EB119 Rough 4 12/7/04 3:35 PM Page 1 Howard Kanare ENGINEERING BULLETIN 119 Concrete Floors and Moisture by Howard M. Kanare An organization of cement companies The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association is the to improve and extend the uses of port- leading industry advocate working to expand and improve land cement and concrete through the ready mixed concrete industry through leadership, pro- market development, engineering, re- motion, education and partnering, ensuring that ready search, education, and public affairs mixed concrete is the building material of choice. work. Abstract: Unwanted moisture in concrete floors causes millions of dollars in damage to buildings annually in the United States. Problems from excessive moisture include deterioration and debonding of floor cover- ings, trip-and-fall hazards, microbial growth leading to reduced indoor air quality, staining and deterioration of building finishes. Understanding moisture in concrete leads to design of floors and flooring systems that provide excellent service for many years. This book discusses sources of moisture, drying of concrete, methods of measuring moisture, construction practices, specifications, and responsibilities for successful floor projects. Keywords: Alkalies, concrete floors, construction practices, floor coverings, flooring, mildew, moisture, moisture-proofing, mold, vapor retarders Reference: Kanare, Howard M., Concrete Floors and Moisture, EB119, Portland Cement Association, Skokie, Illinois, and National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA, 2005, 168 pages. About the Author: Howard M. Kanare, Senior Principal Scientist, Construction Technology Laboratories, Inc., 5400 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, Illinois 60077, USA, e-mail:
[email protected]. ©2005, Portland Cement Association All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in a review written for inclusion in a magazine or newspaper.