4,459 views ·
3 replies
4k views
3 replies
How to use different moisture meters?
Hello
A question regarding moisture and moisture meters.
A "regular" moisture meter typically has 2 small probes that are inserted into the studs to check the moisture content, nothing strange about that. Now I have borrowed one from a large construction company, but the probes are about 6 cm long instead of 2-3. If I insert the probes the same length as the small meter, I get the same result, but if I push it all the way in, the number rises by 3%. How should it be? Are the long probes meant for checking through a wall with drywall? Should the value of 12-15% be in the core of a 170mm stud, or do you only check 2-3cm in?
Thanks for the answer
A question regarding moisture and moisture meters.
A "regular" moisture meter typically has 2 small probes that are inserted into the studs to check the moisture content, nothing strange about that. Now I have borrowed one from a large construction company, but the probes are about 6 cm long instead of 2-3. If I insert the probes the same length as the small meter, I get the same result, but if I push it all the way in, the number rises by 3%. How should it be? Are the long probes meant for checking through a wall with drywall? Should the value of 12-15% be in the core of a 170mm stud, or do you only check 2-3cm in?
Thanks for the answer
Hello,
The difference you get when measuring is the moisture gradient in the piece, meaning that the piece hasn't reached its equilibrium moisture content yet. If it's a 45mm thick piece you are measuring, you should measure 30 mm in, which is 2/3 of the thickness. If you measure just below the surface of the piece, it is likely about 3% drier. This is not a problem or defect with the piece; it's only if you plan to split it in any direction that issues may arise. The reason the piece looks the way it does is that sawmills save time and money by not reducing the moisture gradient in the plank during drying.
I don’t know offhand what the regulations say regarding dried wood, but there will never be mold growth or anything like that on a piece with that moisture content. The only thing that happens if it continues to dry after you have installed it is that it will shrink, primarily in width.
The difference you get when measuring is the moisture gradient in the piece, meaning that the piece hasn't reached its equilibrium moisture content yet. If it's a 45mm thick piece you are measuring, you should measure 30 mm in, which is 2/3 of the thickness. If you measure just below the surface of the piece, it is likely about 3% drier. This is not a problem or defect with the piece; it's only if you plan to split it in any direction that issues may arise. The reason the piece looks the way it does is that sawmills save time and money by not reducing the moisture gradient in the plank during drying.
I don’t know offhand what the regulations say regarding dried wood, but there will never be mold growth or anything like that on a piece with that moisture content. The only thing that happens if it continues to dry after you have installed it is that it will shrink, primarily in width.
Click here to reply