1. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education Presented by: W. R. MEADOWSPresented by: W. R. MEADOWS WelcomeWelcome Controlling Moisture Movement In Buildings The Complete Approach Below Slab Protection Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education

2. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education This program is registered with the AIA/CES forThis program is registered with the AIA/CES for continuing professional education. As such, it doescontinuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed ornot include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by theconstrued to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any methodAIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, oror manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. Questionsdealing in any material or product. Questions related to specific materials, methods, and servicesrelated to specific materials, methods, and services will be addressed at the conclusion of thiswill be addressed at the conclusion of this presentation.presentation. Thank you! 3. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education ObjectivesObjectives Identify types of moisture movementIdentify types of moisture movement Provide examples of the effects of uncontrolledProvide examples of the effects of uncontrolled moisture movementmoisture movement Detail methods to address the different types ofDetail methods to address the different types of moisture movementmoisture movement Below SlabBelow Slab 4. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education ProloguePrologue The need for moisture andThe need for moisture and condensation control in buildingscondensation control in buildings The objective is to preventThe objective is to prevent building envelope problemsbuilding envelope problems before they occur and save thebefore they occur and save the owner maintenance and energyowner maintenance and energy costs.costs. All elements of the buildingAll elements of the building envelope need to workenvelope need to work TOGETHER, from the ground upTOGETHER, from the ground up 5. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education Moisture Movement Below GradeMoisture Movement Below Grade 6. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education How Does Moisture EnterHow Does Moisture Enter Liquid WaterLiquid Water Water tableWater table Site drainageSite drainage Irrigation - sprinkler systemsIrrigation - sprinkler systems Foundation cracksFoundation cracks Improper waterproofing detailsImproper waterproofing details 7. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education How Does Moisture EnterHow Does Moisture Enter Capillary Action and Vapor DiffusionCapillary Action and Vapor Diffusion Moisture Movement through PoresMoisture Movement through Pores 8. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education CONDENSATION Evaporation PRECIPITATION YOUR BUILDING!YOUR BUILDING! 9. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education P = .106 psi or 15.264 psf 10. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education TEMP 55 o F R.H. 100% vapor PRESSURE 0.214 psi TEMP 90 o F R.H. 80% vapor PRESSURE 0.558 psi TEMP 70o F R.H. 30% vapor PRESSURE 0.108 psi SUMMER 11. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education TEMP 55 o F R.H. 100% vapor PRESSURE 0.214 psi TEMP 35 o F R.H. 20% vapor PRESSURE 0.020 psi TEMP 70o F R.H. 30% vapor PRESSURE 0.108 psi 12. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education How Much Moisture?How Much Moisture? 38.5L/92.9 sq.m/day38.5L/92.9 sq.m/day (10.16 gal/1000 sq.ft/day)(10.16 gal/1000 sq.ft/day) 13. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education What has it caused?What has it caused? Flooring adhesive failureFlooring adhesive failure Distortion (warping, blistering)Distortion (warping, blistering) DiscolorationDiscoloration DeteriorationDeterioration Loss of bond - DELAMINATIONLoss of bond - DELAMINATION Mold and mildew growthMold and mildew growth Rust stainsRust stains Odors - indoor air qualityOdors - indoor air quality 14. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education Why do floor systems fail?Why do floor systems fail? Re-emulsifiableRe-emulsifiable adhesives.tilesadhesives.tiles Alkalinity.Alkalinity. 15. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education Slab Moisture Can Be Measured By:Slab Moisture Can Be Measured By: ASTM D 4263:ASTM D 4263: Tape pieces of polyethylene plastic toTape pieces of polyethylene plastic to the floor in several locations and check after 24 hours tothe floor in several locations and check after 24 hours to see whether condensation has formed on the undersidesee whether condensation has formed on the underside of the plastic.of the plastic. ASTM F 1869:ASTM F 1869: The calcium chloride or dry bulbThe calcium chloride or dry bulb test. The weight gain due to moisture absorption of thetest. The weight gain due to moisture absorption of the calcium chloride crystals is used to determine slabcalcium chloride crystals is used to determine slab moisture emissions in lbs / sf / 24 hours. Most flooringmoisture emissions in lbs / sf / 24 hours. Most flooring manufacturers and installers recommend slab moisturemanufacturers and installers recommend slab moisture emission rates of either 3 or 5 lbs / 1,000 sf / 24 hours.emission rates of either 3 or 5 lbs / 1,000 sf / 24 hours. ASTM F 2170:ASTM F 2170: The relative humidity of the slab isThe relative humidity of the slab is measured with an electronic measuring device.measured with an electronic measuring device. 16. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education ASTM F 2170 TESTASTM F 2170 TEST Most flooring system manufacturers recommend slab Rh levels of between 75% and 85%. 17. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education The PH ScaleThe PH Scale PH Scale Acidic Alkaline Fresh Concrete 12.5 Old Concrete 7.5 11.5 + 18. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education What can we do?What can we do? Design proper vapor protection into theDesign proper vapor protection into the completecomplete Building Envelope DesignBuilding Envelope Design The best design starts form the ground up!The best design starts form the ground up! 19. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education Below GroundBelow Ground PREVENTING MOISTURE INFILTRATIONPREVENTING MOISTURE INFILTRATION HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE:HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE: Proper site drainage or a drainage layerProper site drainage or a drainage layer Waterproof barrierWaterproof barrier CAPILLARY ACTION:CAPILLARY ACTION: Capillary break layer ( drainage layer )Capillary break layer ( drainage layer ) Waterproof barrierWaterproof barrier VAPOR PRESSURE:VAPOR PRESSURE: Vapor barrierVapor barrier Not all materials that are water proof are vapor proof, but allNot all materials that are water proof are vapor proof, but all materials that are vapor proof are inherently water proof.materials that are vapor proof are inherently water proof. Vapor barrierVapor barrier 20. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education Vapor Barrier/Retarder ProductsVapor Barrier/Retarder Products Designed with low water vapor permeanceDesigned with low water vapor permeance Substantial Puncture resistanceSubstantial Puncture resistance Compatible with surrounding soilCompatible with surrounding soil Robust an durable over the life of the buildingRobust an durable over the life of the building Can serve a dual role as a waterproofingCan serve a dual role as a waterproofing (dependant on material)(dependant on material) 21. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education VAPOR BARRIER VS. VAPOR RETARDERVAPOR BARRIER VS. VAPOR RETARDER DEFINITIONSDEFINITIONS AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING MATERIALSAMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING MATERIALS ( ASTM ):( ASTM ): The termsThe terms vapor retardervapor retarder andand vapor barriervapor barrier areare interchangeable.interchangeable. 22. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education INDUSTRY CODES AND STANDARDSINDUSTRY CODES AND STANDARDS American Society For Testing Materials ( ASTM ) :American Society For Testing Materials ( ASTM ) : ASTM E 1993 - 98: Bituminous Vapor BarriersASTM E 1993 - 98: Bituminous Vapor Barriers ASTM E 1745 - 09: Plastic Vapor BarriersASTM E 1745 - 09: Plastic Vapor Barriers ASTM E 1643 - 98 Standard Practice For Vapor BarriersASTM E 1643 - 98 Standard Practice For Vapor Barriers American Concrete Institute ( ACI ) :American Concrete Institute ( ACI ) : ACI 302.1R - 96ACI 302.1R - 96 23. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education ASTM E 1993 - 98ASTM E 1993 - 98 7. Properties7. Properties 7.1 The bituminous membrane water vapor retarder shall7.1 The bituminous membrane water vapor retarder shall consist of asphaltic materials reinforced with multipleconsist of asphaltic materials reinforced with multiple plies of suitable fabric. The bituminous vapor retarderplies of suitable fabric. The bituminous vapor retarder shall meet the requirements listed in Table 1 as well asshall meet the requirements listed in Table 1 as well as those outlined below.those outlined below. 7.27.2 Permeance -Permeance - Material, including lap seals, shallMaterial, including lap seals, shall conform to the requirements listed in Table 1 under theconform to the requirements listed in Table 1 under the following conditions when tested according to ASTM Efollowing conditions when tested according to ASTM E 154, Section 7 9 ( based on Test Method E 96 ).154, Section 7 9 ( based on Test Method E 96 ). Laboratory conditions for temperature shell be 23 + / - 1Laboratory conditions for temperature shell be 23 + / - 1 C ( 73.4 + / - 1.8 F ) an test humidity shall be 50 + / -C ( 73.4 + / - 1.8 F ) an test humidity shall be 50 + / - 2%.2%. 24. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education 25. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education ASTM E 1745 - 09ASTM E 1745 - 09 4. Classification4. Classification 4.1 Materials shall be specified to conform to one of4.1 Materials shall be specified to conform to one of three classes: A, B, or C or specific requirements shall bethree classes: A, B, or C or specific requirements shall be specified in one or more of the properties listed in Table 1.specified in one or more of the properties listed in Table 1. 6. Lap Sealing6. Lap Sealing 6.1 The producer shall provide instructions for lap sealing,6.1 The producer shall provide instructions for lap sealing, including minimum width of lap, method of sealing, andincluding minimum width of lap, method of sealing, and either supply or specify suitable products for lap sealing.either supply or specify suitable products for lap sealing. 26. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education 27. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education ASTM E 1643 - 98ASTM E 1643 - 98 28. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education Vapor BarriersVapor Barriers and proper placementand proper placement Possible Curling Possible flooring failure (sand) 29. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education Hydration and CuringHydration and Curing Proper Placement of the vaporProper Placement of the vapor BarrierBarrier 30. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education ACI 302.1R - 96ACI 302.1R - 96 Recommends a vapor retarder of not less than 10 mils thick.Recommends a vapor retarder of not less than 10 mils thick. Points out the problems associated with placing concrete directly onPoints out the problems associated with placing concrete directly on top of under slab vapor barriers / retarders.top of under slab vapor barriers / retarders. A vapor barrier / retarder should be used only when required byA vapor barrier / retarder should be used only when required by intended use, and that installation be in accordance with Section 4.1.5.intended use, and that installation be in accordance with Section 4.1.5. If a vapor barrier / retarder is required, it should be placed under aIf a vapor barrier / retarder is required, it should be placed under a minimum of 4 in. of trimmable, compactable, granular fill ( not sand ).minimum of 4 in. of trimmable, compactable, granular fill ( not sand ). If a vapor barrier / retarder is to be placed over a rough, granularIf a vapor barrier / retarder is to be placed over a rough, granular fill, a thin layer of approximately 1/2 of fine graded material shouldfill, a thin layer of approximately 1/2 of fine graded material should be rolled or compacted over the fill prior to installation of the vaporbe rolled or compacted over the fill prior to installation of the vapor barrier / retarder to reduce the possibility of punctures. Vaporbarrier / retarder to reduce the possibility of punctures. Vapor barriers/ retarders should be overlapped 6 at the joints and carefullybarriers/ retarders should be overlapped 6 at the joints and carefully fitted around service openingsfitted around service openings 31. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education 2001 Revisions to ACI 302.1R - 962001 Revisions to ACI 302.1R - 96 The committees believe that when the use of a vaporThe committees believe that when the use of a vapor retarder or barrier is required, the decision whether to locate theretarder or barrier is required, the decision whether to locate the retarder or barrier in direct contact with the slab or beneath aretarder or barrier in direct contact with the slab or beneath a layer of granular fill should be made on a case-by-case basis. layer of granular fill should be made on a case-by-case basis. Each proposed installation should be independentlyEach proposed installation should be independently evaluated by considering the moisture sensitivity of subsequentevaluated by considering the moisture sensitivity of subsequent floor finishes, anticipated project conditions and the potentialfloor finishes, anticipated project conditions and the potential effect of slab curling and cracking. effect of slab curling and cracking. 32. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education What this chart does not account for:What this chart does not account for: Moisture introduced into the blotter course byMoisture introduced into the blotter course by wet curing.wet curing. Moisture introduced into the blotter course byMoisture introduced into the blotter course by saw cutting of control joints.saw cutting of control joints. The perm rating of the flooring finish.The perm rating of the flooring finish. Moisture movement into the blotter course byMoisture movement into the blotter course by damage to the barrier or improper installation.damage to the barrier or improper installation. 33. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education Cushions, Blotters and Protection CoursesCushions, Blotters and Protection Courses Arguments For:Arguments For: Provides a means for water of convenience Provides a means for water of convenience ( bleed water ) to exit freshly placed concrete in( bleed water ) to exit freshly placed concrete in order to minimize the potential for:order to minimize the potential for: Extended periods of time between placementExtended periods of time between placement and finishing operationsand finishing operations Slab curlingSlab curling Plastic shrinkage crackingPlastic shrinkage cracking Provides protection for the vapor barrierProvides protection for the vapor barrier material from jobsite traffic and abuse.material from jobsite traffic and abuse. 34. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education Cushions, Blotters and Protection CoursesCushions, Blotters and Protection Courses Arguments against:Arguments against: Increased drying time of the slab to attainIncreased drying time of the slab to attain recommended moisture content levels for therecommended moisture content levels for the installation of flooring systems.installation of flooring systems. Vapor barriers are still easily damaged despiteVapor barriers are still easily damaged despite having a cushion of sand or gravel to protecthaving a cushion of sand or gravel to protect them.them. Proper water / cement ratio and proper curingProper water / cement ratio and proper curing procedures prevent slab curling and plasticprocedures prevent slab curling and plastic shrinkage cracking.shrinkage cracking. 35. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education How much moisture gets in?How much moisture gets in? The amount of moisture entering a building through the slab on grade and foundation walls depends on the vapor pressure differential ( P ) and the perm rating of the material(s) it must pass through. This value is known as the Water Vapor Transmission Rate ( WVTR ). 36. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education Critical AreasCritical Areas 37. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education Sensitive flooringSensitive flooring High water tablesHigh water tables Controlled environmentControlled environment 38. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education ASTM 1993 SpecificationASTM 1993 Specification 39. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education ASTM 1993 Project DetailsASTM 1993 Project Details 40. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education 41. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education 42. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education 43. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education 44. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education 45. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education Plastic vapor RetardersPlastic vapor Retarders ASTM E-1745 Class A, B, &CASTM E-1745 Class A, B, &C 46. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education Puncture Resistance Testing Procedure ASTM D-1709ASTM D-1709 47. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education 48. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education 49. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education Questions to ask during designQuestions to ask during design Does the building have a controlled environment?Does the building have a controlled environment? Is there sensitive floor coverings?Is there sensitive floor coverings? Does your client expect a complete buildingDoes your client expect a complete building envelope design?envelope design? If yes to any of these start from the ground upIf yes to any of these start from the ground up 50. Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education Presented by: W. R. MEADOWSPresented by: W. R. MEADOWS Thank-youThank-you Controlling Moisture Movement In Buildings The Complete Approach Below Slab Protection Building strength through educationBuilding strength through education