Installation Guide

8
structurally sound and well bonded to substrate. Fill grout lines flush with approved
cementitious leveling or patching compound. Follow the open time
recommendations of the adhesive manufacturer when adhering carpet to nonporous
substrates.
8.2 Slate and Brick - These surfaces may be too rough and uneven for most
installations and may require refinishing and/or smoothing before installing carpet.
8.3 Asphalt – It is required that asphalt surfaces be clean, dry, free from excessive oil
and grease, and in good condition. Cure new asphalt for at least 30 days, or longer,
depending upon weather conditions. Follow adhesive manufacturer’s
recommendation.
9.0 Testing Concrete Substrates
Refer to the carpet manufacturer’s written instructions for guidelines on the number of test
sites/data points and the allowable moisture and pH limits. The MVER, RH & Alkalinity
testing must be performed to give an accurate assessment of the concrete condition and
the test results/data of each test shall be within acceptable limits.
9.1 Before direct glue-down, double-glue down and some stretch-in (non-porous cushion or
carpet) installations, the owner or general contractor, or their designated testing agent, is
required to submit to the flooring contractor a written report on the moisture and alkalinity
conditions of the concrete substrates.
Note: It is recommended that qualified independent third-party testing
agencies be used for determining moisture and alkalinity conditions of a
concrete slab. Testing by an independent third party specialist to determine
installation suitability is a prudent and necessary safeguard for general
contractors, owners, architects, flooring product providers and installation
contractors to reduce the risk of concrete slab moisture related flooring
problems. As a minimum, testing agencies or individuals are required to
demonstrate verifiable experience in concrete moisture testing or be certified
by a recognized organization.
9.2 Manufacturers Exceptions – If the carpet and/or adhesive manufacturer have products
with specific installation instructions, then the carpet and/or adhesive manufacturer shall
make those installation instructions available at the time of the purchase/delivery of the
product.
9.3 Moisture Vapor Emission Rate (MVER) Testing - MVER tests must be conducted in
accordance with the latest edition of ASTM F 1869, not to exceed 3 pounds per 1000 sq ft
per 24 hours. (ASTM F1869 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Vapor Emission Rate of
Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride).
9.4 Relative Humidity (RH) Testing - Testing for internal relative humidity of concrete
slabs must be conducted in accordance with the latest edition of ASTM F-2170, not to