Page 80 - CFJ_Apr26

SECTOR FOCUS SUBFLOORS & SCREEDS

Rapid RH L6 in-situ probes fully comply
with ASTM 2170 standards

for surface moisture testing if that is drying from one side (20% depth is best Integrating Rapid RH and C555 for
approved by the flooring manufacturer. if drying from two sides). comprehensive moisture assessment
The C555 is the only concrete moisture • Use a wire brush, vacuum, and With the C555’s surface moisture
meter in the market that allows for in- attachment to clean out holes. readings and the Rapid RH’s deeper
field calibration. It provides a preliminary • Place the needed amount of sensors, readings, you’ll have a more thorough
evaluation of comparative moisture targeting areas with the highest surface understanding of moisture distribution
conditions of concrete, gypsum cement, moisture readings. throughout the depth of the slab.
or other floor slabs and screeds. And • Place at least three sensors for the first Let’s say you have a flooring project
it’s twice as accurate as other leading 1,000 sq ft. and one more per additional with a customer and you scan the
moisture meter brands, according to 1,000 sq ft. concrete subfloor with the C555 to
recent tests. Using the C555 for surface testing identify potential moisture issues. There
With the C555 and Rapid RH probes, • Use the C555 on flat surfaces for full are some higher moisture readings near
you simply scan the concrete slab with sensor contact in smooth areas one of the walls so, you need more
the C555, detect areas with higher • Set up the C555's alarm to get notified comprehensive data before installation.
surface moisture readings, and insert in- if moisture levels exceed set thresholds, You install Rapid RH smart sensors at
situ probes in those areas. adjustable from 0.0% to 6.9% 40% depth throughout the slab and let
The C555 is also a great non- • If you’re ever unsure if the C555 is the sensors equilibrate for 24 hours.
destructive option in situations when this calibrated, use the included calibrator Once equilibrated, most of the RH
type of measurement is accepted and it platform to calibrate the C555 back to readings are under the required 75% (or
comes in handy for areas where drilling is original factory standards. whatever the floor covering manufacturer
undesirable, such as with in-floor heating specifies), but they’re showing higher
installations. Testing for in-floor heating installation readings near the wall, which is above the
Best practices for concrete moisture Testing moisture for in-floor heating flooring manufacturer requirements (and will
systems takes a bit more care. Flooring
testing installers often avoid drilling into heated likely invalidate the warranty for not meeting
For the most accurate readings, follow subfloors to prevent damaging the required pre-installation conditions).
these best practices. embedded heating system. Piercing the But because you used the right tools
Pre-test preparation electrical cables or heating coils can lead at the right time, you prevented a future
flooring failure.
Clean the concrete surface to remove to expensive repairs or even electrical So as you prepare for each new flooring
debris and contaminants where moisture hazards. project, remember to always adhere to
meter measurements are to be done. Before installing Rapid RH probes, use ASTM testing standards and flooring
� Maintain stable temperatures in the a thermal camera to locate heating coils manufacturer guidelines to avoid flooring
environment for ideal moisture testing and find the best place to drill. failures. And take extra care when dealing
conditions. And when appropriate, using the C555 with in-floor heating system. 
Using Rapid RH for in-depth testing to scan for moisture can be a great, non- www.wagnermeters.com
• Use a hammer drill and masonry drill bit invasive alternative in situations when Jason Spangler is Wagner Meters’ sales
to drill holes at 40% depth in concrete, if this type of testing by itself is acceptable. manager

80 CFJ April 2026 www.contractflooringjournal.co.uk
@CFJMagazine