When installing laminate flooring or other types of flooring, moisture testing is an important process.
Specifically for laminate flooring, experts recommend that during the subfloor preparation process, you conduct moisture tests.
The moisture testing enables you to identify levels of moisture in the subfloor before installing the laminate floor.
This helps to prevent problems such as peeling or warping which are caused by high levels of moisture.
While the calcium chloride moisture test is more popular, the relative humidity (RH) test is also useful for determining moisture levels on the subfloors.
Related: Moisture meter testing for subfloors.
The Relative Humidity Test: Step-By-Step Guide
Gather the necessary equipment:
- A digital or analog hygrometer or a psychrometer (wet and dry bulb thermometer)
- Distilled water or wet wick for the psychrometer
- Calibration equipment (if applicable) for verifying the accuracy of the hygrometer or psychrometer.
- Alternatively, you can buy the entire concrete moisture test starter kit. The Wagner Rapid RH (L6)is among the best kits that you can acquire for this process.
Choose the location
- Select a representative location where you want to measure the RH.
- Ensure the location is free from direct airflow, heat sources, or other factors that can affect the accuracy of the measurements.
Prepare the hygrometer or psychrometer
- If using a hygrometer, ensure it is calibrated according to the manufacturer’s instructions or use a calibration kit to verify its accuracy.
- If using a psychrometer, wet the wick with distilled water and attach it to the wet bulb thermometer. Make sure the wick is saturated but not dripping.
Set up the instruments:
- Place the hygrometer or psychrometer in the chosen location.
- Ensure it is not exposed to direct sunlight or any other sources of heat or moisture that can influence the readings.
- If using a psychrometer, swing the instrument gently in the air to allow evaporation and obtain accurate readings.
Allow the instruments to stabilize:
Leave the hygrometer or psychrometer in the location for a sufficient amount of time (typically around 10-15 minutes) to reach thermal equilibrium with the surrounding environment
Record the temperature readings:
- If using a hygrometer, note down the temperature reading indicated by the instrument.
- If using a psychrometer, note the temperature reading on both the dry bulb thermometer and the wet bulb thermometer.
Obtain the RH measurement:
- If using a hygrometer, the instrument should provide a direct reading of the relative humidity.
- If using a psychrometer, calculate the relative humidity using the temperature readings from the dry bulb and wet bulb thermometers.
- Consult a psychrometric chart or use an online calculator to determine the RH based on the temperature difference between the dry bulb and wet bulb thermometers.
Repeat the process:
If you require multiple measurements or want to ensure accuracy, repeat the steps in different locations or at different times to obtain a representative average or range of relative humidity values.
Document and analyze the results:
- Record the obtained relative humidity measurements along with corresponding temperature readings.
- Analyze the data to identify any patterns, trends, or variations in relative humidity that may be relevant to your purpose or study.
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