A moisture test report is a record of conditions at defined spots on a slab at a defined time. Owners, GCs, flooring contractors and product representatives all use it to make decisions, so it has to stand on its own: someone who was not on site should be able to tell what was tested, how, when and under what conditions.
The parts of a complete report
- Project identification
- Address, building or unit, area tested, who requested it, and who performed it.
- Method and edition
- Which standard was followed (for example ASTM F2170 or F1869) and which edition, plus any deviations.
- Locations
- Each test point marked on a plan, with enough description to find it again.
- Dates and times
- When holes were drilled or domes placed, and when each reading was taken.
- Slab details
- Thickness where known, depth of probe holes, surface condition and any coatings or residue found.
- Site conditions
- Ambient temperature and humidity, HVAC status and anything unusual during the test window.
- Readings
- The result for every location, in the units of the method used, not just an average.
- Equipment
- The instruments used and their calibration status, as the method requires.
- Limitations
- A plain statement that results apply to the tested locations and time.
- Comparison reference
- The product limits supplied for comparison, identified by product and document.
Example layout
The table below shows how a results section is often organized. It is a layout example only: it contains no readings.
| Location | Placed | Read | Result (method units) | Ambient at reading |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location 1 (plan ref.) | date / time | date / time | — | temp / RH |
| Location 2 (plan ref.) | date / time | date / time | — | temp / RH |
| Location 3 (plan ref.) | date / time | date / time | — | temp / RH |
Questions to ask when a report lands
- Does the method match the instructions? A limit written for in-situ RH does not apply to a calcium chloride result, and the reverse.
- Were there enough tests, in the right places? Check the count against the method and the spec, and that the locations cover the areas being floored.
- Was the building at service conditions? Look for the recorded temperature, humidity and HVAC status.
- Is every reading shown? One high location matters even if the average looks fine.
- How old is it? A report describes the time of testing. If weeks have passed or conditions have changed, ask whether retesting makes sense.
What a report is not
It is not a guarantee of future conditions, and by itself it is not an approval to install. The decision comes from
comparing the recorded results with the written requirements of the selected products and the project specification.
Planning the site visit? Use the testing-day checklist.