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ASTM F2170 (RH) “Concrete Moisture Testing”


ASTM F2170 (In-Situ) “Rh”  Concrete Moisture Testing 

Is an industry standard in the floor covering world, yet so many choose to ignore it. We here it all the time, no, we do not do any moisture testing for Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP). We just use plastic underneath. “That’s what they are telling us to do”…. This poses an ever greater problem. Great, lets just trap all the moisture in the slab and have a mushroom field underneath. That sounds great! Mold in the walls and baseboards, who cares, right? I hear it more often than you think. 



After reading competitors installation instructions well into the night hours, I’ve come to this same conclusion over and over again. ASTM F2170 is required across all segments of the floor covering world, with the exception of residential carpet. Now, this is nothing new, and I’ve been saying all of this for years… It’s all about doing things right from the very beginning. So many problems could be avoided, if people would just “do the right thing”… Start  by reading the installation instructions beforehand. Knowledge is power, right? Don’t forget to document all moisture testing/RH results prior to installation.  Sounds great, right? Sadly, few listen, and many simply do not care. Just ask the question, what type of moisture testing do you do, or do you know what ASTM F2170 is, and see what you get. You’ll get all kinds of wrong answers, and a lot of strange/aggravated looks. 


Hardwood, Laminate, Tile, Carpet Tile and LVP, all require the same RH test.  It’s in everyone’s installation instructions, it all says the same thing.. Just like Hardwood Flooring, Waterproof LVP Moisture Testing Methods are to adhere to Standard ASTM F2170. Same test for engineered wood, and click LVP? Yes, its the same test. Hmmm, think about that for a second… RH testing is a must requirement prior to installation, and the industry standards should never be ignored. Sadly, this is not the case. The industry can benefit greatly, when we truly understand what we are doing. Until then, you will find many of those who do not. So, be careful out there and just ask the question.


With that said, my job is to educate and serve, and that is exactly what I am trying to do. To better the industry, and to educate is all I can do.  Now, just pay attention, and do business with those who go “by the book”. When it comes to installing floor covering; make sure industry standards are being followed. Knowledge/Accountability is key. No one wants it done wrong, right? Of course, not. 


Color and price are one-thing, but just one faulty installation, and you wont care what the floor looks like. You’ll just ask, why didn’t we do this from the beginning? Do business with someone who pays attention to the details; especially when it comes to the installation side of things. 


Lastly, and again, pay attention to the instructions and just ask the question. If they are not RH testing, ask them why? Your installations require it Mr. Installer. 


The end.

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