When is a New concrete floor safe to install a floor finish? If you have had a new floor recently installed, the strength of the slab is gained over time usually 28 days. Before a decorative floor finish is installed a hydrometer test must be taken to see if the relative humidity has reached an acceptable limit to install, under 75%RH is safe and the industry standard to BS8203 2017. To naturally dry concrete will take a 1mm per day up to 40mm then 2mm per day over 40mm in water tight and dry conditions. How do I help dry the concrete? Make sure the concrete does not have too much water in the mix as this only needs to come out, there are screeds that can be used which are very low water to cement which has fewer capillaries(these are small channels that transport moisture to the surface of the slab). Air flow is important to move across the surface, open window and a dehumidifier to capture the air moisture. Important to remove the laitence, weak 2mm screed on the surface using a grinder with a 30/40 grit diamond pad.
The floor is not dry but I need to install the flooring? Numerous options, after the laitence removed, hygrometer reading must be taken and noted. Moisture vapour suppressant can be used, usually by application with a roller, fast drying and to be used up to 95%RH, great for fast track projects. 2 part epoxy dpm which can be used up to 98%RH, cures to leave a strong surface to control moisture even if a a structural dpm is not evident
Once the moisture control systems are dry or cured, the slabs are poured with a 3-5mm latex screed, then the system is now ready for the decorative floor finish Give us a call for further information on 0114 2830850