Water Technology Spotlight ~ Moisture Detectors

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

Moisture Meters

Moisture meters are an important part of the SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island restoration process. These are used to measure actual moisture in various materials (wooden and non-wooden). There are two types of moisture meters, ones that penetrate the material and ones that do not. There's a relative scale for measuring moisture in non-wood materials. Moisture of non-wood materials is indicated by numbers on a points scale.

Non-Penetrating Moisture Meters

This product is generally used to measure the moisture content in wood materials. It does not penetrate through any materials to cause surface damage. Rather, it uses radio frequency, capacitance, and conductivity. This product is best for indicating high levels of moisture in materials like plaster and dry wall. The danger from using non-penetrating moisture readers is the accuracy. False readings may occur from time to time, like if air gaps between wet materials are present. Non-penetrating meters can indicate moisture fairly deep within the material.

Penetrating Moisture Meters

These have electrical probes that go inside the material to test for moisture. Results are displayed on the device digitally or through analog. This is measured by method of electrical conductivity. The electrical conductivity of the material that is between the two probes is affected by the presence of water.

Moisture Sensors

This is used to detect moisture in carpets and padding to determine if water has reached the sub-floor – then there’s a problem. The moisture sensors have a probe that penetrate the carpet/padding. This sensor only indicates moisture, but not the amount or severity of it.

Thermo-hydrometers

This device measures the temperature and humidity of the surrounding air. This product gets the reading for 5 areas - air in/out of affected area, air outside of structure, HVAC air, and air coming out of the dehumidifier.

 These are just some of the technological equipment used for water damage restoration. Call SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island 24/7 for your water damage at 401-365-5058.