It’s Not Just About Water
A successful floor installation requires two things: a dry slab and a “sound” surface. Even if your moisture levels are acceptable, your floor can fail if the surface preparation is inadequate.
Contaminants and Bond Breakers
Curing compounds, bond breakers, oil, and dust can all prevent adhesives from grabbing the concrete.
- The Moisture Connection: High moisture vapor drive can push these contaminants to the surface over time, causing late-stage delamination.
- Alkalinity (pH): As moisture moves to the surface, it brings salts that raise the pH. High pH attacks the adhesive bond line, effectively “eating” the glue.
IFTI’s Comprehensive Analysis
Our testing services go beyond simple moisture numbers. We can analyze the slab surface for pH levels and help you understand if your proposed surface profiling (CSP) is sufficient for the specified adhesive. Don’t let a clean slab fool you; verify the chemistry before you install.
Ready to master your substrate preparation? Dive deeper into the science of site conditions with our comprehensive guide on Concrete Moisture Testing Evaluation.
