How To Pinpoint Moisture within a Structure

First conduct a visual check to review the property for any signs of visible moisture damage. When verifying the buildings moisture condition, look for discolouration first. This will allow you to target the affected areas first.

Pinpointing the damp is only possibly with an electronic moisture meter. These instruments can detect moisture levels before they become visible or can be felt.

When measuring moisture, take regular readings over the suspected area and mark the boundaries of moisture levels. Develop a scaled drawing of the moisture readings recording the levels within the affected areas to determine the severity.

Pinpointing Rising Damp

Pinpointing Damp Spots

For a definitive guide into damp, I would recommend the Dampness In Buildings book distributed by Protimeter. This is a comprehensive guide to moisture in buildings and a copy can be purchased directly through our online store.

Click to review previous section - What Is Damp?

Protimeter Digital Mini

Protimeter has officially announced the newly anticipated Protimeter Digital Mini – the third generation digital moisture meter.

If you want to achieve a high precision moisture reading combined with Protimeter’s outstanding quality, the Protimeter Digital Mini is an instrument you need to get your hands on.

Protimeter has been the leading manufacture of moisture measuring instruments, bring to market the very best instruments for the detection of damp within structures.

Digital Technology
The Protimeter Digital Mini builds upon the outstanding heritage of the Protimeter range by providing an accurate pin type instrument with digital technology. The user can read the measurements through a large LCD display and interpret the moisture level at a glance through the colour-coded LED scaled display.

The colour coded LEDs are synchronised with the digital display to provide information on the moisture condition of the material at the point of measurement. 60 colour LEDs display the severity of the moisture condition in three bands;
Green - Dry
Air dry moisture content

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.

Red - Damp
A serious moisture condition exists and immediate remedial treatment must be effected. Decay inevitable.

Measure Moisture Below The Surface
Sub-surface measurements can be obtained by using the Protimeter Digital Mini with optional probes, such as the Hammer Electrode for wood, Deep Wall Probes for solid walls and the EIFS probe for exterior insulation and finishing systems.

Protimeter Digital Mini Design
The Protimeter Digital Mini follows the major revisions of Protimeter’s overhaul of the range. Incorporating a new, ergonomic designed case to improve comfort and handling, the Protimeter Digital Mini now features a large digital LED screen.

The reference mode is very useful when you have to compare measurements taken at numerous points in the building to a selected reference or baseline value.

Protimeter Quality Lasting Years
As a leading retailer and honest seller of equipment, we like to provide customers with the best instruments from all leading manufacturers. But all Protimeter products provide a lot more. Their very high quality means that you only need to purchase one instrument which will last for years. When we say years we do mean a long time.

In the unlikely event that your Protimeter receives a fault, the instrument’s is covered by a Protimeter 2 year warranty!


Verify Readings
Cheaper instruments may detect moisture, but you can’t guarantee their accuracy. With the Protimeter Digital Mini, you will receive a Calibration Check device that allows the user to verify that the readings are within the Protimeter’s high tolerance band.

After selling the Protimeter range for over 15 years, I have not received an instrument back that is not measuring within the specified tolerance. This can not be said for cheaper alternatives!

Often we hear from customers discussing their disastrous encounters with alternative manufactures. In one case their client challenged the readings which could not be supported, so losing credibility of the survey and having to refund the days fee.

So cheaper instruments will be cheaper, but they won't last as long, provide the same level of quality, provide you with verified accuracy and you will not receive the protection of a 2 year warranty!

Protimeter Aquant2 - Non Invasive Moisture Meter

GE Measurement & Control has updated their non-invasive moisture meter, the Protimeter Aquant2.

The Protimeter Aquant has been in demand from surveyors, building engineers and estate agents due to its accurate non-invasive moisture readings. This allows moisture readings to be recorded below the surface without damaging the surface from metal pins.

The Protimeter Aquant2 has been designed around a newly developed ergonomic case that provides clearer readings and a reassuring grip of the instrument. The instruments larger digital LCD backlit screen, eliminates the moisture readings supported by 60 coloured LEDs depicting the severity of the moisture reading.

Search Mode—Non-Invasive
The search mode is used to assess the moisture level beneath the surface of solid walls and floors independently of surface conditions. When held against the surface, the instrument transmits a signal into the material. The relative moisture level is shown on the digital display and its moisture condition is shown on the accompanying scale of color-coded lights.

The search model allows the user to undertake moisture readings quickly, easily and more important accurately.

The Protimeter Aquant2 is the ideal instrument for non-invasive rapid moisture testing of building elements such as solid walls and floors prior to more rigorous and time-consuming investigative procedures that may be required.

Click for more information on the Protimeter Aquant2

Protimeter Surveymaster - Just Got Better!

GE Measurement & Control has launched its powerful new detection instrument, the Protimeter Surveymaster. With dual measuring functions, professionals can assess the moisture conditions with the confidence that the readings are correct every time!

The Protimeter Surveymaster has been the mainstay of professionals for 15 years, providing quick and accurate moisture readings. Its accuracy has been the key factor for this instruments success, providing an instrument that is simple to use but reassuring that the readings are correct.

At the heart of the Protimeter Surveymaster is a newly developed ergonomic case that provides clearer readings and a reassuring grip of the instrument. The instruments larger digital LCD backlit screen, eliminates the moisture readings supported by 60 coloured LEDs depicting the severity of the moisture reading.

The Protimeter Surveymaster can help building professionals—such as contractors, surveyors, home builders and architects—assess building moisture levels during new build and refurbishing activities.

Professionals involved with the identification, management and remedy of moisture need tools that help them to:
• Identify the extent of the moisture penetration
• Diagnose the cause of the problem
• Monitor change in the moisture level

Dual Measuring Modes
Protimeter has pioneered the development of moistures meters, bring to market a range of instruments that are more accurate than their nearest competitors. Part of this development is the combination of dual moisture measuring readings within the Protimeter Surveymaster.

This reliable moisture meter has two modes of operation—search and measure. These functions can help the user to distinguish sub-surface from surface moisture, essential information when trying to establish the extent and cause of a dampness problem.

Search Mode—Non-Invasive
The search mode is used to assess the moisture level beneath the surface of solid walls and floors independently of surface conditions. When held against the surface, the instrument transmits a signal into the material. The relative moisture level is shown on the digital display and its moisture condition is shown on the accompanying scale of color-coded lights.

Measure Mode—Pin-Type
This mode is used to measure the moisture level at the surface. Measure mode readings are precise and specific to the immediate area of contact of the electrodes. The actual moisture content of wood is shown on the digital display with the corresponding moisture condition shown on the accompanying scale of color-coded lights.

Reference mode (Patent Pending)
In both Pin and Search mode, the Protimeter Reference Mode can be useful when trying to establish what materials are above or below a point of reference or dry standard.

Measure the dry standard or baseline material until the meter’s reading is stable then press for seconds. This will store the reading until the mode changes of the meter turns off. Now all readings taken after will be displayed as normal, but below you will see a second reading that shows you if the material is measured above or below the original reading.

Click for more information on the Protimeter Surveymaster2

Protimeter Surveymaster – How To Measure Moisture

The GE Protimeter Surveymaster has been designed for measuring moisture in buildings. With its ergonomic design, dual-measuring modes and digital display, this instrument has become the essential tool for building surveyors around the world.

Excessive moisture in buildings will lead to decay and deterioration of components and decorative finishes. Professionals involved with the identification, management and remedy of dampness need tools that help them to:
• Identify the extent of the moisture penetration
• Diagnose the cause of the problem
• Monitor change in the moisture level

Two Operational Modes
The Protimeter Surveymaster features two modes of operation search and measure. Search and measure help the user to distinguish sub-surface from surface moisture, essential information when trying to establish the extent and cause of a dampness problem.


Taking the readings
The Protimeter Surveymaster features a digital LCD display supported by the Protimeters revolutionary colour display which is a collection of 60 LEDs divided into color-coded zones signify moisture readings of the material under investigation. The green, yellow, and red color-coded zones indicate the following:
• Material in the green zone is in a safe air-dry condition.
• In the yellow zone, moisture levels are higher than normal but not critical;
further investigation is recommended.
• The red zone represents excessive moisture levels. If sustained, red zone moisture levels will lead to decay in organic materials.

Both the LCD display and coloured LEDs provide accurate readings for both modes of measuring. The LCD display will provide a digital reading of the moisture content to one decimal place whilst the LEDs provide a guide to the severity of the moisture reading.

What is WMC?
When reading the damp measurement using the two pin mode (measure), the scale runs from 7% to 99% WMC (wood moisture content). The WME value is the theoretical moisture level that would be attained by wood that is in moisture equilibrium with the material being tested.

The %WMC has become an industrial recognised reading for moisture whether its wood, brick or concrete.

Measure Mode - Surface Readings
This mode is used to measure the moisture level at the surface and at incremental depth, when used with the auxiliary deep wall probes. Measure mode readings are precise and specific to the immediate area of contact of the electrodes.

• Simply hold the instrument with the pins touching the material’s surface and read the moisture level from the LED scale.

• A low or no reading will occur if the pins are placed onto a painted or varnished surface. Similarly a covering like vinyl will not hold moisture and provide a low reading.

• Be careful not to push the pins into a surface which can be damaged or marked.


Measure Mode - Sub-Surface Readings
When determining the sub-surface moisture readings, the surveyors can utilise a set of deep wall probes which connect to the Protimeter Surveymaster through the external auxiliary port.
• To use the Deep Wall Probe, drill two clearance holes 1/4 in. (6 mm) in diameter and approximately 1 1/2 in. (40 mm) apart to the required depth.

• Connect the Deep Wall Probes to the instrument and push the two probe rods into the clearance holes. Hold the rods firmly against the base of the holes while taking the reading (see photograph at right).

Search Mode - Sub-Surface Readings
The biggest problem with taking moisture readings is finding any effected areas. The Protimeter Surveymaster introduced the first and only effective search mode for scanning walls and floors for damp.

The search mode is used to assess the moisture level beneath the surface of solid walls and floors independently of surface conditions. The nominal depth of the measurement is 3/4 in (19 mm) this depends on the density and other characteristics of the material.

When held against the surface, as shown below, the instrument transmits a signal into the material. The relative moisture level is shown on the digital display and its moisture condition is shown on the accompanying scale of color-coded lights.

This measurement presentation helps the user to:
• Look for moisture behind wall and floor coverings, such as tile and vinyl
• Assess, in relative terms, if the material is in a dry, borderline or damp condition
• Map the extent of the problem numerically
• Non-invasive pin less radio frequency finds moisture at depth where moisture is not always directly visible up to 3/4 in (25.4 mm) below the surface
• This mode of measurement is not adversely affected by the presence of surface moisture

Applications: Shower pans, behind ceramic tile, fine finishes, water stains, tile and vinyl floor coverings, joists, around toilets, drywall, below grade floors and walls, plaster, masonry, concrete and concrete block

If you would like to read the full operators instructions, please follow this link
If you would like to read more information on the Protimeter Mini, please follow this link

Protimeter Mini – How To Measure Moisture

The Protimeter Mini moisture meter has been the choice for thousands of users across the world for more than 30 years. The enduring popularity and success of these instruments is attributable to their versatility, simple design, robust construction and ease of use.

Commonly utilised by building surveyors for checking the building structures, the Protimeter Mini can measure both the surface and sub-surface moisture. Featuring two pins at the top of the instrument for reading surface damp readings, whilst deep wall probes can be utilised to measure the sub-surface readings.

Taking the readings
The display is a collection of 60 LEDs divided into color-coded zones signify moisture readings of the material under investigation. The green, yellow, and red color-coded zones indicate the following:
• Material in the green zone is in a safe air-dry condition.
• In the yellow zone, moisture levels are higher than normal but not critical; further investigation is recommended.
• The red zone represents excessive moisture levels. If sustained, red zone moisture levels will lead to decay in organic materials.

When reading off the damp measurement, the scale runs from 6% to 90% WMC (wood moisture content). Depending upon the moisture reading, one of the LEDs will light up allowing the surveyor to read of the moisture reading.

The WME value is the theoretical moisture level that would be attained by wood that is in moisture equilibrium with the material being tested.

Surface Readings
Simply hold the instrument with the pins touching the material’s surface and read the moisture level from the LED scale.

A low or no reading will occur if the pins are placed onto a painted or varnished surface. Similarly a covering like vinyl will not hold moisture and provide a low reading.

Be careful not to push the pins into a surface which can be damaged or marked.

Sub-Surface Readings
When determining the sub-surface moisture readings, the surveyors can utilise a set of deep wall probes which connect to the Protimeter Mini through the external auxiliary port.

To use the Deep Wall Probe, drill two clearance holes 1/4 in. (6 mm) in diameter and approximately 1 1/2 in. (40 mm) apart to the required depth.

Connect the Deep Wall Probes to the instrument and push the two probe rods into the clearance holes. Hold the rods firmly against the base of the holes while taking the reading (see photograph at right).



If you would like to read the full operators instructions, please follow this link

If you would like to read more information on the Protimeter Mini, please follow this link

Protimeter Moisture Meters

Protimeter is a premium range of professional moisture measuring instruments for surveyors, flooring contractors and assessors alike.

Originally from Marlow in Buckinghamshire, Protimeter has been at the forefront of moisture meter design for over 40 years and has developed many of the technologies that are central to moisture measurement and dampness diagnosis within the built environment.

In 2001 Protimeter was acquired by the General Electric Company and became part of what is now the GE Measurement and Control business. This is a business that “sets best practice today and constantly explores solutions for tomorrow, all in an effort to keep their customers at the front edge of quality, safety, service and productivity”.

Protimeter = Higher Quality
Protimeter instruments are designed for professional use. They last longer, function better and provide a higher level of measuring confidence than many other products that are available. With a 2-year warranty the instruments are the best choice for demanding moisture measurement applications.

‘I have been involved with Protimeter for many years, and commonly customers comment on the superior quality of these instruments.’ comments Ian Guest, Marketing Manager, Survey Express Services. ‘We have found no other range of moisture meters that operate better than Protimeter and that last as long.’

Protimeter Range
Protimeter produce a range of devices that includes the simple Salts Analysis Test Kit, electronic moisture meters and hygrometer and the highly specialised Speedy Moisture Tester.

The entry level moisture meter is the Protimeter Mini, with two pin-electrodes and a colour coded LED scale. The Protimeter Aquant is a moisture detector that transmits radio waves for sub-surface moisture detection, without the need for drilling into the surface. The Protimeter Surveymaster combines the functionality of the Mini and Aquant into one instrument, enabling the user to distinguish surface from sub-surface moisture levels.

Environmental humidity and temperature levels can be measured by the Protimeter Hygromaster and Protimeter Pysclone thermohygrometers. Both instruments also calculate the prevailing dewpoint temperature, and both can be used with a surface temperature sensor for condensation risk assessment applications.

The Protimeter MMS (Moisture Measuring System) combines the functionality of the Mini moisture meter, the Aquant moisture detector and the Hygromaster into one multi-functional moisture measurement tool. The MMS is the logical choice for professionals that need to fully understand the moisture levels of the building itself and of the environment within the building.

The Protimeter Timbermaster is optimised for measuring moisture levels in wood specifically. It has eight user selectable calibration groups that enable more precise measurement in over 150 different wood species. When necessary, the Timbermaster can also be used with a temperature probe for temperature correction and with a Hammer Electrode for sub-surface measurement.

The Salts Analysis Test Kit is used to assess relative levels of nitrates and chlorides on site when investigating the cause of dampness problems. High levels of hygroscopic salts contamination can affect moisture meter readings, so it is often necessary to test for their presence when diagnosing dampness problems in buildings. Additionally, high salts contamination can indicate problems associated with rising dampness, as they are present in ground water.

The Speedy Moisture Tester measures the moisture content of a sample of building material by chemical reaction in a vessel. It complements moisture meters and hygrometers, and is often used to measure material that may have been contaminated by conductors such as hygroscopic salts.

For more information on the Protimeter range visit our website www.damp-meter-direct.co.uk

Measuring Moisture, Humidity and Condensation

Surveyors involved with identifying the causes of dampness in buildings may need to know the humidity and temperature levels in the building, as well as moisture levels in walls / floors. Effectively undertaking seven different types of readings:
1. Surface moisture content
2. Sub-surface moisture content
3. Relative humidity (%RH)
4. Ambient temperature
5. Surface temperature
6. Dew point temperature
7. Condensation

Unfortunately, the readings for moisture content and humidity are not the same. Worse still, they can not converted and require different types of instruments for each task.

If you require both moisture and humidity readings, then there is a simple solution.

Protimeter MMS
The Protimeter MMS (Moisture Measurement System) combines a moisture and humidity meters functionality into one system, effectively five instruments in one unit.

By utilising the operational modes of the Protimeter MMS, the operator can identify the scale and extent of a moisture problem. Establishing if it is due to condensation, rising dampness or lateral ingress. This leads to more thorough and reliable diagnosis.

1. Moisture Meter Modes
The Protimeter MMS may be used as a moisture meter in two operational modes. Measure mode uses pin-type electrodes for surface moisture and Search mode uses a radio frequency technology to provide moisture measurements beneath the surface.

2. Hygrometer Mode
The Protimeter MMS uses the interchangeable Hygrostick sensor to measure humidity and temperature. The Hygrostick may be connected directly into the Protimeter MMS instrument for measuring conditions in rooms and other environments or via an extension lead.

The facility makes the Protimeter MMS an ideal instrument to measure the Equilibrium Relative Humidity (ERH) of walls and floors using the Hygrosticks that have been placed into pre-drilled clearance holes or the humidity box for measuring ERH levels of floors.

3. Condensator Mode
The condensator mode is used for confirming the presence of condensation and risk assessment by comparing surface temperatures, with the dew point of the environment under investigation. When used with the surface temperature sensor the Protimeter MMS can make the following measurements:
- Relative humidity
- Ambient temperature
- Dew point
- Surface temperature
- Difference between surface temperature and dew point

For more information on the Protimeter MMS - http://www.damp-meter-direct.co.uk/Protimeter-MMS.htm

Protimeter Mini Moisture Meter

Most widely used moisture meter

If you require a simple mosture meter for detecting surface damp then the Protimeter Mini is the referred choice. Small, compact and ideal for general purpose moisture detection, the Protimeter Mini is ideal for checking the moisture levels for a vast range of quality control and dampness diagnosis applications.

Simple readingsDirect readings of surface moisture are taken through two small pins. A colour coded scale enables the user to assess the moisture level at a glance.

The numerical values represent the actual percent moisture content of wood (%MC) and the wood moisture equivalent (WME) of other materials. The Protimeter Mini can be used to determine if the fabric of a building is in a dry, borderline or damp condition.

Design enhancementsThe Protimeter Mini incorporates a range of design refinements and features that make it much simpler to use. The stylish instrument case fits snugly in the hand with a rubber edging for comfort, so it can be used effortlessly for long periods. The new display is very bright for visual clarity.

If the instrument is inadvertently left on, the energy saving feature automatically switches off the instrument after five minutes to conserve the battery life.

Click for information - www.surveyexpress.co.uk

Click for information - www.damp-meter-direct.co.uk