All Things Flooring Blog Logo

Moisture Damage Guide: Part 3

  • A Short Guide to Moisture Related Floor Damage- Humidity Box

A Short Guide to Moisture Related Floor Damage: Humidity Box

In the previous blog post of this series we looked at how to find out the moisture content of the substrate using a humidity sleeve – today’s blog post is on a slightly different method called a humidity box.

While similar, a humidity box is more physically robust, which can be particularly beneficial in environments where the testing equipment is liable to get knocked and broken during the time it takes to get an accurate reading.

The below nine steps explain how to install and use a humidity box:

1. Place the humidity box on the surface at the required point of measurement and put something heavy (like a brick) on top to ensure it is not inadvertently moved. Ensure the plug is in the hole on the side of the box.

2. If the surface is smooth then no additional sealing is required around the rim of the box. However, if the surface has a rough texture then seal around where the box meets the surface with an inert sealant such as Plasticine.

3. Switch off any accelerated drying apparatus that may be in use for at least four days before taking readings. Thereafter, for un-bonded screeds of thickness 50-75mm (2”–3”) where a damp-proof membrane has been placed between the base and screed, leave the humidity box in position for at least 24 hours to ensure moisture equilibrium is reached within the box before taking readings.

4. For bonded screeds and direct finished base slabs allow a minimum of 72 hours before taking readings. Note that it may take many weeks for equilibrium conditions to be reached within a humidity box on the surface if the slab thickness exceeds 200mm (8”) and / or it has a power floated finish.

5. The Equilibrium Relative Humidity (ERH) reading is made with the Hygrostick sensor that comes supplied with the GE Protimeter Hygrometer instrument. Hygrosticks are fitted with a soft conical sealing sleeve, make sure that the tip of the Hygrostick protudes fully from the narrow end of the sealing sleeve.

6. Connect the extension lead to the Hygrostick and GE Protimeter Hygromaster.

7. Remove the humidity box plug and push the Hygrostick assembly into the hole and twist. Ideally, leave the Hygrostick in the humidity box for at least 30 minutes before taking the first reading.

8. Measure the %rh in the humidity box – assuming equilibrium conditions have been reached then this is the ERH value of the screed or slab!

9. To avoid liquid water damage to the Hygrostick, remember to check that the substrate is “visibly surface dry” before inserting the Hygrostick into the humidity sleeve.

Note: The operating instruction of the instrument being used needs to be consulted for specific information and Flowcrete will not be responsible for any loss resulting from this guide.

Enjoy this post? Click below to share it with your network:

Dan Ash

Daniel Ash is the PR & Media Manager at the global resin flooring manufacturer Flowcrete Group Ltd. Dan's role includes creating press releases, blogs, white papers and case studies on Flowcrete products and projects as well as educational content for construction industry professionals.

This website uses cookies and other tracking technologies (also known as pixels or beacons) to aid your experience (such as viewing videos), as well as “performance cookies” to analyze your use of this website and to assist with marketing efforts.  If you click the "Accept All Cookies" button or continue navigating the website, you agree to having those first and third-party cookies set on your device.  If you do not wish to accept cookies from this website, you can choose to not allow cookies from this website by updating your browser preferences.  For more information on how we use Cookies, please read our privacy policy.

Accept All Cookies

Stay Connected