application. - ASTM F1303 Standard Specification for Sheet Vinyl Floor Covering with Backing
This specification covers floor covering having a vinyl plastic wear layer with backing. Products may also contain non-PVC specialty performance top layer(s) or intermediate layer(s), or both. - ASTM F1344 Standard Specification for Rubber Floor Tile
This specification covers requirements for the compound and physical characteristics of rubber floor tile. - ASTM F1516 Standard Practice for Sealing Seams of Resilient Flooring Products by the Heat Weld Method
This practice covers the instructions and precautions to be observed to ensure satisfactory performance of seams in resilient flooring sealed by the heat weld method. - ASTM F1700 Standard Specification for Solid Vinyl Floor Tile
This specification covers solid vinyl floor tiles that are monolithic, surface decorated or printed, and protected by a clear wear layer. - ASTM F1859 Standard Specification for Rubber Sheet Floor Covering Without Backing
This specification covers the requirements for the compound and physical characteristics of rubber sheet floor covering without backing. - ASTM F1860 Standard Specification for Rubber Sheet Floor Covering With Backing
This specification covers the requirements for the compound and physical characteristics of rubber sheet floor covering having a rubber wear layer with backing. Products may also contain intermediate layers. - ASTM F1861 Standard Specification for Resilient Wall Base
This specification covers resilient wall base. These products are manufactured from rubber or thermoplastic materials, or a combination thereof. Wall base is used to provide a functional, as well as decorative border, between walls and floors. This specification does not include rigid products. - ASTM F1913 Standard Specification for Vinyl Sheet Floor Covering Without Backing
(1) This specification covers sheet floor covering having a vinyl wear layer without backing. Products also may contain a clear specialty performance top layer(s).
(2) This type of floor covering is intended for use in commercial and light commercial buildings. General information and performance characteristics, which determine serviceability and recommended use, are included in this specification. - ASTM F2034 Standard Specification for Sheet Linoleum Floor Covering
(1) This specification covers sheet linoleum floor covering.
(2) Three types of linoleum floor covering are covered (see Section 4). These floor coverings are intended for use in commercial, light commercial, and residential buildings based on serviceability characteristics. General information and performance characteristics, which determine serviceability and recommended use, are included in this specification. - ASTM F2169 Standard Specification for Resilient Stair Treads
This specification covers resilient treads made of rubber and vinyl for interior use. - ASTM F2195 Standard Specification for Linoleum Floor Tile
(1) This specification covers floor tiles made of a homogeneous mixture of linoleum cement binder calendered or pressed onto a fibrous or suitable backing. This specification also covers linoleum floor tile without backing.
(2) Four types of linoleum floor tile are covered. The floor covering is intended for use in commercial, light commercial, and residential buildings based on serviceability characteristics. General information and performance characteristics, which determine serviceability and recommended use, are included in this document. - ASTM F2199 Standard Test Method for Determining Dimensional Stability and Curling Properties of Resilient Flooring after Exposure to Heat
(1) This test method covers the determination of the change in linear dimensions of resilient floor tile/plank products after exposure to heat and reconditioning to ambient temperature.
(2) This test method allows one to also measure curling that can occur after a specimen has been exposed to heat and reconditioned back to ambient temperature. - ASTM F2421 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Resilient Floor Plank by Dial Gauge
This test method establishes the procedures for determination of both dimension (length and width) and squareness of a rectangular resilient floor plank. - ASTM F2982 Standard Specification for Polyester Composition Floor Tile
This specification covers polyester composition floor tile for use in commercial, light commercial or residential flooring applications. The tile may be either smooth or embossed. - ASTM F3008 Standard Specification for Cork Floor Tile
This specification covers requirements for the compound and physical characteristics of cork floor tile. This standard specifies the requirements for cork floor coverings made from agglomerated composition cork supplied in tile form, which are designed to be used with a factory finish or an in situ finish, or both. - ASTM F3009 Standard Specification for Polyolefin Composition Floor Tile
(1) This specification covers polyolefin composition tile with either smooth or embossed surfaces flooring application for use in commercial, light commercial or residential surfaces flooring application.
(2) This specification covers a tile that shall be composed of binder, fillers and pigments. The binder shall consist of one or more resins of polyolefin, polyolefin copolymers or polyolefin ter-polymers (or other suitable), or any desirable combination. Other suitable polymeric resins may be incorporated as part of the binder provided the polyolefin portion of the binder system is greater than 50 %. - ASTM F3041 Standard Specification for Bonded Rubber Crumb Floor Coverings
This specification covers the requirements for the compound and physical characteristics of bonded rubber crumb floor coverings. - ASTM F3261 Standard Specification for Resilient Flooring in Modular Format with Rigid Polymeric Core
(1) This specification covers resilient flooring, typically in tiles or planks format, or both, that are surface decorated or printed and protected by a clear wear layer.
(2) This type of floor covering utilizes a polymeric rigid core as part of the product structure.
(3) This type of floor covering may utilize an attached underlay backer for reduced noise and for reducing issues concerning minor subfloor irregularities.
(4) This type of floor covering is intended for use in commercial and residential buildings. General information and performance characteristics that determine serviceability and recommended use are included in this specification. - ASTM F3311 Standard Practice for Mat Bond Evaluation of Performance and Compatibility for Resilient Flooring System Components Prior to Installation
(1) This practice is designed to provide a short-term qualitative evaluation of the effectiveness and compatibility of the composite layers for flexible and fully adhered resilient flooring installation(s). Aspects of the resilient flooring assembly to be evaluated may include concrete surface profile (CSP), surface preparation, a topical moisture mitigation system, underlayment product(s), primer(s), application and the installation of the resilient flooring material itself. Aspects such as surface profile, surface cleanliness, surface porosity, the application method(s), and the open, curing, and drying times of each layer of the flooring system can be assessed using this practice prior to the actual full-scale installation taking place.
(1.1) This practice is not intended for use with liquid applied, loose laid or perimeter fixed, or rigid resilient flooring products. - ASTM F3403 Standard Specification for Heterogeneous Polyurethane Sheet Flooring
(1) This specification covers the requirements for the compound and physical characteristics of heterogeneous polyurethane sheet flooring that is printed or otherwise decorated to achieve a pattern or visual and protected by a clear wear layer.
(2) This specification covers heterogeneous polyurethane sheet flooring that shall be composed of binder, fillers, and pigments. The binder shall consist of one or more resins of polyurethane, polyurethane copolymers or other suitable or any desirable combination. Other suitable polymeric resins may be incorporated as part of the binder, provided the polyurethane portion of the binder is greater than 60 % in the base layer. - ASTM F3404 Standard Specification for Heterogeneous Polyurethane Tile or Plank Flooring
(1) This specification covers the requirements for the compound and physical characteristics of heterogeneous polyurethane tile or plank flooring that is printed or otherwise decorated to achieve a pattern or visual and protected by a clear wear layer.
(2) This specification covers heterogeneous polyurethane tile or plank flooring that shall be composed of binder, fillers, and pigments. The binder shall consist of one or more resins of polyurethane, polyurethane copolymers or other suitable or any desirable combination. Other suitable polymeric resins may be incorporated as part of the binder, provided the polyurethane portion of the binder is greater than 60 % in the base layer.
§ B.8. LABORATORY ANALYSIS
Concrete Core & Coatings: Petrographic & Microscopic Examination
Construction Materials Testing (CMT) of Flooring Components
As part of our evaluation of flooring problems, various test methods from ASTM International, AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists), CRI (Carpet & Rug Institute), DIN (Deutsches Institut fur Normung), ISO (International Organization for Standardization), NALFA (North American Laminate Flooring Association) and other industry testing standards can be performed and utilized in analyzing issues with flooring products.
- Core drilling & extraction
- Electron microscopy
- Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) Analysis evaluation of the concrete solids
- Infra-red (IR) spectroscopy organic chemical analysis
- Ion chromatography (IC) analysis (water-soluble Cl, SO4, K, and Na)
- Optical microscopy
- X-Ray diffraction (XRD) Analysis
- ASTM C42/C42M Standard Test Method for Obtaining and Testing Drilled Cores and Sawed Beams of Concrete
- ASTM C295 Standard Guide for Petrographic Examination of Aggregates for Concrete
- ASTM C457 Standard Test Method for Microscopical Determination of Parameters of the Air-Void System in Hardened Concrete
- ASTM C642 Standard Test Method for Density, Absorption, and Voids in Hardened Concrete
- ASTM C823 Standard Practice for Examination and Sampling of Hardened Concrete in Constructions
- ASTM C856 Standard Practice for Petrographic Examination of Hardened Concrete
- ASTM C1324 Standard Test Method for Examination and Analysis of Hardened Masonry Mortar
Construction Materials Testing (CMT) of Flooring Components
As part of our evaluation of flooring problems, various test methods from ASTM International, AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists), CRI (Carpet & Rug Institute), DIN (Deutsches Institut fur Normung), ISO (International Organization for Standardization), NALFA (North American Laminate Flooring Association) and other industry testing standards can be performed and utilized in analyzing issues with flooring products.
Professional Services
FloorSciences™ is more than just a flooring inspection company, we are a technical flooring consulting firm. With our expertise and advanced technological capabilities, we offer a wide range of floor testing and analytical services available from only a very few floor inspection and engineering companies. These services include but not limited to:
- Cementitious overlays, toppings, underlayments, & repair materials:
- Delamination surveys
- Quality assurance & quality control (QA/QC) testing & inspections
- Tensile bond strength testing to concrete slabs (ASTM C1583)
- Claims, arbitration, mediation, & litigation support:
- Consulting
- Expert witness
- Reports well documented & detailed
- Concrete coatings:
- Dry film thickness (DFT) ultrasonic nondestructive measurements (ASTM D6132)
- Quality assurance & quality control (QA/QC) testing & inspections
- Tensile bond strength testing to cementitious substrates (ASTM D7234)
- Testing & analysis
- Concrete cores:
- Drilling & extraction (CSDA-BP-007 )
- Lab testing
- Water vapor barrier and vapor retarder inspections for presence under slabs (ASTM E1745, ASTM E1993)
- Concrete slabs:
- Delamination surveys
- Evaluations & consulting
- Moisture testing (ASTM F1869, ASTM F2170, ASTM F2659)
- Moisture mitigation system testing & analysis (ASTM F3010)
- Porosity testing (ASTM F3191)
- Subsurface scanning utilizing nondestructive ground penetrating radar (GPR) to locate post-tensioning (PT) cables, rebar, conduit, & more (CSDA-BP-007 )
- Surface pH testing (ASTM F3441)
- Sweating slab evaluations
- Thickness measurements utilizing nondestructive ground penetrating radar (GPR) subsurface scanning
- Construction safety compliance & training:
- CPR & AED (ARC certification) *
- Fire safety *
- First aid: adult basic & advanced (ARC certification) *
- First responder *
- OSHA 10 & 30 Construction Outreach Training card (coming soon)
- Silica hazards in construction training (coming soon)
- Stop-the-Bleed *
- Custom safety training programs
- * Lead instructor is a certified tactical EMS paramedic firefighter & instructor
- Consulting
- Educational seminars:
- Preventing Floor Failures & others
- Environmental remote monitoring:
- Ambient relative humidity (RH), temperature, & CO2 remote monitoring
- Flooring systems & components:
- Construction materials testing (CMT) of flooring products
- Inspections & evaluations
- Forensic failure investigations & analysis
- Quality assurance & quality control (QA/QC) testing & inspections
- Performance evaluations
- Punch list inspections
- Site condition surveys as relates to flooring systems
- Sub-floor evaluations (ASTM F710, ASTM F2419, ASTM F2678, ASTM F2873)
- Tile & plank measurements (for specification conformance) using high-tech electronic precision metrology instruments
- Architectural/construction photography
Industry Involvement
FloorSciences' Principal Consultant, Walter Bell, is an active member of these great industry organizations:
- American Concrete Institute (ACI) Georgia Chapter
- American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) of the American Hospital Assn. (AHA)
- Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) - voting member of multiple technical committees
- Association of Medical Facility Professionals (AMFP)
- ASTM International - voting member of multiple technical committees
- Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM)
- Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) - Natl & Atlanta Post
- Structural Engineers Association (SEA) of Georgia
- World Floor Covering Association (WFCA)
With access to the world's busiest airport, we can efficiently travel nationwide.
FloorSciences' Principal Consultant is a member of these great industry organizations:
American Concrete Institute (ACI) Georgia Chapter
American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) of the American Hospital Assn. (AHA)
Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)
Association of Medical Facility Professionals (AMFP)
ASTM International - member multiple technical committees
Claims and Litigation Management Alliance (CLM) - mbr Construction Claims Committee
Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) - Natl & Atlanta Post
Structural Engineers Association (SEA) of Georgia
World Floor Covering Association (WFCA)
© 2006-2024 FloorSciences LLC | 1075 Peachtree St NE #571900 | Atlanta GA 30357-4088 | 404-504-8900
We work nationwide but much of our work comes from the eastern US, including the states of Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia