This program is registered with AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or

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1 CEFPI is a Registered Provider with The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems (AIA/CES). Credit(s) earned on completion of this program will be reported to AIA/CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non- AIA members are available upon request. This program is registered with AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. Questions related to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of each presentation.

2 Concrete Flooring Related Moisture Issues Panel Discussion and Presentation CEFPI NTX Chapter Meeting March 28, 2012 Panelists: Vincent Elizarde, PE GME Consulting Services Jerry Kenney, One Source Commercial Flooring Bruce McNabb, Tandus Flooring Srinath Kasturi, LEED AP, Cadence McShane Construction Mark Vander Voort, AIA, LEED AP, HKS

3 Course Objectives You will learn What floor moisture is and where it comes from How floor moisture affects floor coverings and adhesives The importance of identifying floor moisture issues prior to floor covering installation How to accurately test for floor moisture Moisture testing minimums Requirements for Moisture Vapor Emissions Rate, ph and Relative Humidity Information on approved remediation systems

4 Why are we discussing concrete flooring related moisture issues? Issues are more frequent. Difficult to identify. Increased focus. Schedules No Delays Mitigate risk. Avoid maintenance problems. Confusion about product limits.

5 Factors to consider: Changes in concrete composition High recycle content concrete Curing & sealing compounds commonly used Surfacing techniques Fast track construction schedules HVAC systems are vital to acclimate concrete prior to testing Geo Thermal often longer to start, thus impacting service conditions for testing

6 What is Floor Moisture & Where Does it Come From?

7 10-15 mil. Vapor Barrier

8

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10 How Does Floor Moisture Affect Floor Coverings & Adhesives? Debonding Adhesive failure Visual Failure Modular carpet tile instability Bubbles in resilient floors and broadloom Safety issues Good medium for biological growth

11 Example of biological growth Mold colonization overcoming EPA Reg. Pesticide Antimicrobial. Complete adhesive failure.

12 Mold colonization due to moisture in slab Curling tile that was installed in entry area over an 8lb slab Degraded adhesive due to moisture in slab If moisture issues are identified before the floor covering is installed, corrective measures are much simpler and less expensive

13 How to Measure Concrete Floor Moisture CaCl (Anhydrous Calcium Chloride) ASTM F RH (In-situ) ASTM F ph (Alkalinity) ASTM F

14 Anhydrous Calcium Chloride Testing ASTM F What are we measuring? MVER Inaccurate or inconsistent results Typical industry requirements

15 Relative Humidity (RH) ASTM F What are we measuring? Inaccurate or inconsistent results Typical industry requirements

16 ph ASTM Standard Practice F What are we measuring? Inaccurate or inconsistent results Typical industry requirements

17 Moisture meter that is commonly used for surface testing but does not provide quantifiable results!

18 TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR RESILIENT, MODULAR AND BROADLOOM Typical Manufacturer s Requirement A minimum of one test required per 1000 sq ft On larger projects 3 tests for the first 1000 sf/floor and, One moisture test required for each additional 1000 sf. 50% MVER Testing ASTM F % RH Testing ASTM F ph Testing ASTM F Between 7 and 9.

19 TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR RESILIENT, MODULAR AND BROADLOOM MVER Testing ASTM F RH Testing ASTM F Some manufacturers require both MVER and RH to be used in a complementary fashion or when either is above a maximum limit. MVER is a current, dynamic test of moisture near the surface %RH is existing condition The idea is to consider a more complete Moisture Picture.

20 Best Practices: Moisture properties of flooring types vary widely. Evidence-based product selections. Anticipate environmental conditions. Know the construction schedule. Avoid delays. The Architect s has the responsibility to specify concrete substrate parameters. The General Contractor s responsibility is to provide a suitable substrate for the specified product to be installed at a specific time. It is the responsibility of the installation contractor to insure that the sub-floor is properly prepared before installation.

21 What types of approved moisture remediation systems are available? Depends on the flooring material Hard Surface VCT Linoleum Sheet Vinyl LVT Wood Rubber Soft Surface Hybrid Resilient Sheet Flooring Modular Carpet Tile Broadloom Carpet Woven Carpet

22 Moisture Remediation Systems Topical Systems MVER Max. <8 lbs. RH varies. $0.27/SF Resilient Underlayment MVER Max. 10 lbs. RH 90%. $0.55/SF Barrier Film Systems MVER Max. <12. RH 99%. $0.95/SF Multiple Application Sealers MVER Max. <25. RH 95% $7.50 to $9.50/SF

23 Important Things to Remember Avoid remediation from the start. Do not assume that proper testing has been performed by the sub-contractor, general contractor or the owner. Ask for the data! Environment al conditions must be met before testing and to assure valid data. Know the manufacturer s recommended limits and test to them. Be knowledgeable and ask questions prior to installation.

24 In Conclusion Minimize remediation with attention to construction Know what floor moisture is and where it comes from How floor moisture affects floor coverings and adhesives The importance of identifying floor moisture issues prior to floor covering installation Know how to accurately test for floor moisture Understand Product moisture testing minimums Requirements for MVER, ph and RH Know options for approved remediation systems

25 Thank you.

26 Course Evaluations In order to maintain high-quality learning experiences, please access the evaluation for this course by logging into CES Discovery and clicking on the Course Evaluation link on the left side of the page.

27 This concludes The American Institute of Architects Continuing Education Systems Course Vincent Elizarde, PE GME Consulting Services Jerry Kenney One Source Commercial Flooring Bruce McNabb Tandus Flooring Srinath Kasturi Cadence McShane Construction Mark Vander Voort, AIA HKS