How Moisture Testing Protects Your Flooring Investment

When installing new flooring — whether in a commercial building, a residential home, or an industrial space — there’s more to consider than just the product on top. The real foundation of a successful flooring installation starts below the surface, with one crucial step: moisture testing.

At Preferred Flooring, we treat moisture testing as a non-negotiable part of every project. Why? Because it directly impacts the performance, lifespan, and warranty of your flooring. Here's why moisture testing matters, and how it protects your investment long-term.

 

What Is Moisture Testing?

Moisture testing refers to the process of measuring the amount of moisture present in a concrete slab or subfloor before installing flooring materials. Even if the surface feels dry, concrete can hold residual moisture deep within. Over time, this moisture can rise and damage the flooring above it.

The goal of moisture testing is simple: to determine whether the substrate is dry enough to proceed with installation — in accordance with manufacturer specifications and industry standards.

 

Recognized Moisture Testing Standards

Three primary ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards govern the process of moisture testing:

• ASTM F2170 – Standard Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using in-situ Probes

  • Measures the internal relative humidity (RH) of a slab. Most flooring manufacturers require a max RH of 75–85%, depending on the product.

• ASTM F1869 – Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride

  • Measures the Moisture Vapor Emission Rate (MVER) in pounds per 1,000 square feet over 24 hours.

• ASTM F710 – Standard Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring

  • Covers the preparation of subfloors, including moisture testing requirements and standards for cleanliness, surface integrity, and flatness.

These methods are recognized throughout the flooring industry and are often required by flooring manufacturers to validate warranties.

 

Why Moisture Matters in Flooring Installation

Moisture may not be visible, but its effects can be devastating. Installing flooring over a damp subfloor can lead to a host of costly issues:

🛑 Common Moisture-Related Failures:

• Buckling and Warping – Moisture causes wood and vinyl to expand and lift from the subfloor.

• Adhesive Failure – High moisture can break down adhesives, resulting in loose or shifting floors.

• Delamination – Multi-layer flooring, like engineered wood and laminate, may separate over time.

• Mold and Mildew – Trapped moisture under impermeable surfaces fosters microbial growth.

• Void of Warranty – Skipping required testing can void manufacturer warranties altogether.

Whether you’re installing hardwood, LVT, carpet tile, or rubber flooring, unaddressed moisture can compromise performance and appearance — sometimes within months of installation.

 

 

 

How Moisture Testing Protects Your Investment

Conducting a proper moisture test is an upfront cost that pays off many times over. Here's how:

✔️ Warranty Compliance

Most flooring and adhesive manufacturers require documented moisture test results before installation. Failing to perform this test can invalidate warranties, leaving you financially responsible for any future failure.

✔️ Product Compatibility

Different flooring materials and adhesives have different moisture tolerances. Moisture testing helps determine which products are safe to use — or whether a moisture mitigation system is needed.

✔️ Long-Term Durability

By ensuring the substrate meets required conditions, you reduce the risk of failure, extend the floor’s lifespan, and reduce the need for repairs or replacements.

 

What Happens If Moisture Levels Are Too High?

High moisture doesn’t mean a project can’t move forward — it just means it must be addressed first. Options include:

• Installing a moisture mitigation system or vapor barrier

• Using moisture-tolerant adhesives

• Allowing the slab more time to dry

• Using specialized coatings or sealers

Each solution depends on the type of flooring, the moisture levels, and the project scope — which is why professional evaluation and documentation are critical.

 

Moisture Testing Is Not Optional — It's Essential

Skipping moisture testing is a risk no installer or property owner should take. The potential costs of failure far outweigh the time and investment required to do it right the first time.

At Preferred Flooring, we follow all industry-approved methods and guidelines to ensure every install starts on a solid foundation. Our commitment to excellence means your flooring will not only look great — it will perform, last, and meet all manufacturer and industry standards.

 

Your Floor Is an Investment. Protect It from the Ground Up.

Before you lay a single plank or tile, make sure your subfloor is ready. Moisture testing isn’t just a precaution — it’s a professional standard that protects your flooring investment for years to come.

Ready to get started? Contact us at Preferred Flooring.

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