Identify the complete floor assembly
Record whether the substrate is wood or concrete and what remains between it and the new finish. Ask whether earlier flooring, underlayment, adhesive, or concealed spaces limit assessment. EPA’s water-damage guidance specifically calls for attention to the subfloor below finishes.
Ask the installer to own acceptance
- Which measurement method and product requirements apply?
- Where were readings taken, and what result is acceptable for this installation?
- What damaged, uneven, or otherwise unsuitable substrate still needs repair?
Keep a record before covering
Request dated readings with location labels and the installer’s acceptance decision. A mitigation drying goal and a flooring product’s installation requirement serve different purposes; resolve any difference before materials arrive. Do not use one moisture percentage for every substrate or finish.