How is the moisture content of floor screed measured?
The moisture content of screed can be measured using various methods, including:
Calcium carbide test: This involves drilling a small hole in the screed and inserting a small amount of calcium carbide powder. The powder reacts with the moisture in the screed to produce acetylene gas, which is measured using a pressure gauge. The pressure reading is then used to calculate the moisture content of the screed.
Electronic moisture meter: This is a non-invasive method of measuring moisture content, which involves placing a moisture meter on the surface of the screed and taking a reading. The moisture meter uses electrical resistance or capacitance to measure the amount of moisture in the screed.
Oven-dry test: This involves taking a small sample of the screed and drying it in an oven at a specific temperature for a set period of time. The weight of the sample is then compared to its original weight to determine the moisture content of the screed.
It is important to measure the moisture content of the screed before installing any floor covering, as excess moisture can cause problems such as adhesive failure, warping of wooden floors or mold growth. The moisture content should be below the maximum allowable limit specified by the flooring manufacturer or industry standards. The maximum allowable limit may vary depending on the type of floor covering and the conditions of the installation site.
