Measuring Moisture With a Protimeter Moisture Meter
Reliable electronic moisture meters from Protimeter are the preferred instruments due to the renowned reliability, accuracy and quality.
Models include the ProtimeterDigital Mini (surface moisture) or Protimeter Aquant2 (subsurface moisture). Alternatively, you can combine the two functions by using a Protimeter
Surveymaster2 which features both surface and subsurface moisture readings.
a. Surface Moisture
A pin type moisture meter, like the Protimeter Digital Mini, can be utilised to measure the surface moisture of a wall, wood and building structure. Simply place the pins on the surface of the wall to take a reading.
A pin type moisture meter, like the Protimeter Digital Mini, can be utilised to measure the surface moisture of a wall, wood and building structure. Simply place the pins on the surface of the wall to take a reading.
The Protimeter Digital Mini
measures using the %Wood Moisture Equivalent (%WME) scale.
With a pin type instrument, it may be required to push the pins into the wall. Some types of wall coverings will restrict the reading. But a word of caution, pushing pins into a surface will leave a mark especially glossed paint, venires and laminated surfaces.
Taking readings in a kitchen or bathroom can be problematic with a pin type instrument. Floor coverings and tiles will provide a barrier stopping a direct reading with a pin type instrument. This is where you can use the radio waves of the Protimeter Aquant2 to detect the subsurface moisture levels.
With a pin type instrument, it may be required to push the pins into the wall. Some types of wall coverings will restrict the reading. But a word of caution, pushing pins into a surface will leave a mark especially glossed paint, venires and laminated surfaces.
Taking readings in a kitchen or bathroom can be problematic with a pin type instrument. Floor coverings and tiles will provide a barrier stopping a direct reading with a pin type instrument. This is where you can use the radio waves of the Protimeter Aquant2 to detect the subsurface moisture levels.
b. Subsurface Moisture
A non-invasive (pin less) moisture meter will measure the subsurface moisture to a depth of 20mm. This is advised where wall, floor and wood covering prohibit moisture readings with a pin type instrument.
A non-invasive (pin less) moisture meter will measure the subsurface moisture to a depth of 20mm. This is advised where wall, floor and wood covering prohibit moisture readings with a pin type instrument.
The Protimeter Aquant2 will measure
using radio waves, penetrating beneath the wall surface including wall paper, paint and even tiles. This allows the user to undertake a very quick reading without damaging the surface. The Protimeter Aquant2 can also measure moisture in veneered wood like a build-in wardrobe, kitchen or fibreglass.
With the Protimeter Aquant2, moisture level is displayed as a relative moisture level between 0-999 %REL. The lower the reading, the drier the moisture content, higher the reading indicates higher moisture levels.
With the Protimeter Aquant2, moisture level is displayed as a relative moisture level between 0-999 %REL. The lower the reading, the drier the moisture content, higher the reading indicates higher moisture levels.
Moisture Readings
All Protimeter moisture meters will display the readings through a digital LCD display and a simple colour coded LED display.
The digital LCD display will provide the moisture reading (%WME or %REL). When undertaking readings, write down this measurement for future records.
The digital LCD display will provide the moisture reading (%WME or %REL). When undertaking readings, write down this measurement for future records.
To support the digital reading, Protimeter has developed a simple colour coded LED scale to indicating the moisture condition severity. This provides a very simple way to determine if the readings are Dry, Borderline and Damp.
Green - Dry
Air dry moisture content. No decay likely.
Air dry moisture content. No decay likely.
Amber - Borderline
Excess of moisture is present. This moisture cannot be attributed to high atmospheric humidity but to a definite source. If the reading in this zone persists or increases, remedial action is needed. Decay likely.
Excess of moisture is present. This moisture cannot be attributed to high atmospheric humidity but to a definite source. If the reading in this zone persists or increases, remedial action is needed. Decay likely.
Red - Damp
A serious moisture condition exists and immediate remedial treatment must be effected. Decay inevitable.
Any material displaying a red / damp reading is too damp.
A serious moisture condition exists and immediate remedial treatment must be effected. Decay inevitable.
Any material displaying a red / damp reading is too damp.
