1. Scope

Keywords

Rationale

Current industry reliance on colorimetric pH paper (litmus testing) is increasingly recognized as insufficient for high-stakes flooring and coating installations. Independent scientific research studies, including from the medical field, have demonstrated that pH paper is highly susceptible to gross inaccuracies. These inaccuracies stem from manufacturing variances, chemical degradation due to light and humidity exposure, and the shelf-life of the reagents, all of which can occur before the paper is used on-site. Use of pH paper relies on the subjective interpretation of color scales, which is prone to significant user error and variation under different lighting conditions. Reliance on inaccurate pH data is the root cause of many floor failures. This standard is necessary to provide a quantitative, data-driven alternative. By using electronic pH meters, stakeholders can eliminate the variables of color interpretation and reagent degradation. This standard will be used by contractors, installers, inspectors, and manufacturers to provide a scientific and technically defensible measurement of slab alkalinity, reducing the incidence of alkalinity-related flooring failures.