5 Myths Of Concrete Moisture Meter

By Author: Reuben Barnes
Total Articles: 8

Concrete moisture is known to be vital in building and construction. It is until everything is dry and intact when builders can easily know they are safe to perform any kind of construction work. Even the safety of the building itself is important which is why people need to understand about all kinds of moisture testing. Below are some myths and misconceptions about moisture testing and its relevance to people.

If the Surface is Dry, Slab is Dry

This is a common myth that people have been implying for long. The assumption was driven from the fact that concrete dries from inside out so the moment you see a surface is dry, it is presumed that the whole slab is dry. This should not be used as the only way to determine dryness of a slab and other measures should be applied if people want accurate and perfect results. You need to make sure all measurements are perfectly taken if you want the best and accurate outcomes.

All Floor Have Similar Moisture Tolerances

You might have heard people saying they need to leave a wall or floor for certain before they continue with construction. That is not true because every floor is made from its own components and thickness and this makes the drying period to vary from one wall to another. The best way is to use a meter to determine the level of moisture before you decide anything. Always use measurements to be pretty sure about the level of moisture or dryness in the concrete.

Old Concretes Are Always Dry

Although it is always true, it is sometimes not the case because some factors contribute to the dryness of a concrete. For example, a concrete that has been on direct sunlight tend to dry quicker than a concrete that has been hidden under the trees for long. Depending on the weather, a concrete can take months to dry or days to dry up. Always measure moisture content before you conclude.

Slab Not on Grade Dries Faster

That is perfectly true but you need to do moisture testing. A slab that is not on grade loses moisture quicker but it also absorbs moisture quickly so don’t assume it is dry until you perform a perfect test. A slab on grade should have an RH score of 40% and those not on a slab should score 20% or above.

Surface Testing Is Enough

Anything that tests superficial is not reliable. Meters are the ones that electrical signals to the slab and can identify any kind of moisture available. Always use the Chloride test and Hood Method for more advanced results and preciseness.

About the Company:

PCTE supplies a range of equipment from around the world to offer you a one stop shop with all of the latest equipment. Concrete Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) comprises testing a property of concrete, largely without damaging the concrete to assess some parameter that either directly or indirectly provides a required characteristic of the concrete or its embedment. For more details, you can contact us at the website.