There are three common problems with moisture meters
How do I care for my moisture meter?
Moisture meters used for inspections are usually calibrated at the factory. To keep the meter in good working condition:
Store the meter in a clean, dry place
Replace batteries and pins as needed. Running the moisture meter on an undercharged battery may cause the meter to go out of calibration
Use only biodegradable cleaners on external parts to keep the electrodes and meter clean
Which type of moisture meter is suitable for water damaged structures?
For quick identification of wet areas on walls and floors, needleless meters are easy to use. They offer the convenience of quickly testing large areas and help you determine if further testing is needed in certain locations.
On the other hand, pin-type moisture meters are a great way to identify the exact location of water behind walls, under floors, or any other area where moisture may be hidden. The key to finding hidden moisture is to use electrodes with insulated contact pins. These pins read only at the tip of the uninsulated pin, allowing the user to drive the pin into materials at various depths and note the readings at each penetration level.
How far should I insert the uninsulated pin into the wood?
If possible, insert the pin fully into the wood. Moisture levels below 10 per cent require positive contact with the substrate to obtain accurate readings.
Can I use a moisture meter to check for pests and diseases?
Yes, you can. A few metre readings at critical points in the structure will quickly indicate whether the area is safe or at risk of infestation. Pest control using a pin-type moisture meter is a great way to determine the exact point of infestation behind walls and ceilings. These meters do this by detecting moisture in areas where pests can grow and thrive without human interference. While fungi and moulds begin to grow in wood with a moisture content of about 20 per cent, certain insects grow in wood with only 12 per cent MC.
