Three common problems with moisture meters
What type of moisture meter is suitable for structures damaged by water?
In order to quickly identify damp areas on walls and floors, needle free flow meters are easy to use. They provide convenience for rapid testing of large areas and help you determine if further testing is needed at 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 in any other area that may hide moisture. The key to finding hidden moisture is to use electrodes with insulated contact pins. These pins are only read at the tip of uninsulated pins, allowing users to drive the pins into various depths of material and pay attention to the readings at each penetration level.
How far should I insert non insulated pins into the wood?
If possible, fully insert the pin into the wood. When the moisture content is below 10%, it is necessary to maintain positive contact with the substrate to obtain accurate readings.
Can I use a moisture meter to check for pests and diseases?
Yes. A few meter reading at a critical location in the structure will quickly indicate whether the area is safe or at risk of intrusion. Using a needle moisture meter for pest control is a great way to determine the exact location behind walls and ceilings. These instruments achieve this goal by detecting moisture in areas where harmful organisms can grow and reproduce without human interference. When fungi and molds begin to grow in wood with a moisture content of about 20%, certain insects only grow in wood with a MC content of 12%.
