ASTM F3191-16

5.1 The ability of a substrate surface to readily absorb water is a key indicator in determining how to correctly install many types of flooring adhesives, primers, self-leveling underlayments, and other products. Several flooring industry publications such as CRI’s Carpet Installation Standard, RFCI’s Recommended Installation Practice for Homogenous Sheet Flooring, Fully-Adhered, as well as most flooring, adhesive, primer, and underlayment manufacturers reference substrate surface porosity criteria in their application instructions since this directly impacts the spread rate of directly applied material, the open time, and other critical installation factors.

5.2 Installing flooring products over low or non-absorptive (sometimes referred to as “non-porous”) substrates such as densely machine-troweled concrete, mature and well-hydrated concrete, existing resilient flooring, polymer terrazzo and others may require adjustments to the surface preparation method or product selection to ensure a successful installation.

5.3 Use this practice to obtain a qualitative assessment of substrate water absorption (porosity) and whether or not that substrate should be regarded as porous/absorptive or non-porous/non-absorptive as these terms relate to the installation of resilient floor coverings, adhesives, self-leveling underlayments, primers, and other products. This practice will produce results directly applicable to determining appropriate surface preparation requirements in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications, but it is in no way meant to replace published manufacturer’s literature regarding the determination of substrate water absorption (porosity) and the impact such has, if any, on substrate preparation requirements and on the installation of their respective materials.

5.4 Substrates that evidence immediate absorption, are chalky or dusty, or have varying degrees of absorption may require priming or other additional surface preparation prior to subsequent installations.

5.5 Substrates that evidence no absorption may indicate the presence of a contaminant that may negatively impact proper adhesion. In such cases, bond tests performed in accordance with the particular manufacturer’s established guidelines are strongly recommended.

5.6 The size, shape, and color of the water drop may indicate the presence of contaminants or other special circumstances that may require discussion with the manufacturer of the slab covering to be installed.

5.7 Some surfaces such as concrete can become denser and less porous/less absorptive over time as the material continues to gain strength and densify. The results obtained reflect only the conditions of the substrate at the time and location of the test(s).

1.1 This practice covers the determination of whether or not a substrate surface, in lieu of written instruction from a product manufacturer, is considered porous or non-porous prior to the installation of resilient flooring materials.

1.2 Although carpet tiles, carpet, wood flooring, coatings, films, paints, self-leveling and trowel-grade underlayments, primers, and other associated products are not specifically intended to be included in the category of resilient floor coverings, the procedures included in this practice may be useful for assessing the substrate water absorption for substrates to receive such materials.

1.3 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.

1.4 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Some specific hazards statements are given in Section 6 on Hazards.