Installation & Assembly

SHAW SOLID HARDWOOD
Installation Instructions Guidelines
Solid Hardwood Installation Instructions
January 22, 2010
Page 5 of 8
VAPOR EMISSIONS TESTING FOR CONCRETE SLABS FOR ADHERED (GLUE DOWN) OR FLOATING
INSTALLATIONS
Moisture Meters:
Electronic Moisture Meters are to be used as they are designed, which is to calculate the percentage moisture content
of the concrete slab and indicate whether additional testing is required. Calibration procedures can vary depending on
what brand of meter is used. Always adhere to the appropriate manufacturer guidelines for whatever brand of meter
that is being used. Most meters display a reading table that indicates a "danger zone", to let the tester know that a
quantitive Calcium chloride test is necessary to determine the amount of moisture emissions actually moving through
the slab; (and potentially into the installed flooring). This is important to know so that appropriate steps are taken to
resolve the vapor emission problem before hardwood floors can be installed successfully.
Readings of 3.5 to 4 percent moisture content indicates the need to perform quantitive moisture emissions
testing.
Concrete Moisture Emissions Testing:
The quantitive test to measure moisture vapor emissions from concrete slab constructions is the ASTM F 1869,
"Standard Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of concrete subfloor using Anhydrous Calcium
Chloride". This test is commonly called the “calcium-chloride test”. The time period for the test is 60-72 hrs, with three
test domes required for the first 1000 sq. ft, and an additional test dome required for each additional 1000 sq. ft. of
concrete subfloor area involved. The acceptable reading from the test must not exceed 3lbs. / 24hrs. / 1000 sq. ft.,
for hardwood flooring installations as calculated following the testing procedures included with the test kits.
PH (Alkalinity) Testing:
It is also a requirement that a pH test be performed to determine the acid/alkalinity content in the concrete slab
surface. Tests should be conducted according to ASTM F 710. The reading scale is 0-14. High readings indicate
alkalinity, while lower readings indicate acidity. The acceptable range is 6-9, before installations should proceed. High
or low readings indicate that there is, or has been moisture transmitting in and through the slab within the previous
year.
This test is especially important for direct glue down engineered hardwood installs to insure that the wood adhesive
performs correctly. It is also a good backup test to follow the Calcium Chloride test because it is possible to get a low
reading from a Calcium Chloride test in a dry season, and then have high vapor emissions during a wet/rainy season.
If you have determined that high moisture is present, a Calcium Chloride and pH Alkalinity Test are
mandatory, to accurately determine the amount of moisture emissions and the PH level in the concrete slab,
so that appropriate corrective actions can be taken.
 Perform a Calcium Chloride test according to the test kit manufacturer’s instructions. The maximum acceptable
reading is 3-lbs. /24 hours/1000 sq. ft for moisture emissions.
 Perform a pH Alkalinity Test according to the test kit manufacturer’s instructions. A pH reading of 6-9 on a pH
number scale of 1-14 is acceptable.
 If the test results exceed these numbers, the concrete slab should be sealed with an appropriate sealer to
correct conditions to meet the flooring manufacturer recommendations.
 Any sealer system chosen must be compatible with the adhesive that will be used if the hardwood flooring is to
be adhered (glued down).
Important: Do not install any Shaw Hardwood Flooring Product using the glue down installation method over any vinyl
asbestos flooring, vinyl composition tile, linoleum, asphalt tile, ceramic or stone tiles, carpet, or vinyl sheet products.
Use a Shaw Hardwood that is rated for the Floating Floor Installation Method instead.
IMPORTANT:
ALL SUBFLOORS MUST BE LEVELED TO WITHIN 1/8” IN A 6 FOOT SPAN; OR 3/16” IN A 10 FOOT SPAN
BEFORE ANY SOLID HARDWOOD INSTALLATION CAN BEGIN!