Moisture meters are available in two forms: invasive meters and non-destructive moisture meters. Invasive moisture meters typically feature two very sharp narrow pins which insert into softer materials like wood and gypsum. Once inserted, the meter will calculate the percentage of moisture present within the material under test. Non-destructive moisture meters, also referred to as pin-less moisture meters, allow for a non-destructive surface measurement. This allows for a quicker, more convenient measurement, albeit a slightly less accurate method than invasive testing.
Moisture meters can be used for many applications such as:
• Flooring inspection: Screeds and concrete floors must be sufficiently dry before the floor covering is installed. Excessive moisture can lead to a host of problems such as adhesive degradation, delaminating floor coverings from the slab and within itself, condensation, blistering, movement, mould and overall deterioration of the covering. Excess moisture under wood floors leads to swelling, cupping and movement.
• Restoration: The restorative drying industry needs to have the right diagnostic and drying equipment to carry out restorative work in a professional and efficient manner. Excess moisture and humidity left within a building environment or in its structural elements is usually the cause of the greatest damage such as rot, mould growth, reduced insulation values, failure of flooring, roofing and wall support. For a restorative drying professional to carry out the restorative drying process correctly, the moisture and humidity conditions of the building structure and its environment need to be monitored during the drying process, as well as at the beginning and end of the job.
• Building Survey: The greatest damage to a building can be caused by conditions such as rot, mould growth, reduced insulation values, failure of flooring, roofing and wall support. The cause? Excess moisture and humidity left within a building structure or its environment. When inspecting a building or home, you need to be able to locate, evaluate and pin-point areas of excess moisture quickly and accurately and without damaging the environment you are testing.
Moisture meters can also be used as a preventative maintenance tool which can extend the life of a material, stop leaks in buildings before it is too late and to make sure that insulation is both effective and efficient. For more information, click here.
ASTM F2170 is an excellent test for determining the actual moisture condition of a slab. As a result, this type of test is recommended by many international standards including ASTM, British Standards, and most Scandinavian standards, as well as being specified by floor covering, coating and adhesive manufacturers worldwide. To read this article in full, please click here.