ASTM Concrete Moisture Testing

Hello, I’m Philip from Pegasus Leak Detection. Moisture in concrete may be invisible, but it can cause serious problems if left unchecked. From flooring failures to mold growth, excess moisture puts your investment at risk. At Pegasus Leak Detection, we provide ASTM standard concrete moisture testing to deliver accurate, reliable results for homeowners, restoration projects, and commercial contractors.

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Understanding ASTM Concrete Moisture Testing

ASTM Concrete Moisture Testing refers to a set of standardized procedures developed by ASTM International to measure how much moisture is present in a concrete slab. Because concrete is porous, it can hold water long after it looks dry on the surface. If flooring or finishes are installed too soon, that hidden moisture can cause flooring adhesives to fail, create mold problems, or damage materials.

ASTM testing ensures reliable, repeatable results that builders, flooring contractors, and property owners can trust. These tests are widely recognized across the construction, restoration, and flooring industries.

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ASTM F2170 – In-Situ Relative Humidity Test

Drill to 40% of slab thickness (e.g., 1.6″or 1 9/16 in 4″ slab), insert RH probes, wait 24 hrs. Slab RH must be ≤75% before installing most floorings.

ASTM F710 – Subfloor Preparation Standard

Requires ambient conditions of 65–85°F and 40–60% RH, and mandates a vapor retarder (DPM) under slab-on-grade before installation. If no DPM exists, and slab RH is >75%, flooring cannot be installed unless a moisture mitigation system is applied

ASTM F2659 – Non-Destructive Surface Moisture Testing

Used by tools like Tramex CMEX5 to measure slab surface %MC (moisture content), guiding further testing.

FAQ About ASTM Concrete Moisture Testing

ASTM F2170 is the In-Situ Relative Humidity (RH) Test used to measure internal moisture conditions inside a concrete slab.
This test requires:

Drilling to 40% of slab thickness (for slab-on-grade)
- Example: In a 4″ slab, probes are inserted at 1.6″ (1 9/16″) depth
Installing RH probes into the drilled holes
Allowing the probes to equilibrate for 24 hours
Measuring internal slab relative humidity

Most flooring manufacturers require slab RH to be 75% or lower before installation (unless otherwise specified).

If the slab reads above 75%, flooring failure becomes highly likely.

Surface moisture readings only tell part of the story.

Moisture moves upward through concrete over time. A slab may appear dry on the surface but still contain excessive internal moisture.

ASTM F2170 measures the slab’s true internal condition — which is what flooring adhesives and coverings actually experience long-term.

ASTM F710 is the Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring

This standard requires:

Ambient jobsite conditions between 65–85°F
Ambient relative humidity between 40–60%
A proper vapor retarder (DPM) under slab-on-grade construction

ASTM F2659 covers non-destructive surface moisture testing using electronic meters like the Tramex CMEX5. It is a screening tool — not a final compliance test.

Contact Philip at Pegasus Leak Detection

Pegasus Leak Detection: Your Local Expert

At Pegasus Leak Detection, we provide ASTM-compliant testing for homeowners, contractors, and commercial property managers. Our team uses advanced tools and methods to deliver precise results — and we explain exactly what those numbers mean for your project.

Need concrete moisture testing in Ventura County? Contact us today to schedule ASTM-compliant testing and protect your project from costly moisture problems.

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