AQURON 2000 CURING is only part of step-by-step to COMPLY to AS1844:2021 RESILIENT FLOOR COVERINGS
MARKHAM WARRANTY conditions remain unchanged in 1996, regardless of RH%, and continue to deliver consistent, reliable outcomes.
adhesive and floor preparation product manufacturers have tightened their requirements
MARKHAM GUARANTEE moisture control regardless if RH is above 75%, providing AQURON 2000 5 RULES & 8 PRECAUTIONS are followed.
Since the industry is moving away from solvent-based adhesives, adhesive and floor preparation product manufacturers have tightened their requirements due to the additional moisture these new systems contain. This means a higher standard of surface preparation is now essential for success. Doing less might appear to work, but the risk now sits with whoever makes that call.
MARKHAM has not changed its product formulation, processes, or QA requirements—our standards remain the same. What has changed are the adhesive manufacturers’ expectations, and meeting those is critical for long-term performance.
AQURON 2000 5 RULES & 8 PRECAUTIONS
As concrete and flooring systems evolve—with adhesives becoming increasingly eco-friendly—it is more important than ever to adhere to proven AQURON: 5 RULES & 8 PRECAUTIONS to ensure successful, long-lasting installations. Floor preparations, patches, and adhesives require an absorbent concrete surface in order to physically bond and chemically cure. The moisture or solvents must have a place to dissipate.”
AQURON: 5 RULES & 8 PRECAUTIONS are not new—they are grounded in over 25 years of field experience and performance data, and remain the foundation of our 25-year performance warranty for moisture control. These conditions are regardless of measureable RH% within the concrete, and continue to deliver consistent, reliable outcomes.
5 RULES:
- The concrete surface must be absorbent
VIDEO: What does an absorbent concrete surface look like prior to installing floorcoverings? - Ensure that subfloor is clean
- Ensure a full spread of adhesive is applied
- Ensure the concrete is at least 28 days old
- 72 hours from application
8 PRECAUTIONS:
- Quality assurance
- Good trade practices
- Ensure Absorbency
VIDEO: What does an absorbent concrete surface look like prior to installing floorcoverings? - Cover windows
- Allow adhesive to cure
- Adhesives to tack-off
- Wet lay installations
- Extra step for non-adhered
- AQURON 2000 treated concrete.
- AQURON 2000 MEDI treated concrete.
CONCRETE needs CURING, and AS1884:2021 requires:
MARKHAM RECOMMEND = Most cost-effective process.
AQURON 2000
+ GRINDING
+ PORE BLOCKING PRIMER
+ FLC/FEATHER LAYER
Why use AQURON 2000 for curing and internal protection?
Why use AQURON 2000 for curing and internal protection, then still pay for an expensive two-coat system just to install vinyl?
There’s simply no need. Two-coat epoxy systems followed by a 3 mm FLC layer are an unnecessary and costly overkill when addressing pH or RH requirements from adhesive manufacturers.
With AQURON 2000, you already have long-term internal moisture control and protection in place. If testing shows elevated pH or RH, industry best practice is to apply a pore-blocking primer, then a thin FLC or feather finish layer — giving you the absorbent surface needed for strong adhesive bonding
FILM CURING vs AQURON CURING
| Step | Film Curing | AQURON Curing |
| Concrete Curing | External film only; no internal RH control. | Includes internal RH control, reducing moisture risk. |
| Grinding & Absorbancy | Heavy grind required (Extra $ as film blocks diamonds). | Light grind (opens pores for absorbency). |
| Moisture Control (RH) | Requires epoxy barrier if RH is high. | AQURON eliminates need for epoxy barrier. |
Primer | Not required due to full epoxy coating. | Required for high pH and pore blocking. (FLOOREVERDRI or similar) |
| FLC Layer | Required for leveling and absorbency. | Required for leveling and absorbency. |
Comparison of AS1884 Standards
Key Differences Between 2013 (NZ) and 2021 (Australia) for Resilient Flooring Installation
| Question | AS1884:2013 (NZ)
| AS1884:2021 (Australia) |
| Do curing compounds need to be removed? How? | Yes – film curing compounds must be removed before installation; the only way to remove a film curing compound is by grinding | Yes – film curing compounds must be removed before installation; the only way to remove a film curing compound is by grinding |
| Does the concrete surface need to be absorbent? | Yes – all concrete must be absorbent; burnished concrete must be made absorbent (no formal test specified) | Yes – all concrete must be absorbent; includes absorbency test requirement (ASTM F3191) |
| What are the moisture limits and mitigation options? | RH ≤ 75% (maximum allowed); ASTM E96 not included; limited guidance—typically manufacturer-driven solutions | RH ≤ 70% (maximum allowed); ASTM E96 mandatory for vapor control films; mitigation options: apply ASTM E96-tested film system or delay installation until RH is compliant |
| What is the pH requirement and how to address high pH? | Guidance only; final decision up to manufacturer | pH ≤ 10 recommended; test after 24 hours post-grinding. If pH is high: neutralize with approved pH-reducing solution, rinse thoroughly, or apply manufacturer-approved primer |
| Who provides compliance documentation? | Limited – minimal or optional documentation; responsibility rests with floorcovering installer | Mandatory – full documented evidence required; responsibility rests with floorcovering installer |
Where to buy & DOWNLOAD your copy:
STEP-BY-STEP for BUILDING CONTRACTS & Compliance to AS1884:2021
AQURON 2000
+ Grinding
+ PORE BLOCKING PRIMER
+ FLC/FEATHER LAYER
AS 1884:2021 is not a law in itself, but when a building contract specifies compliance with AS 1884, meeting its requirements becomes contractually mandatory.
Therefore, if a building contract includes compliance with AS 1884, the concrete subfloor must meet the following conditions before the installation of resilient floor coverings
1. PRE-POUR MEETING TO CONFIRM CONCRETE FINISH REQUIRED
VIDEO: Why finish concrete to a burnish—only to remove it for floorcoverings?
Markham recommend to ensure concrete placers are advised and understand NOT to create a dense, burnished finish. Flooring standard AS.1884 states that "'burnished surfaces impair adhesion and must be removed so the substrate can absorb moisture and volatiles from floor preparations and adhesives effectively".
2. CONCRETE is POURED & PLACED
Pour concrete to achieve a level, flat finish. Trowel the surface, but avoid creating a burnished finish with closed porosity. AS.1884 states that burnished surfaces impair adhesion and must be removed so the substrate can absorb moisture and volatiles from floor preparations and adhesives effectively.
3. AQURON 2000 - SPRAY-ON applied to provide CURING & INTERNAL MOISTURE CONTROL
Within 0–48 hours of pouring, apply AQURON 2000 Spray-on Colloidal Silica Hydrogel for curing and RH moisture control.
4. TREATED CONCRETE SURFACE OPENED TO CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME
After AQURON 2000 application is complete, the treated concrete surface may be exposed to construction traffic once the concrete appears visually dry. The AQURON 2000 within the concrete will not be affected by construction traffic or abrasion.
5. INDUSTRY requires CONCRETE cure, hydrate, and gain design strength = 28 DAY DELAY
It is internationally recognised that concrete curing requires 28 days for the concrete to reach its design strength. Installation of flooring preparation and adhesives may begin 28 days after concrete placement or be deferred to suit the construction program.
Markham has successfully delivered its part of the process up to this point, and that responsibility now transfers cleanly to the flooring installer.
6. FLOORING INSTALLER must read AQURON 5 RULES & 8 PRECAUTIONS
These have not changed since 1996.
Flooring installer must refer to and fully understand the ‘5 Rules & 8 Precautions.’ AQURON 2000 Hydrogel performs effectively regardless of measurable % RH. The MARKHAM WARRANTY applies only if these 5 rules and 8 precautions are strictly followed before installing any floor preparation or adhesive over concrete treated with AQURON 2000 or AQURON 2000 MEDI.
7. Request the AQURON QA:
Flooring installer must verify whether the concrete has been AQURON 2000 treated by reviewing the QA mark-up from MARKHAM. The master mark-up plans indicate treated versus untreated areas.
8. AS1884 requires RELATIVE HUMIDITY TESTING
Not Required for MARKHAM Warranty. We recommend for QA measuring and recording the concrete’s relative humidity. Use the probe insertion method—one location per 100 m²—and documenting the results with photos. AQURON 2000 controls moisture within the concrete but does not remove it, so RH will always be measurable. Hydrogel moisture control is effective regardless of the RH readings.
9. AS1884 requires a clean and absorbent surface
VIDEO: What does an absorbent concrete surface look like prior to installing floorcoverings?
Also MARKHAM recommends to comply to with AQURON 5 rules & 8 precautions. Diamond grinding is recommended for floor preparation to create a "clean and sufficiently absorbent surface" in accordance with AS 1884. The surface must be adequately absorbent to allow proper application of FLC, patches, and adhesives, particularly water-based eco-friendly products. Adequate absorption ensures that moisture can escape, allowing these products to cure effectively. Note for Installers: Freshly diamond-ground concrete—whether AQURON treated or untreated—will initially exhibit elevated pH.
10. MARKHAM requires FLOORING INSTALLER waits 24 HOURS for surface PH levels to stablise
Markham recommends waiting 24 hours following diamond grinding, regardless of whether hydrogel treatments have been applied. A diamond-ground surface typically exhibits elevated pH for up to 24 hours due to fresh concrete dust, which gradually decreases as the surface reacts with atmospheric carbon dioxide.
11. AS1884 requires Surface PH Levels are record prior to FLC & ADHESIVES
VIDEO: Concrete pH testing prior to floorcoverings.
This is whether concrete is AQURON treated or untreated. Concrete subfloors are considered suitable for the installation of any floor preparation or adhesive when the measured pH does not exceed 10, or as otherwise specified by the adhesive manufacturer. Check the pH of recently diamond-ground concrete surfaces. A requirement of NZS AS 1884.1:2013 (‘Resilient Sheet and Tile Flooring Installation Practices’) is that surface pH testing is completed prior to installing any floor preparation or adhesive—one test per 100 m²—with results recorded and photographed. NOTE: Freshly diamond-ground concrete will initially exhibit elevated pH—whether AQURON treated or untreated.
12. If RH is elevated, AS1884:2021 requires a FILM PRIMER that complies to ASTM E96.
AS1884.2021 states prior to floorcoverings been installed, a FILM complying to ASTM E96 must be applied. Floor levelling, patch, or adhesive manufacturers determine if a primer is required for their system. If pH or RH is elevated, traditional floor preparations will require a primer. Some next-generation floor preparations and adhesives, however, can tolerate elevated pH and RH levels.
13. If required, FLOORING INSTALLER installs FLC, Feather Patch (thickness as per manufacturers requirements)
To install FLC, floor patch, or adhesive, the concrete surface must be sufficiently absorbent. Apply or trowel floor preparation or feather patch according to the manufacturer’s specified pH. Some next-generation floor preparations and adhesives can tolerate elevated surface pH—refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for guidance.
NOTE: If a primer has been applied, some manufacturers require a minimum of 3 mm of FLC to ensure the substrate is sufficiently absorbent for adhesives to cure properly. The floor levelling, patch, or adhesive manufacturer determines whether 3 mm of FLC over a primer is required for their system. 3mm of FLC is requirement of manufacturer, not a requirement of AQURON 5 rules and 8 precautions.
14. FLOORING INSTALLER allows FLC DRYING TIME
Allow floor preparations, such as floor levelling compounds or feather patches, to completely dry according to the FLC manufacturer’s recommendations. Before applying adhesives, verify that the dried floor preparation has sufficient absorbency and an acceptable pH level, following the adhesive manufacturer’s guideline.
15. FLOORING INSTALLER applies FULL SPREAD OF ADHESIVE (to comply to AQURON 5 rules & 8 precautions)
To install full spread of adhesive to dry and absorbent substate. All concrete, whether treated or untreated, must be absorbent—this is a requirement of AS 1884.Eco-friendly and green-focused adhesives contain fewer solvent-based volatiles and a higher proportion of water. Many flooring types are impervious, preventing air and moisture from dispersing. Consequently, the rules for subfloor application under AS 1884:2021 (Australia) or NZS/AS 1884:2013 (New Zealand) still apply: the substrate must be sufficiently absorbent to allow volatiles and moisture from the adhesive to disperse properly. Apply or trowel a full spread of adhesive in the quantity specified by the manufacturer. Strip gluing or partial gluing is not suitable over concrete treated with AQURON 2000.
16. FLOORING INSTALLER allows ADHESIVE TACK TIME
Allow the adhesive to develop sufficient tack or open time, according to the adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations.
17. FLOORING INSTALLER installs FLOORCOVERING
Common Types of Floorcoverings Include: Vinyl (LVT, sheet vinyl, vinyl tiles), Linoleum, Rubber flooring, Cork flooring, Resilient-backed carpet tiles (in some classifications).
POUR THE CONCRETE with POROUS FINISH
MARKHAM recommends:
Ensure concrete placers DO NOT create a dense & burnished finish.
As per AS1884, burnished concrete surfaces will adversely affect adhesion, and will need to be removed to provide an absorbent surface for floor preparations and adhesives.
Why? Burnished concrete demands extra diamond grinding to ensure sufficient absorbency, allowing primers, FLCs, and adhesives to achieve a reliable bond with floorcoverings.
Hard Trowelled Slabs and Direct-Stick Flooring = Not a good combination. Learn more >>
CURING ASSISTANCE to reach design strength
MARKHAM & Concrete industry recommend all concrete slabs need some form of curing assistance to reach design.
AQURON 2000 is concrete curing & internal RH moisture control in one treatment, rather than water curing, or a film compound that will require removing later.
AQURON 2000 penetrating hydrogel is a spray-applied. The sprayer must have sufficient pressure and tip size to atomise the spray. AQURON 2000 can be applied to new or existing concrete.
- Applied over a number of passes
- Coverage rate of about 5 m² per litre, depending on the absorbency of the concrete.
- Equal or superior to 14 days’ water curing.
- Complies with the moisture retention requirements of AS3799.
- Save costs and time with curing and moisture control in one treatment
TREATED SURFACE OPENS TO CONSTRUCTION
MARKHAM recommends:
After AQURON 2000 application is completed, the treated concrete surface can be exposed to construction traffic as soon as the concrete is visually dry.
AQURON being inside the concrete will not be damaged by construction traffic, or abrasion.
It is internationally recognised concrete curing is normally 28days before concrete reaches “design strength”.
28days after concrete placement, flooring preparation & installation can start, or be delayed until whenever the construction program requires.
GRIND to ENSURE substrate is clean & ABSORBENT
MARKHAM recommends & AS1884 that all concrete surfaces must be clean & absorbent prior to application of primers, floor levelling compounds, floor patch or adhesives.
- All concrete (both treated and untreated) is required to be absorbent concrete surface as part of AS1884
- Eco-friendly or green-focused adhesives mean less solvent-based volatiles in the formulation and more water in the formulation.
- The substrate must be sufficiently absorbent to allow the volatiles/moisture from the adhesive to disperse as per AS 1884
AS1884 states: “The porosity of the surface of the concrete may be tested in accordance with ASTM F3191 to ensure the effective initial tack off by water borne adhesives and also achieve correct drying and cure”. ASTM F3191-23 . Standard Practice for Field Determination of Substrate Water Absorption (Porosity) for Substrates to Receive Resilient Flooring
https://store.astm.org/f3191-23.html
CHECK PH of CONCRETE SURFACE
MARKHAM recommends & Both AS1884:2013 and AS1884:2021 require pH testing of the concrete surface.
Do not drill into the slab for pH readings. Allowable surface pH shall be as specified by the adhesive manufacturer
AS1884 states:
C.1 Background – High alkalinity in concrete subfloors is now recognized as being a cause of failure of adhesion between floor coverings and the subfloor. Changes in the materials now used, and the current technology, have made this property of the subfloor a critical factor.
Allowable surface pH shall be as specified by the adhesive manufacturer.
AQURON: 5 Rules & 8 Precautions Details.
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