Premier Flooring Systems Ghana
Practical guidance for contractors, consultants, engineers, facility managers and project owners
Reliable moisture assessment starts with the right equipment.
Before an epoxy, polyurethane, urethane cement or other resin flooring system is installed, the concrete substrate must be assessed for moisture. The accuracy of that assessment depends not only on the test method selected, but also on the correct selection, calibration and use of the testing equipment.
Different instruments answer different questions. Some are best suited to rapid screening and moisture mapping, while others provide a more dependable indication of conditions within the slab. For this reason, professional moisture assessment should use equipment that is appropriate to the project specification, slab condition, required standard and level of accuracy.
The Four Main Categories of Moisture-Testing Equipment
- Non-Destructive Concrete Moisture Meters
These meters estimate near-surface moisture using electrical impedance or similar principles. They are valuable for rapid screening and moisture mapping across a slab, helping identify areas that may require closer investigation. They should not, however, be used as the sole basis for approving a slab for resin flooring.
- In-Situ Relative Humidity (RH) Systems
In-situ RH systems typically include drill bits, insertion sleeves, RH probes and readers. When installed in accordance with ASTM F2170, they provide a reliable indication of internal slab moisture beneath impermeable coatings and are an important confirmation method for many projects.
- Calcium Chloride Test Kits
ASTM F1869 calcium chloride kits measure the Moisture Vapour Emission Rate (MVER) from the concrete surface. They remain relevant where project specifications specifically require MVER testing.
- Environmental Measuring Instruments
Thermo-hygrometers, infrared thermometers and dew-point meters are used to measure ambient temperature, concrete temperature and relative humidity. These readings are essential for interpreting moisture results and confirming whether installation conditions are suitable.
Why Calibration Matters
Even a high-quality instrument can produce misleading results if it is poorly maintained or out of calibration. Testing equipment should therefore be calibrated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, and calibration records should form part of the project quality documentation.
Selecting the Right Equipment for the Project
Equipment selection should reflect the project specification, condition of the slab, applicable standards, available budget and the accuracy required. In many resin-flooring projects, a practical approach is to use a non-destructive moisture meter for initial screening and moisture mapping, followed by ASTM F2170 in-situ RH testing for confirmation where required.
Care, Maintenance and Field Readiness
Moisture-testing instruments should be stored in clean, dry conditions. Probes must be protected from contamination, damaged components should be replaced promptly, and batteries should be verified before field testing. These simple controls reduce avoidable measurement errors and delays on site.
Common Sources of Testing Error
- Poor or expired calibration
- Incorrect RH probe depth
- Contaminated surfaces or probes
- Inadequate equilibration time
- Damaged sensors
- Incorrect ambient measurements
- Failure to follow the relevant ASTM procedure
Recommended Field Equipment Kit
A professional resin-flooring contractor should be equipped with a calibrated moisture meter, ASTM F2170 RH kit, drill and suitable bits, vacuum, thermo-hygrometer, infrared thermometer, dew-point calculator, tape measure, marking tools, camera, inspection forms and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
| PREMIER FLOORING SYSTEMS BEST PRACTICE
Use moisture meters for screening and moisture mapping, then confirm slab suitability with recognised ASTM-compliant RH testing where required. Always record equipment serial numbers, calibration status and environmental conditions. |
The Takeaway
Selecting appropriate moisture-testing equipment—and using it correctly—is essential for reliable concrete moisture assessment. Combining calibrated instruments with recognised ASTM procedures significantly improves confidence in installation decisions and helps reduce the risk of moisture-related flooring failures.
Coming Next
The next article in this technical series will examine step-by-step concrete moisture-testing procedures, including ASTM F2170 in-situ RH testing, ASTM F1869 calcium chloride testing, plastic-sheet testing and moisture mapping.
About Premier Flooring Systems Ghana
Premier Flooring Systems Ghana provides specialist industrial and decorative flooring solutions, with a strong focus on substrate assessment, disciplined surface preparation, engineered system selection and quality-controlled installation.