The advantages of measurement are observed in every industry. Whether it is a lab experiment or a construction project, measurement plays a crucial role. One of the promising equipment which finds considerable application in the construction industry is the moisture meter or moisture analyzer.
This instrument is essentially required for moisture measurement in various materials that are used in construction. Furthermore, moisture analyzers also find application in other industries too that will be elaborated in the following discussion. In addition to this, the discussion would also focus on the different types of moisture analyzers as well as tips for their maintenance and safety.
Various applications of moisture measurement
The moisture measurement aspects in the construction industry are observed for identifying any potential issues and possibilities of damage to the building structure due to the accumulation of moisture. Flooring contractors need moisture analyzers for finding out the right time and conditions for building the floor on top of a concrete slab or the subfloor.
Moreover, moisture meters also find applications in furniture making where wood moisture meters are used to verify the quality of the final product and provide assurance regarding the guaranteed quality of the furniture products. Before purchasing moisture analyzers or meters, it is essential to reflect on certain aspects of their structure and build.
One of the common factors in the design of moisture meters is the variation of appearance of the indicator scales. However, it is also important to note that moisture meters provide an estimate of moisture measurement in terms of “%MC” or percentage of moisture content.
Various moisture meters provide a digital representation of %MC while certain meters are capable of analogue measurements. Most important of all, it should be noted that the accuracy of moisture content readings alongside the relevant substrate scales in different meters varies according to the type of the meter and the brand.
Tailored for measuring moisture in different materials
The general design of moisture measurement tools such as moisture meters is specifically calibrated for wood. The indicator scale in moisture meters for measuring moisture content in wood ranges from 5% to 40%. On the other hand, measuring moisture content in non-wooden materials such as concrete would involve a relative scale of 0 to 100 per cent.
This relative scale clearly shows 0% as bone dry, and 100% shows the moisture saturation. The presence of LED indicators on certain moisture meters is suitable for determining the moisture content reading immediately. For example, a green indicator implies dry while red implies highly saturated moisture content. This advantage provides a clear assumption about moisture content in a particular material.
Different types of moisture meters
Finally, the three distinct types of moisture meters include pin-type, pinless and all-in-one meters. Each of these moisture meters has unique and specialized purposes for moisture measurement and can be selected according to the end user’s requirements. Pin-type moisture meters are adequately suited for wooden materials but can also be sued for painted surfaces, carpeting, ceiling tiles, concrete, cement, wood flooring and drywall.
Pinless moisture meters are used for non-invasive measurement applications in case of wood and other substrates such as gypsum and concrete. The third type of moisture meter includes both types of measurement techniques along with providing the facility of measuring moisture content in various substrates.
