Moisture Meter Guide 2010 Contact details:garnett65@hotmail.com
Moisture Meter Guide
Having the ability to be able to gauge moisture content levels in any given substance can prove to be of huge value. Such materials as wood and concrete are affected by the percentage of moisture they hold, so much so, as to that their performance levels can be affected greatly. This can have severly diverse affects in many different applications as such substances as concrete and wood are used widely within construction and in the production of many different products.
Concrete, for example, is a universally used material in the construction industry. Since the Roman days concrete has proved its worth, but it does have issues. The main issue is that of moisture content. Concrete requires the correct moisture level content to prevent it from shifting or weakening. Any concrete that has suffered from weakening must be reinforced which entails a long and expensive process. The ability to be able to test moisture content levels in concrete is paramount within the construction industry in prevention of structural damage and ruination.
Wood is particularly susceptible to moisture fluctuations and humidity as it is still "living". Moisture content levels greatly affect the working capabilities of wood. For wood to work at its optimum level it needs to be in a state of equilibrium moisture content (EMC). Too much moisture content, or too little moisture content in wood can result in shrinkage, expansion and twisting. When thinking of wood, one should consider a sponge. Wood will soak up and release moisture just as a sponge does.
If there are moisture content issues within concrete or wood visual signs of damage are the first indications. One can touch wood and concrete and feel dampness to a certain extent. But for rectifying a moisture content problem one requires a correct moisture content reading in order to take the next step. Touch and sight are not adequate enough for this.
A suitable moisture meter is required to carry out the correct moisture content readings.
On this site our aim is to help you become more familiar with moisture meters, their uses and their benefits within certain applications. We also extend to giving as much information about moisture and the effects moisture content can have in modern day life, whether it be beneficial or harmful.
The Moisture Meter
Choosing One
As with any good and useful instrument that is being continually improved and upgraded, your choices are varied and wide. There are considerations you need to take on board before even going out to purchase the first moisture meter you see.
Firstly you need to consider the use and application that you want one for. With wood you need a meter that is versatile, can read true moisture content, not affected but surface moisture and not affected by any change in temperature. Quite a few considerations there to adhere too, but any of those considerations which are ignored can/will result in false readings.
And lets not forget that there are many different wood species out there which are used. Not all wood moisture meters are calibrated to test every different wood species. So choose one for your particular wood.
The options available to you can be either pin-
Why Purchase One?
If you are working with wood and timber then it is an essential piece of equipment for you to own. Moisture in wood can cause all sorts of problems with the quality and durability being greatly affected. You will not be able to assess the moisture content of wood by sight or touch alone and expensive mistakes can be made.
Any wood that comes to a manufacturing facility must be checked immediately to ascertain its moisture content levels. The moisture levels need to be at the correct level before any work is done. If you work with wood and the moisture level is wrong, the result will be product waste, labour waste and work quality problems.Wood is a cellulosic material which means that it will continually gain or lose water from the environment it is in.
When working with wood you need to know what the wood will equalize to if you wish to avoid any major problems in the particular project you are engaged in.
By knowing moisture content levels in wood the following problems can be eliminated: Shrinking and swelling of wood, warping and cracking of the wood and surface finishing problems.
Brands
Wagner Electronics
Wagner is one of the world leader’s when it come to the moisture meter. They employ intelligence technology in their products to give accurate moisture readings in a variety of materials. Operating now for over 40 years, Wagner has built itself an excellent reputation in the moisture meter market. For an in depth look at all of their products check out their website at Wagner Electronics.
Delmhorst Instrument Co
Delmhorst has been in the business of the moisture meter for over 60 years. Their meters are made to top quality and are at very competitive prices. When using a Delmhorst moisture meter you will discover that it is reliable and very easy to use. To see the whole range that Delmhorst manufactures check out their website at Delmhorst Instruments.
Lignomat
It does not matter whether you want a moisture meter to test wood, concrete or other materials. Lignomat will have a model for you. Their instruments are very professional and designed to give extremely accurate readings on both their pin and pin less instruments. Lignomat is an American based company and all of their products can be viewed on their official website at Lignomat USA.
Technology
The two main methods of measuring moisture content are Capacitance and Resistance
Pin Moisture Meters
These are the most commonly used versions throughout the world and are referred to as pin meters. They will have two or more pins at the top end which are pushed in to wood or other similar materials. How it works is that one pin will allow direct current to run through in in to the material to be tested for moisture and this current is then picked up by the other pin.
It will then measure the resistance to the current to give the user a reading. With wood, dry wood will allow very little current to pass, whereas damp wood allows more current to pass. A reading is then taken and correlates the resistance to the moisture content.
Electromagnet Wave Technology
With this method the material does not have to be pierced to gain a moisture content reading. These meters are referred to as pin less meters. How one works is to give out electrical waves via a sensor which is pressed against the material to be tested. These waves will create an electromagnetic field the size of the sensor. This electromagnetic field will behave differently depending upon the actual moisture content.
These meters are based on the capacitance method but other factors are also taken in to consideration. Factors include: the ability of the material to store energy, the amount of power the material absorbs from the field and the materials resistance to the field. All of these factors are taken in to consideration before this measuring instrument gives a reading.
How To Use One
When it comes to using one you may well be very experienced, but to use one properly, there are some common mistakes that you need to avoided.
If you do not follow the standard set of guidelines for taking readings with one you may well find yourself on the receiving end of severe problems in the future.
Avoiding simple mistakes when using one for testing materials, such as wood and concrete, can provide more accurate readings and prevent any unnecessary costs further down the line.
The correct moisture meter for the job
It is essential to have the correct one for the material you are testing. If you already own one please do not fall in to the trap of believing that it is suitable for any test that you want to carry out on any material. The correct tool for the correct job is the philosophy here.
Many factors can influence a moisture test in a variety of situations. Such materials as wood come in vastly different types and each type can give off a different reading.
So familiarize yourself with the material you will be testing. Quite a few moisture meters are actually capable of testing numerous products, but on the whole they are specifically designed and calibrated for the testing of wood.
For testing concrete and other building materials, a meter specifically designed and manufactured for this purpose is required.
Calibration
When testing materials for moisture you need to be aware that different materials have different calibration settings. A good quality moisture meter will have a built in automatic calibration for different types of wood and materials. Others will have a manual calibration. You should also check your moisture meter periodically and test it on a material that contains constant moisture. By doing this you will see if your meter has the correct calibration settings and have not been altered in any way. Moisture Meter Calibration
Readings
It is easy to fall in to the trap of just taking a couple of readings to gather a general idea of moisture content in an area or a material. However this is not enough. To take a moisture reading does not take up much time and is done quickly. So you need to be thorough and perform readings over the whole area or material. If you do not, you may discover that you have missed the most significant areas that needed to be tested.
Moisture Meter Shop
Wagner
General Tools MMD950 Moisture Meter
General Tools MMD5NP Pinless LCD
General Tools MMD7003 Precision
General Tools MMD8P Multi Species
The Stihl moisture meter can be used to detect and give a moisture reading level in firewood. This is important if you have a log burning fire or stove. Stihl Moisture Meter
A moisture meter proves itself to be a useful tool when testing the moisture content levels of boat materials. When assessing a boat, care, judgement and experience should all be employed and then the moisture meter used as the last tool to give the final assessment. It is possible to give a good
Any caravan that is kept open to the elements all year round can become very susceptible to damp and damp related problems if proper precautions are not taken to prevent this.
Damp can invade your caravan through damaged seals, poor plumbing and inadequate cleaning. Without treatment you will find yourself having real problems as both mold and mildew can flourish in a damp caravan.
Firewood Moisture Meter
Boat Moisture Meter
Caravan Moisture Meter
Orchid Moisture Meter
The orchid belongs to a widespread and very diverse family of flowering plants which have fragrant and colourful blooms. Orchids can be found in pretty much every habitat. Orchid moisture meter >
The Complete moisture meter website
Veneer Moisture Meter
Veneer is very thin slices of wood usually thinner than 3 mm. They are usually glued.
Screed Moisture Meter
Screed is a type of concrete that is used to create a level surface on floor finishes, to encase any under floor piping or to be left as a hard wearing surface. Screed is laid on top of any existing concrete base Screed moisture meter
Bonsai Moisture Meter
When you check out the definition of bonsai in the Collins English Dictionary the description you get is “The art of growing dwarfed ornamental varieties of trees or shrubs in small shallow pots by selective pruning”. Bonsai moisture meter
What Is Damp?
No matter the age of a house, it will contain moisture. The amount of moisture content will continually vary over a period of time Damp
Preservation Expert
If you have any damp or moisture issues and need advice then you should check out the preservation expert.
Types Of Moisture Meter
WOOD MOISTURE METER
Working with wood is not just a matter of taking a piece of wood and building something with it. The equilibrium moisture content of wood has to be always considered. Wood is permantly sensitive to moisture and will continue to absorb or release moisture, until it is in an equilibrium state with the surrounding atmosphere it is located in. The moisture content levels of any woods are closely related to air temperature and relative humidity.
The wood moisture meter can be used to detect whether moisture content levels in wood are high, low or in equilibrium state. Too much moisture and wood will swell, too little moisture and wood will shrink. In a state of equilibrium moisture content levels, wood will not shrink or swell, but remain stable as ideal conditions have been achieved.
So for any woodworker or any worker in an industry related to wood, the wood moisture meter is an essential tool to have and use. Preference to a pin type or pinless meter is down to particular preference, as both have advantages and disadvantages (which can be compared on another page on this site). One can cite the flooring contract industry as an appropriate example as to how important the use of a moisture meter can be. Laying down a wooden floor can be a huge and expensive job. Getiing the job done correctly is then of course of huge importance. A good quality moisture meter will be able to detect any moisture migration towards the surface. Any migrating moisture can have devasting effects on floorboards. Testing of the floorboards themselves and surface and midsection concrete as well is also of utmost importance.
But it is just not the flooring industry where the wood moisture meter excels. Cabinet makers, craftsmen, boat builders, musical instrument makers, caravan makers, the list is huge as is the variety of wood species that can be worked with. A good quality meter will be calibrated correctly and have the abilty to test for moisture levels in a huge number of wood species.
Dry wood is the best wood to work with, but how dry should wood be? Well wood must
be dried to within 2% of it´s in use moisture content level. So for furniture in
the home a moisture content level of 6-
Further reading on wood, firewood, best firewood, ideal conditions for wood, wood acclimatization and working with wood are all available on other pages within this site. Wood Moisture Meter
CONCRETE MOISTURE METER
Originating from the Latin word "concretus" concrete has a history that stretches back as far as 12 million years ago. It really came to the fore as a building material during the Roman period and today is widely used in architectural structures, foundations, bricks, pavements, roads to name just a few uses. To emphasis the amount of usage concrete plays in the building industry, take all the steel, wood, plastic and aluminium and combine all their uses. Concrete, by amount, is used twice as much as those materials combined.
Because concrete is made using water, knowing moisture content levels of concrete is important. Within the concrete business the concrete moisture meter proves to be an invaluable tool. Being a spin off and adaptation from the successful wood moisture meter, the concrete moisture meter can be used to detect moisture content levels within concrete up to 1 inch in depth. They are designed and work to give a relative test on concrete, but not a defining result. If excessive moisture content levels are discovered with the meter, then further tests on the concrete are required. One such test will be a concrete humidity test.
One cannot stress enough that the use of a concrete meter is a relative guide and not a defining result of concrete moisture levels. If you are planning on working with concrete then it is essential that you familiarise yourself with both the relative humidity testing of concrete and the calcium chloride testing method. Concrete Moisture Meter
BUILDING MOISTURE METER
Your home is a moisture trap and there are not many of us who have avoided damp, mold or rot problems. As unpleasant and as annoying as they are, these problems can be easily dealt with and cured. However detecting the source of any moisture content problem in the home can prove to be a right time consuming chore. However with a building moisture meter, time can be saved and problems pinpointed before a complete moisture invasion takes place.
An essential tool within the building inspector business, the building moisture meter also proves it´s worth within the DIY fraternity. A well designed and good quality meter can be used to test a vast number of building materials that are used in the construction of buildings. Wood, concrete, plaster, paper, bricks and mortar are just a few materials that can be successfully tested by these versatile meters.
Home purchase is probably the largest financial commitment we ever make. So it natural to want to conserve and protect that commitment and take good care of the home. Moisture will come in to the home and will leave the home. There is nothing one can do about it, but because of the nature of the materials used to construct the home, this moisture movement can cause issues. Limiting the spread of any moisture content issue is the first step to preventing a moisture invasion. Retailing from as little as $60 the meter can pay for itself with just one successful use.
If you are thinking about buying a home, then condition is vital. You certainly wouldnt buy a secondhand car without test driving or having a mechanic give it the once over? But it is astounding how many people will purchase a home without having a professional building survey done on it, or at least a thorough examination done themselves to check out for moisture problems and issues.
Wet rot, dry rot and mold issues are all related to moisture problems. Rising damp can have a devasting effect on the structure of a building with many spin off problems such as decor degeneration, electrical wire problems and even smells. In turn the equilibrium within the home can be disjointed and even personal health problems can arise. All moisture issues that can affect the home are looked at in more depth within this site for your reference. Building Moisture Meter
Most home owners have screwdrivers, spanners, a hammer and other such practical tools in the home diy cupboard. It goes without saying that we advocate every home owner should have a building moisture meter in their tool box with a little knowledge on how to use it. You work hard for your money and it just does not make sense in our eyes to fork out vast quantities of that money on a building issue that could of been stopped in it´s infancy and taken care of with a little time and testing with a building moisture meter.
Humidifier
A humidifier is an appliance that increases humidity, by adding moisture, to a whole building or a single room. Mostly used for in the home, they are an appliance which has and is still growing in popularity. Humidifier
Results
To understand these results you need to understand the particulars of the material which you are testing. When you buy a brand new moisture meter it should be supplied with a chart that gives you accurate information relative to the readings that the meter gives on a particular material.
Remember a reading for one material may mean something completely different for another.
SDS Drill
When you have been working with concrete and testing it for moisture level contents with your moisture meter, you may find that you have to perform new work on the concrete. Working with concrete requires specialized tools, one such being the SDS drill. SDS drill
Chimney Moisture Damage
When you read the Chimney Safety Institute of America reports you will become aware that water damage and moisture damage affects chimneys more than a fire does. As bizarre as that sounds it is quite true. Your chimney comes under constant attack from the environment in the form of wind, snow and rain.
Chilli Plant Moisture Meter
The chilli pepper is the fruit from the chilli plant belonging to the genus capsium. Their heat comes from several related chemicals which are collectively called capsaicinoids. Originally chillis originated in the Americas, but as they became more widely used in cooking and medicine, cultivating chillis spread around the world. India is the worlds largest producer, consumer and exporter of chillis these days. Chilli plant moisture meter
Latest Moisture Meter Releases
We shall try to keep you up to date as much as possible regarding any new moisture meters that are released on to the market. This week there are 2 new Extech models for you to look at.
GARDEN MOISTURE METER
Do you believe that you have green fingers? Sing to your plants, talk with them and give off the sense of feeling and love when you in their presense? And yet they still whither and die. Well you are not alone with this. I don´t know how many plants I have lost over the years, some very cherished plants that have grown from seed to blossom in to something beautiful and pleasing. Your loss could be down to something as simple as how your water your plants.
Over watering and under watering your plants can both have devasting effects and result finally in the demise of your bloom. It is important to know your plant and it´s watering requirements. The garden moisture meter is the perfect tool to monitor the moisture content levels of the soil that your plant rests in. It will tell you if the soil is perfect, too wet or too dry and you can act accordingly.
Extremely cheap to buy, you can even simply make one yourself, the garden meter proves itself time after time to be a gardener´s best friend. Suitable for use with both inside and outside plants, the meter can simply be inserted in any soil and give you almost instantaneous results, alerting to water requirements.
More advanced meters can include the capability of monitoring light, temperature and PH levels as well as moisture content levels. These models tend to be battery powered and require a little maintenance with cleaning and of course, changing the battery when the power has run out. Basic models do not even require batteries and can be just placed in situ in the plant soil to give you a constant monitoring with just a simple glance.
Knowing your soil is the key to any successful plant growing. Moisture levels in any given soil play a crucial role in the health of any plants. The soil can be tested using a meter that employs either electrical resistance blocks or thermal dissipation blocks. Soil can become oversaturated or undersaturated, providing completely different environments for your plants. Soil can also impact the way that water flows. Testing your soil will show you this and help with the planning and planting process when you lay out your garden.
Within this site we go a little more depth in to the garden moisture meter, it´s uses, how to use and even how to maintain plants. Along with this comes a thorough breakdown of many different models of the meter from different companies. We hope you gain knowledge that results in longer living and healthier plants. Garden Moisture Meter
| Tramex Moisture Encounter Plus |
| Tramex Compact Wood Moisture Meter |
| Tramex Concrete Encounter Moisture Meter |
| Tramex Skipper Plus Moisture Meter |
| Tramex Roof And Wall Moisture Scanner |
| Sonin Digital Moisture Meter model 50218 |
| Sonin Digital Moisture Meter 270 model 50270 |
| Sonin Moisture Test Tool model 50210 |
| Sonin Moisture Test Meter Model 50211 |
| Oak |
| Douglas Fir |
| Beech Tree |
| Elm Tree |
| Hickory Tree |
| Maple Tree |
| Pine Tree |
| Prevent And Repair Gaps In Wooden Floorboards |
| How To Fix A Squeaky Hardwood Floor |
| How To Repair A Hardwood Floor That Has Buckled |
| Which Is The Best Firewood? |
| Concrete |
| Concrete Moisture |
| Screed Moisture Meter |
| SDS Drill |
| Belle Cement Mixer |
| SDS Drill Advice |
| Which SDS Drill |
| SDS Drill Accessories |
| Drilling Into Concrete |
| Kennedy Tool Box |
| Moisture - Basic Facts |
| Types Of Damp |
| Wet Rot |
| Dry Rot |
| Mold |
| Water Leak Detection |
| Stucco Moisture |
| Water Damage |
| Moisture And Rust |
| Moisture Damage To A Chimney |
| Wallpaper Stripper |
| Plaster Mixer |
| Why Worry About Moisture Problems |
| Does Your Home Have A Moisture Problem? |
| How To Solve Moisture Problems |
| How To Use Anti Mold Paint |
| Rising Damp |
| Condensation |
| Salt Damp |
| How To Avoid Bathroom Condensation |
| How To Remove Black Mold |
| How To Prevent Bathroom Mold |
| Soldering Kit |
| Soldering Kit Contents |
| Soldering Kit Advice |
| Bonsai Tree Classification |
| Growing Bonsai From Seed |
| Bonsai Tree Care |
| Bonsai Tree Training |
| Bonsai Tools |
| Displaying Bonsai |
| Bonsai Calendar |
| Bonsai Plants |
| The Thirsty Light Curve Moisture Meter |
| The Thirsty Light Ladybird Moisture Meter |
| The Thirsty Light Bumble Bee Moisture Meter |
| The Thirsty Light Butterfly Moisture Meter |
| Hanna Instruments |
| Agratronix Portable Coffee Moisture Tester |
| Lawn Aerator |
| Lawn Roller |
| Lawn Rake |
| Lawn Sand |
| Chainshot |
| Chainsaw Gloves |
| Chainsaw Trousers |
| Chainsaw Boots |
| Mac 4 - 20 XT Chainsaw |
| Mac 738 Chainsaw |
| Mac 842 Chainsaw |
| Mac 20X Power Chainsaw |
| Einhell BG-PC 3735 Chainsaw |
| Einhell BG-PC 4040 Chainsaw |
| Einhell BG-PC 5045 Chainsaw |
| Poulan P3314 Chainsaw |
| Poulan P4018 Chainsaw |
| Poulan Pro PP3816AV Chainsaw |
| Poulan Pro PP4218AVX Chainsaw |
| Poulan Pro PP4620AVX Chainsaw |
| Efco MT 4100 SP Chainsaw |
| Efco MT 3500 Chainsaw |
| Efco 132 S Chainsaw |
| Efco 147 Chainsaw |
| Efco 152 Chainsaw |
| Efco MT 7200 Chainsaw |
| Efco MT 8200 Chainsaw |
| Efco MT 3750 Chainsaw |
| Methods Of Obtaining Soil Moisture Levels |
| Hygrometer |
| Psychrometer |
| Rain Gauge |
| Wave Ventilation System |
| Humidity |
| Hygrometer For Keeping Reptiles |
| Humidor |
| Weather Stations |
| Musical Instrument Storage |