A cost-effective measurement plan

Timely measurements

You know how the drying process is progressing at the construction site

We'll help your construction site dry out on time

A comprehensive and clear report

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All site measurements under one roof

Watch a brief introduction to our humidity measurement service

Read our blog Why it's a good idea to measure humidity.

Typically, measurements are taken separately in wet and dry areas. Waterproofing in wet areas usually requires a moisture assessment depth of 90 RH-% before installation. In dry areas, an evaluation depth of 85 RH-% is often required, as well as a lower depth of 75 RH-%. However, always confirm the required RH-% value with the material supplier.

Check the moisture content before you start laying the flooring

It is advisable to measure the moisture content before beginning to apply the coating to the concrete. If the measurement indicates that the concrete is not sufficiently dry, it must be allowed to dry further before coating. Drying is facilitated by careful ventilation of the area, e.g., using a range hood or a separate fan. High temperatures also promote drying, so it may sometimes be necessary to use separate heaters. If necessary, it is advisable to measure the moisture content again if the measurement indicates that drying has been exceptionally slow.

The required dryness of the concrete depends on the paving material

Different paving materials require concrete to have a specific relative humidity (RH-% value) before they can be applied. The rule of thumb of one centimeter per week applies to paving materials for which the required RH-% value of the concrete is 90 at the evaluation depth. If the required RH-% is less than 90, drying will take longer. Also, if drying conditions are not sufficiently good, the rule of thumb does not apply.

Examples of coating materials and the required RH-% values for concrete at the evaluation depth

Note: Always confirm the required RH-% value with the material supplier.

The depth of the assessment depends on the thickness of the concrete slab

Moisture measurement can be performed using the core sample or drill-hole method. The measurement depths are the same for both methods. In structures drying in two directions, the measurement depth is 20% of the structure’s thickness. In structures drying in one direction, it is 40% of the structure’s thickness. However, measurements are always taken at a maximum depth of 70 mm.

Sample measurement for a single-family home

In single-family homes, concrete moisture content is typically measured using the core sample method. Core sampling is the most accurate method for determining the relative moisture content of concrete, as it is less susceptible to changes in conditions than other methods. In core sampling, a sample is taken from an area of approximately 5×10 cm, typically from the toilet and bathroom. The sampling depth depends on the thickness of the concrete slab. The customer indicates the sampling locations to avoid hitting pipes. The sampling location is also verified with a thermal camera if underfloor heating is in use.

For sample testing, you will receive the results the very next day. You will receive the final report within a week.

Here's how sample measurement works

1. If necessary, verify the depth of the concrete by drilling a hole through it.
2. Sampling from two measurement points, e.g., the toilet and the bathroom.
3. The sample is placed in stable conditions overnight.
4. The results are reviewed the following morning, communicated to the client, and recommendations for further action are provided.
5. The moisture measurement report will be delivered within one week of the measurement.

Cost-effective drilling for larger construction sites

The borehole method is a sensible choice when samples are taken from multiple measurement points at the same time. Its use is most cost-effective on larger construction sites, such as those for row houses and apartment buildings. In moisture measurement using the borehole method, a hole is drilled into the concrete. The depth of the hole depends on the thickness of the concrete slab. An electrical conduit is tightly installed in the hole and left to settle on the construction site for at least three days. Moisture is measured from the conduit during a second measurement visit. The customer indicates the drilling locations to avoid hitting pipes. The sampling location can also be verified with a thermal camera if underfloor heating is in use.

When using the borehole method, the results will be available after the second round of measurements. The final report will be delivered within one week.

Here's how drill hole surveying works

1. Holes are drilled at the desired measurement points, and a moisture measurement tube is securely installed in each hole.
2. Allow the holes to settle for at least three days.
3. The results are collected from the measurement points during a separate site visit, reported to the customer, and recommendations for further action are provided.
4. The moisture measurement report will be delivered once all measurements have been completed.

We adhere to the quality system for moisture measurements that we have developed in all our moisture measurements. You can review its contents here.

We have experience with the curing process at hundreds of construction sites, and we’re happy to assist you with concrete curing. Get in touch, and we’ll tell you more. You can also read more about this from our blog.