ASTM F710-22

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F710 − 21 F710 − 22
Standard Practice for
Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F710; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of original
adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A superscript
epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers the determination of the acceptability of a concrete floor for the installation of resilient flooring.
1.2 This practice includes suggestions for the construction of a concrete floor to ensure its acceptability for installation of resilient
flooring.
1.3 This practice does not cover the adequacy of the concrete floor to perform its structural requirements.
1.4 This practice covers the necessary preparation of concrete floors prior to the installation of resilient flooring.
1.5 This practice does not supersede in any manner the resilient flooring or adhesive manufacturer’s written instructions. Consult
the individual manufacturer for specific recommendations.
1.6 Although carpet tiles, carpet, wood flooring, coatings, films, and paints aeare not specifically intended to be included in the
category of resilient floor coverings, the procedures included in this practice may be useful for preparing concrete floors to receive
such finishes.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use. See 4.1.1, 7.1.1, and 7.1.2 for specific warning statements.
1.8 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C109/C109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50 mm] Cube Specimens)
C472 Test Methods for Physical Testing of Gypsum, Gypsum Plasters, and Gypsum Concrete
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F06 on Resilient Floor Coverings and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F06.40 on Practices.
Current edition approved June 1, 2021Dec. 15, 2022. Published June 2021January 2023. Originally approved in 1981. Last previous edition approved in 20192021 as
ɛ1
F710–19–21. . DOI: 10.1520/F0710-21.10.1520/F0710-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F710 − 22
D4259 Practice for Preparation of Concrete by Abrasion Prior to Coating Application
D4263 Test Method for Indicating Moisture in Concrete by the Plastic Sheet Method
D4397 Specification for Polyethylene Sheeting for Construction, Industrial, and Agricultural Applications
E1155 Test Method for Determining F Floor Flatness and F Floor Levelness Numbers
F L
E1486 Test Method for Determining Floor Tolerances Using Waviness, Wheel Path and Levelness Criteria
E1745 Specification for Plastic Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill under Concrete Slabs
F141 Terminology Relating to Resilient Floor Coverings
F710 Practice for Preparing Concrete Floors to Receive Resilient Flooring
F1869 Test Method for Measuring Moisture Vapor Emission Rate of Concrete Subfloor Using Anhydrous Calcium Chloride
F2170 Test Method for Determining Relative Humidity in Concrete Floor Slabs Using in situ Probes
F3191 Practice for Field Determination of Substrate Water Absorption (Porosity) for Substrates to Receive Resilient Flooring
NOTE 1—Specifications and test methods for cements and other related materials are found in ASTM Volume 04.01. Specifications and test methods for
concretes and related materials are found in ASTM Volume 04.02.
2.2 ACI Guides:
302.1R-06 Guide for Concrete Floor and Slab Construction
302.2R-06 Guide for Concrete Slabs that Receive Moisture-Sensitive Flooring Materials
117R Standard Tolerances for Concrete Construction and Materials
2.3 Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI):
Recommended Work Practices for the Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings
2.4 Other Standards:
MASTERSPEC Guide Spec Section 03 30 00 “Cast-In-Place Concrete”
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this practice, see Terminology F141.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 design team, n—design professionals (including architects, designers, consultants, engineers and specifiers) acting as a Team
to provide planning, design, and construction administration services for a project; universally referred to as the A/E
(architect/engineer).
3.2.2 mat, as in “mat test”test”,—n—a sample of vapor-retardant sheet resilient floor finish material or equivalent.
3.2.3 moisture vapor emission—emission, n—a term used by the flooring industry in the U.S. to measure moisture emission from
2 2
concrete floors in lb/1000 ft · 24 h (56.51 μg/(s · m ) using the anhydrous calcium chloride test.
4. General Guidelines
4.1 The surface of concrete floors to receive resilient flooring shall be dry, clean, smooth, and structurally sound. They shall be
free of dust, solvent, paint, wax, oil, grease, residual adhesive, adhesive removers, film-forming curing compounds, silicate
penetrating curing compounds, sealing, hardening, or parting compounds, alkaline salts, excessive carbonation or laitence, mold,
mildew, and other foreign materials that might affect the rate of moisture dissipation from the concrete, the adhesion of resilient
flooring to the concrete or cause a discoloration of the flooring from below. Non-chemical methods for removal, such as abrasive
cleaning or bead-blasting, including methods described in Practice D4259 may be used on existing slabs with deleterious residues.
4.1.1 Warning—Hydraulic cement used in concrete construction may contain trace amounts of free crystalline silica. Prolonged
exposure to airborne free crystalline silica may be a health hazard. Avoid actions that cause dust to become airborne. Use local
or general ventilation to control exposures below applicable exposure limits.
4.1.2 Warning—See 7.1.1 and 7.1.2 for warnings regarding asbestos and lead paint.
Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), 38800 Country Club Dr., Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3439, http://www.concrete.org.
Resilient Floor Covering Institute, 966 Hungerford Drive, Rockville, MD 20850.
Available from MASTERSPEC, AIA Master Systems, King Street Station, 225 Reinekers Lane, Suite 215, Alexandria, VA 22314-2875.
F710 − 22
4.2 Surface cracks, grooves, depressions, control joints or other non-moving joints, and other irregularities shall be filled or
smoothed with latex patching or underlayment compound recommended by the resilient flooring manufacturer for filling or
smoothing, or both. Patching or underlayment compound shall be moisture-, mildew-, and alkali-resistant, and, for commercial
installations, shall provide a minimum of 3000 psi compressive strength after 28 days, when tested in accordance with Test Method
C109/C109M or Test Method C472, whichever is appropriate.
4.2.1 Joints such as expansion joints, isolation joints, or other moving joints in concrete slabs shall not be filled with patching
compound or covered with resilient flooring. Consult the resilient flooring manufacturer regarding the use of an expansion joint
covering system.
4.3 The surface of the floor shall be cleaned of all loose material by scraping, brushing, vacuuming, or other methods, or a
combination thereof, as recommended by the resilient flooring manufacturer, immediately before commencing installation of
resilient flooring.
4.4 Many resilient floorings may not be installed over concrete when residual asphalt adhesive residue is present. Consult the
resilient flooring manufacturer’s written recommendations concerning use of resilient flooring products in these situations.
4.5 Concrete floors shall be smooth to prevent irregularities, roughness, or other defects from telegraphing through the new
resilient flooring. The surface of concrete floors shall be flat to within the equivalent of ⁄16 in. (3.9 mm) in 10 ft, (as described
in ACI 117R, or as measured by the method described in Test Method E1155 or any industry-recognized method specified) and
within the equivalent of 1/32 in. (0.8 mm) in 12 in. (305 mm). (305 mm). See X1.7 for more information regarding flatness
measurement methods.
4.6 Acclimation—Because of the role acclimation plays in a successful installation, most resilient flooring manufacturers
recommend or require that their flooring products, sundry supplies (adhesives, coatings, welding rods, underlayments, etc.) and the
area to receive the resilient flooring are properly conditioned. Consult floor covering and sundry manufacturers for appropriate
ambient temperature, substrate surface temperature and ambient relative humidity rangeranges for the products to be installed and
the geographic area where the job site is located. When determining suitable installation conditions, including dew point and
potential surface condensation, suitable instrumentation shall be utilized to measure ambient temperature, percent of ambient
relative humidity and substrate surface temperature. General recommendations are for the installation area and materials listed
above to be maintained at a minimum of 65 °F (18.3 °C) and a maximum of 85 °F (29.4 °C) (29.4 °C) for 48 h before, during
and for 48 h after completion of the installation. Relative humidity level extremes should also be avoided because of their influence
on proper drying and curing of patching compounds and adhesives. General recommended humidity control level is between 35
– 55 %. If a system other than the permanent HVAC source is utilized, it must provide proper control of both temperature and
humidity to recommended or specific levels for the appropriate time duration.
4.6.1 Dew Point—All concrete slabs to receive resilient flooring shall be evaluated for dew point regardless of age or grade level.
For the required dew point limit, consult the written instructions from the manufacturer of the floor covering(s), adhesive(s),
patching/underlayment products, and if applicable, the moisture mitigation system. See Fig. A1.1 for dew point calculation chart.
4.6.2 If there is a conflict between the manufacturers’ acceptable dew point temperature, it is the design team’s responsibility to
determine the appropriate level.
4.6.3 In the absence of written manufacturers’ guidelines, substrate surface must be at least 10 °F (5 °C) above dew point with
the ambient temperature rising. Example: If the ambient conditions are 70 °F and 65 % RH, the dew point is 57 °F. Installation
must not proceed unless the substrate surface temperature is at a minimum of 67 °F. See Fig. A1.1 for dew point calculation chart.
Dew point calculators are also freely available on the Internet.
5. Testing Procedures
5.1 Moisture Testing—All concrete slabs shall be tested for moisture regardless of age or grade level. For the preferred moisture
testing method and limits, consult the written instructions from the floor covering manufacturer, the adhesive manufacturer, the
patching/underlayment manufacturer, or combination thereof. In the absence of manufacturer’s guidelines, refer to Table 1.
F710 − 22
TABLE 1 ASTM Test Methods for Concrete Moisture Reading
Test Method Maximum Limit
2 2
F1869 3 lb/1000 ft (170 μg/m ) per 24 h
F2170 75 %
5.1.1 Consult the resilient flooring manufacturer, the adhesive manufacturer, the underlayment manufacturer’s written instructions,
or combination thereof, for their acceptable test methods. If these instructions are in conflict, the most stringent requirements shall
apply.
5.2 pH and Alkalinity—See X1.4 for information about pH and alkalinity in concrete slabs.
5.3 Substrate Water Absorption (Porosity)—All concrete slabs to receive resilient flooring shall be evaluated for substrate water
absorption (porosity) regardless of age or grade level. For the accepted criteria and method for determining substrate water
absorption (porosity), consult the written instructions from the manufacturer of the floor covering(s), adhesive(s), patching/
underlayment products, and if applicable, the moisture mitigation system.
5.3.1 If there is a conflict between the manufacturer’s accepted criteria and method for determining substrate water absorption
(porosity), it is the design team’s responsibility to determine the appropriate criteria and method.
5.3.2 In the absence of written manufacturer’s guidelines, substrate water absorption (porosity) shall be determined by Practice
F3191.
6. Preparation of New Concrete Floors
6.1 New concrete slabs shall be properly cured and dried or treated before installation of resilient flooring. Drying time before
slabs are ready for moisture testing will vary depending on atmospheric conditions and mix design. See X1.3 for more information.
Floors containing lightweight aggregate or excess water, and those which are allowed to dry from only one side, such as concrete
over a moisture vapor retarder or concrete on metal deck construction, may need a much longer drying time and should not be
covered with resilient flooring unless the moisture vapor emission rate or the percentage of internal relative humidity meets the
manufacturer’s installation specifications.
6.2 The installation of a permanent below-slab vapor retarder meeting the minimum performance requirements of Specification
E1745 is required for all new on-, or below-grade concrete floors over which resilient flooring materials are to be installed. The
use of such a material, provided that its integrity has not been compromised, retards the ingress of moisture from the ground which
otherwise can increase moisture levels within the concrete which in turn can lead to flooring and adhesive problems. For resilient
flooring installations the vapor retarder is to be installed in direct contact with the underside of the slab. For further information
regarding below-slab vapor retarders refer to ACI 302.2R.
7. Preparation of Existing Concrete Floors
7.1 The resilient flooring manufacturer shall be consulted regarding the necessity of removal of old resilient flooring, adhesive
residue, paint, or other surface contaminants. If old resilient flooring, paint, or adhesive residue is to be removed, follow 7.1.1 and
7.1.2:
7.1.1 Warning—Do not sand, dry sweep, dry scrape, drill, saw, beadblast, or mechanically chip or pulverize existing resilient
flooring, backing, lining felt, paint, asphaltic cutback adhesives, or other adhesives. These products may contain asbestos fibers or
crystalline silica. Avoid creating dust. Inhalation of such dust is a cancer and respiratory tract hazard. Smoking by individuals
exposed to asbestos fibers greatly increases the risk of serious bodily harm. Unless positively certain that the product is a
nonasbestos-containing material, presume that it contains asbestos. Regulations may require that the material be tested to determine
asbestos content. The Resilient Floor Covering Institute’s (RFCI’s) recommended work practices for removal of existing resilient
floor coverings should be consulted for a defined set of instructions addressed to the task of removing all resilient floor covering
structures.
7.1.2 Warning—Certain paints may contain lead. Exposure to excessive amounts of lead dust presents a health hazard. Refer to
applicable federal, state, and local laws and guidelines for hazard identification and abatement of lead-based paint published by
F710 − 22
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regarding appropriate methods for identifying lead-based paint and
removing such paint, and any licensing, certification, and training requirements for persons performing lead abatement work.
7.2 Adhesive Removers—There are a number of commercial adhesive removers that will properly remove adhesive residue from
a subfloor, however, there are concerns that these products may adversely effect the new adhesive and new floor covering. The
Resilient Floor Covering Institute’s (RFCI’s) recommended work practices for removal of existing resilient floor coverings and
the resilient flooring manufacturer’s written instructions should be consulted for a defined set of instructions which should be
followed if existing adhesives must be removed.
7.3 It is the project design team’s responsibility to determine the presence, quality, and location of a below-slab vapor retarder.
This information, along with the concrete slab moisture test results, will then be used by the design team to assess the risk of a
moisture-related flooring problem and determine an appropriate approach.
8. Installation on Radiant Heated Floors
8.1 Most resilient flooring can be installed on radiant heated slabs providing the maximum temperature of the surface of the slab
does not exceed 85 °F (29 °C) under any condition of use. Consult the resilient flooring manufacturer for specific
recommendations.
9. Keywords
9.1 adhesive removers; cement; concrete floors; installation; moisture; moisture vapor emissions; pH testing; preparation; resilient
flooring; rubber; slabs
ANNEX
(Mandatory Information)
A1. Dew Point
A1.1 Dew Point is the temperature at which moisture will condense on surfaces at a given Air Temperature and % Ambient
Relative Humidity. As it relates to interior moisture condensation, Dew Point is an important factor for ensuring that proper
conditions exist before and during substrate testing, preparations, and floor covering installations.
A1.2 Procedure for Calculating Dew Point—Starting at the recorded Air Temperature reading in the left (green) column, scroll
directly across to the correct cell under the Ambient Relative Humidity (blue row). The number where these two values intersect
is the Dew Point.
A1.3 Example 1—If the indoor air temperature is 80 °F and the ambient relative humidity (RH) is 50%, the dew point would be
59 °F. If the substrate temperature measured at 63 °F, the substrate temperature would be 4° above the dew point and installation
should not begin unless adjustments are made to the air temperature or ambient relative humidity
A1.4 Example 2—If indoor air temperature is 75 °F and ambient relative humidity (RH) is 40%, the dew point would be 49 °F.
If the substrate temperature measured at 60 °F, the substrate temperature would be 11° above the dew point and no adjustments
to the air temperature or ambient RH would be needed, so long as the installed products were capable of being installed at: 75 °F
air temperature, 40 % ambient relative humidity (RH), and on a substrate surface of 60 °F temperature.
Lead-Based Paint: Interim Guidelines for Hazard Identification and Abatement in Public and Indian Housing, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,
Washington, DC, 1990.
F710 − 22
A1.5 This information does not purport to cover all situations that may be encountered in a field environment. Please contact the
flooring manufacturer, adhesive manufacturer, or combination thereof for any additional information if a question should arise.
APPENDIXES
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. CONCRETE COMPOSITION AND PRACTICES
X1.1 General—This brief information on concrete composition and practices is provided to help specifiers, resilient flooring
installers, and resilient flooring manufacturers understand the properties of concrete. A concrete slab is not an inert substrate. It
is a complex mixture of organic and inorganic substances whose properties and condition will affect the performance of a floor
covering placed on its surface. Surface flatness, strength, joints, alkalinity, permeability, and many other concrete properties will
have a significant effect on the long-term appearance and performance of resilient flooring.
X1.1.1 Concrete used for most floors is a mixture of hydraulic cement, fine aggregate (sand), coarse aggregate (stone), water and
admixtures. In addition to these batch ingredients, chemical admixtures can be used to control the setting time, rate of strength
development, workability, air entrapment, and other properties of concrete. For example, water-reducing admixtures can increase
the slump of fresh concrete without adding additional water. Pozzolanic admixtures such as fly ash or ground granulated blast
furnace slag are sometimes present as a partial replacement for the cement.
3 3
X1.1.2 Lightweight concrete, less than 115 lb/ft (1841 (1841 kg kg/m⁄m ), may have such low compressive strength that it is
unsuitable for covering with resilient flooring unless 1 in. (25 mm) (25 mm) or more of standard weight concrete, generally 140
3 3
140 lb lb/ft⁄ft (2241 kg/m ) or more, is used as a topping.
FIG. A1.1 Dew Point Calculation Chart
F710 − 22
X1.2 Water-Cement Ratio—The most important factor affecting concrete properties is the water-cement ratio. This is the ratio of
the mass of water to the mass of cement in a standard volume of concrete. For a given concrete mix design, as the water-cement
ratio is increased, most concrete properties are affected negatively. Of special interest to the floor covering industry, compressive
and flexural strengths are decreased, permeability is increased, and drying times are lengthened. Moderate to moderately low
water-cement ratios (0.40 to 0.45) can be used to produce floor slabs that can easily be placed, finished, and dried, and which will
have acceptable permeability to moisture. Floor slabs with water-cement ratios above 0.60 take an exceedingly long time to dry
and cause adhesives or floor coverings, or both, to fail due to high moisture permeability.
X1.3 Curing and Drying New Concrete:
X1.3.1 Freshly placed concrete sets and gains strength by the chemical reaction of water with the silicate and aluminate materials
in the cement. As long as water is available during the planned curing period, the concrete will continue to gain strength and
decrease its permeability. Various ways concrete is cured i
...