WHAT EXACTLY IS A MOISTURE METER, AND HOW DOES IT PERFORM ITS FUNCTIONS?
HUMIDITY DEGREE RELATIVE (RH)
The amount of moisture the air can hold is directly proportional to the temperature at which it is stored. The higher the temperature, the greater the amount of water the air can take in. RH is an abbreviation for "relative humidity," which refers to the amount of moisture in the air compared to its total volume.
DEW POINT
The temperature at which the relative humidity reaches one hundred percent RH and water vapor begins to form are referred to as the dew point, and it is given in degrees Celsius (condensation).
MOISTURE IN MATERIALS
The difference in weight, expressed as a percentage, between the amount of water in wet material and the amount of water in dry cloth is known as the moisture quotient (percent MQ). The moisture quotient may be calculated by weighing the sample, drying it, and then considering it again. Since the electrical characteristics change depending on the moisture quotient, the moisture quotient may also be determined using electronic moisture quotient meters when measuring the moisture quotient of wood. The moisture quotient of concrete may be determined by drilling a hole in the material, vacuuming the inside of the hole clean, sealing it, and allowing it to stand for several days until it finds equilibrium (see balance). After that, you'll be able to measure the
Relative humidity in the drill hole may supply the moisture quotient for the concrete. Unless you are familiar with the absorption curve for the particular kind of concrete used, you must do a thorough vacuuming, ensure an airtight seal around the moisture sensor, and allow the sensor to remain stationary in the drill hole until it achieves a state of balance. Before taking any measurements, the drill hole should be allowed to sit undisturbed for around forty-eight hours so that the proper credit for the moisture quotient may be reached. After placing the sensor into the hole, you must wait at least half an hour before reading the measured value.
CONCRETE MOISTURE METER SELECTION
Before purchasing a moisture meter, it is essential to ask yourself the following questions:
On what kinds of materials will I be doing my measurements?
To what depth into the material do I need to take my measures?
On what type of structure will I be doing my measurements?
How accurate measurement do I need to make it, and what kind of moisture content should I focus on?
Before treating the surface, be sure to follow the instructions given by the manufacturer about the maximum moisture quotient or moisture content.
PIN METERS
A device known as a pin meter takes an indirect reading of the amount of moisture present by measuring the resistance (conductance) of an electrical current that flows from one pin to the other. A pin meter measures the amount of moisture to the depth at which the pins are placed. Choose longer counting pegs if you want to get an accurate reading of the moisture content more profound in the wood. To measure the so-called moisture gradients, you will need measuring pegs that are insulated with Teflon.
ADVANTAGES OF PIN METERS:
The method has a track record of success and is widely used in the construction and woodworking industries
Fast. On display, the measurement results may be seen after they have been taken.
Possible to detect moisture gradients.
Excellent on surfaces composed of a variety of materials.