Hardwood Floors June/July 2019

AT THE SITE

Whether you’re a small, medium, or large-scale flooring professional, working on a residential flooring project or commercial flooring project, the fundamentals for success stay the same: be prepared, work with the right tools, work safely, and, most importantly, communicate. Raise Your Reputation and Lower the Complications Concrete RH Testing Best Practices, PART 2

discoveries are made that will prove valuable to the reliability of the test results, not to mention the safety of the testing technicians. Interviews before the testing process will be helpful for you to determine the age of the structure, slab pour date and depth, suspended slab details, vapor retarder details, buriedmetals or fiber-optics, andmore. For example, ASTMF2170 in situ concrete slabmoisture testing over suspended corrugated pan decking requires different procedures than testing on grade or below grade. A precast, post- tensioned substrate that has been capped with a 1” to 2” leveling pour will require yet another set of skills. Remember that “preparation eliminates pressure” andmaintaining good communication throughout the project is a great way to help ensure your preparedness and that your weekend pool party isn’t ruined by angry calls fromcustomers.

GOOD COMMUNICATION So you’ve got the job. It is precisely at this point where breakdowns can occur that can cost more than dollars – your credibility and reputation. Good, constant, and productive communication with the general contractor, architect, project manager, site owner, dealer, or even end-user is vital to the process, and largely overlooked. If you’re reading this and debating whether your current level of communication is adequate, then the goal of this paragraph is fulfilled. Take the extra steps to initiate and maintain good lines of communication. It is imperative that everyone involved knows what is being commissioned of the testing technician and the scope of the work that is being proposed. Conduct interviews to verify exactly what jobsite conditions exist prior to testing. This is often where significant

Photo courtesy of Jason Spangler.

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