Moisture meter

In most parts of the United States, the minimum moisture content that can be generally obtained in air drying is about 12 to 15 percent.

Moisture meters are used to measure the amount of water in the wood so that the woodworker can determine if it is suitable for the intended purpose.

Problems with distortions in the shape of the wood, such as twisting, warping and cupping, occur because of the difference in the degree of dimensional change in wood cells tangentially (perpendicular to the grain and parallel to the growth rings) versus radially (perpendicular to the growth rings).

EMC means that the wood is in balance with the relative humidity it surrounding environment, and is therefore neither gaining or losing in moisture content.

Pin-type meters incorporate two pin electrodes which are driven into the wood fibers and directly measure electrical resistance or conductivity.

The meter incorporates two pads which serve as rubber electrodes that transmit and receive a signal when pressed into the wood substrate.

The pad type moisture meter is non-invasive in nature and requires only surface contact with the wood to obtain a reading.

[9] Moisture meters may also be utilized by building-industry professionals and water damage restoration consultants to ascertain precise moisture content of a wide range of materials found in the built environment, such as gypsum board drywall or interior finish plaster.