Add as a preferred source on Google

Concrete Slab Configuration Raises Concerns Among Sports Flooring Installers

  • 01/23/18

OAKBROOK TERRACE, IL – Concrete slab configuration is very important in the success of a new maple floor installation.  Placing a below-slab vapor barrier directly beneath the concrete slab is proper and typical.  Placing any type of fill material between the below-slab vapor barrier and the concrete slab frequently causes moisture-related problems with the finished maple surface.

The Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA) requires the general contractor to provide a concrete slab troweled smooth and flat to a tolerance of 1/8 of an inch in a 10-foot radius, subject to the approval of the MFMA wood flooring contractor. By placing sand between the vapor barrier and the slab, a flatter concrete slab with less initial curling can be produced.  However, this configuration allows the sand to act like a sponge—trapping moisture within the sand layer during the concrete pour. Over time, trapped moisture can migrate up through the concrete slab and cause moisture-related difficulties with subfloor components and the finished wood flooring surface.

The only MFMA-recognized method for reading concrete moisture levels within a slab is by testing its relative humidity. Please refer to the instructions of the manufacturer’s relative humidity test kit for complete details on how to administer the test correctly. MFMA recommends the relative humidity level for a concrete slab for a non-glue-down maple floor system be 85 percent or lower and for glue down systems the concrete slab relative humidity level should be 75 percent or lower before installation.For concrete relative humidity conditions above MFMA’s recommendation consult your MFMA Sport Floor Contractor or your MFMA Manufacturer.

For more information regarding variations to MFMA’s recommended concrete slab configuration, please contact MFMA’s technical director at 888/480-9138 or email [email protected].

Featured

  • sapling sprouting from a cracked stone

    Lessons in Resilience: Disaster Recovery in Our Schools

    Facility managers play a pivotal role in how well a school weathers and recovers from a crisis. Whether it's a hurricane, a flood, a tornado, or a man-made event, preparation determines resilience.

  • textured paper collage shows a school building on fire as a fire truck sprays water into the flames

    Why a Fire Loss Is More than Flames

    We've all seen what fire damage can do to a property, but the types of damage building owners often encounter after a fire loss can exceed expectations. Having full awareness of the different forms of damage properties can sustain helps owners respond faster, reduce continued damage, and get back on the road to recovery in short order.

  • South Texas K–12 District Debuts Region’s First Electric Bus Fleet

    The Valley View Independent School District in Pharr, Texas, recently announced a partnership with Highland Electric Fleets to launch the district’s—and the region’s—first fleet of all-electric school buses, according to a news release.

  • Creating Long-Term Sustainability on College Campuses Through Fair Student Housing

    The quality of student housing can have a significant impact on an individual’s college experience. Today’s higher education institutions face mounting challenges, including declining enrollment, low retention rates between the first and second years, and a rise in student mental health concerns. Thoughtfully designed living spaces can help address these issues by creating environments that promote both academic focus and personal well-being.

Digital Edition