Three common questions about wood moisture meters
Moisture meters used for inspection are usually calibrated at the factory. To keep your meter in good working order:
1. Store the meter in a clean and dry place
2. Replace the battery and pins as needed. Running the hygrometer on a weak battery may cause the hygrometer to lose calibration
3. Only use biodegradable cleaners on external parts to keep electrodes and meters clean
Which type of moisture meter is suitable for water damaged structures?
To quickly identify wet areas on walls and floors, needleless flow meters are easy to use. They provide a facility for quickly testing large areas and help you determine whether further testing is needed in certain locations.
A pin-type moisture meter, on the other hand, is a great way to identify the exact location of water behind walls, under floors, or any other area where moisture may be hiding. The key to finding hidden moisture is to use electrodes with insulated contact pins. These pins only read at the uninsulated pin tip, allowing the user to drive the pin into materials at various depths and note the reading at each penetration level.
How far should I drive a non-insulated dowel into the wood?
If possible, drive the dowel all the way into the wood. Moisture levels below 10% require positive contact with the substrate to obtain accurate readings.
Can I use a moisture meter to check for pests and diseases?
Can. Readings over a few meters at key locations on the structure will quickly indicate whether the area is safe or at risk for intrusion. Using a pin moisture meter for pest control is a great way to determine the exact infestation spots behind walls and ceilings. These meters accomplish this by detecting moisture in areas where pests can grow and thrive without human interference. While fungi and mold begin to grow in wood with a moisture content of about 20%, some insects only grow in wood with an MC content of 12%.
