Screed Moisture Testing - Liquid Screed Floor Sanding Ltd

By Author: Andy Guy
Total Articles: 6

Screeding is basically the application of a mixture of cement and graded aggregates on the concrete floor base. It is done to provide more durability to the floor and also to prepare the base for final floor finish. If a screed is not applied properly, or is not allowed to dry, there arises a major chance of the floor and its finish failing badly. Screeds are of various types and have to be chosen according to the application and need. Screed moisture testing is generally carried out before installing any floor finish. As drying time cannot be estimated for screeds, and floor finish cannot be laid down while the screed is still wet, this process has to be carried out. This process can be carried out in varied ways. Major tests which can be conducted in order to measure the moisture level of screeds are air hygrometer test and concrete moisture test which consists ofcalcium carbide test and tramex meter.


Concrete moisture test can be carried out in two ways – destructive and non-destructive. The destructive way is calcium carbide test in which a sample of screed taken from a place half deep compared to the whole screed, is reacted with calcium carbide reagent. This reaction yields acetylene gas and from the amount of gas released the moisture level is detected. The non-destructive way is using tramex meter. It is an electronic measuring device which can used by selecting the option of CM measurement from its menu. In order to get the measurement, this device has to be put against the screeded surface. It shows the shows the percentage of moisture in the screed. This method is usually found to have speed along with accuracy and so is preferred by specialists.

Air Hygrometer test is a traditional method and is generally spanned over some 72 hours. In this method, first of all the hygrometer is accurately calibrated. Then it is sealed on the screeded floor for the aforementioned time. After the prescribed time, when the seal is broken, the reading on the hygrometer shows the humidity content of the area. Moisture level is then calculated by using this measure of humidity.


The process of screed moisture testing is very vital should be done accurately and validated from reliable sources, so that no problem arises later on. Fixing these kinds of problems usually proves to be expensive. If the moisture level of the screed is more than the desired level then it is advisable to wait longer or apply a damp proof finish before taking the work forward.


Liquid Screed Floor Sanding Limited is a company with branches all over United Kingdom which provides professional services for prep service before applying screed, application of liquid screed floor, moisture testing services using hydro testing and floor sanding services along with after care services. They also provide technical advice related to all of these.