How do I know if my moisture meter is working?
For a moisture meter, this means that if your meter is accurate, then you should be able to take a reading of a piece of wood twice, and get similar (if not identical) readings both times. If you measure twice in the same spot, with either a pinless or a pin-type meter, your results should be relatively consistent.
Why did my moisture meter stop working?
Damage to the pins of a pin-type meter or the scanning plate of a pinless meter can cause a moisture meter to not work properly. However, this can usually be fixed simply by replacing the broken pins/scanning plate. The Meter’s Batteries. Sometimes, a “broken” moisture meter is simply low on power.
How do you read a moisture reader?
When using the wood scale on a pin-type moisture meter, the %MC reading can range from 5% to 40% in moisture content. Generally, the low end of this reading will fall into the 5 to 12% range, the moderate range will be 15 to 17%, and the high or saturated range will read above 17%.
What are normal moisture readings?
A normal moisture meter reading on wood ranges between 6 and 10%. However, for drywall, concrete, and masonry substances, the moisture meter should show low values, preferably less than 1%….Summary.
| Material | Normal moisture reading |
|---|---|
| Exterior wood | 6-20% |
| Drywall (gypsum) | 0.2-1% |
| Concrete | 0.5-1% |
| Plaster | 0.5-1% |
How do you clean a moisture meter?
When you’re using a pin meter, be sure to clean the contact pins of any contaminants after you finish using them. To do this, gently wipe debris off of the pins with a soft, dry cloth. Take care with the tips of the pins, as they will be quite sharp (to make it easier to penetrate a sample of wood).
What level of damp is acceptable?
You should be aware that a moisture reading of 0-15% is quite normal and gives no cause for concern. However, moisture readings in excess of 15% indicate the need for further inspection. Levels between 25-30% indicate that there may be water ingress, meaning that remedial work could be required.
Are moisture meters accurate?
Most moisture meters are accurate! This technology has improved a lot in recent years and the instruments are more and more reliable. In general, high-end moisture meters give accurate readings to within less than 0.1% on most surfaces.