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Before, during and after flooring installation
Moisture analysers for testing wood and concrete floors
How to find the best moisture analyser for floors
The best moisture meter for floors has reading scales for the different layers of floor structures. These structures can include:
- Concrete and cement screedsA quantitative moisture meter for floors shows the actual moisture content. These may be required to follow flooring manufacturers' recommendations. The Tramex Concrete Moisture Encounter CME5 and CMEX5 are calibrated in such a way that they quantitative moisture content of concrete in % can measure.
- Wood and wood-like floorsThe scale of the moisture meter for wood can measure the moisture content in %. The scale can be adjusted to read different types of wood. The Tramex moisture meter ME5 enables penless Wood moisture measurements, and the concrete moisture analyser CMEX5 or the moisture analyser MEX5 can be realised with a Wooden pin probe can be used to measure the wood moisture content in %.
- Laminate flooring: Since laminate flooring is made of different materials, a Wood moisture equivalent value determined. The penless Moisture Encounter ME5 and MEX5 with double the depth provide comparable moisture readings.
- Tiles: The moisture measurements for tiles are carried out on a Reference or comparison scaleand the Impedance is adapted to the density of the material customised. The penless Moisture Encounter ME5 and MEX5 provide comparative moisture measurement values.
- Carpet; the measured values on carpet are comparable. The pinless Moisture Encounter ME5 and MEX5 with double the measuring depth provide comparable moisture readings.
- Vinyl flooring, including LVP, LVT, SPC and WPC. The penless Moisture Encounter ME5 and MEX5 with double measuring depth enable comparative moisture measurements.
For carpet, vinyl flooring and low density floor coverings, the Moisture Encounter ME5 and MEX5 can be used when inspecting installed floor coverings for moisture related defects to look within and under the floor covering. The tests are carried out on a comparative basis.
The ME5 and the MEX5 have scales with different sensitivitiesand the scale to be used is determined by the density of the materials (both the floor covering and the subfloor). It is advisable to use one of the shallow depth scales as this is best suited for measurements in and directly under the floor covering.
Devices for measuring moisture in wood and concrete floors
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Tramex CMEX5 concrete moisture meter
TRAMEX CMEX5Concrete moisture meter for measuring the moisture content and relative humidity in concrete floors and slabs, wood and building materials - with probe connection -
Tramex ME5 moisture meter
TRAMEX ME5Moisture meter for wood, drywall and other building materials -
Tramex MEX5 moisture analyser
TRAMEX MEX5Moisture and humidity meter for building and home inspections - with probe connection -
Tramex Concrete Moisture Meter CME5
TRAMEX CME5Concrete moisture meter for measuring the moisture content in concrete floors and slabs
Our comprehensive Floor inspection kits offer instruments for non-destructive testing of concrete moisture, to assess and monitor environmental conditions and to measure wood moisture content, ensuring a thorough inspection.
Kits for moisture measurement of wood and concrete floors
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Tramex Flooring Inspector Kit - FIK
TRAMEX FIKMoisture inspection of concrete, wooden floors and ambient conditions -
Tramex Flooring Installation Quick Check Kit - IQCK
TRAMEX IQCKElimination of dew point problems when laying a floor -
Tramex Flooring Installation Quick Check Plus Kit - IQCPK
TRAMEX IQCPKCheck the moisture content of the concrete before laying floor coverings -
Tramex Flooring Installer Tech Kit - FTK
TRAMEX FTKNon-destructive testing of concrete moisture before laying the floor -
Tramex Flooring Master Kit - FMK
TRAMEX FMKInvestigation of the RH and moisture conditions of concrete slabs and wooden floor coverings -
Tramex Flooring Master Kit X - FMK-X
TRAMEX FMK-XInvestigation of the RH and moisture conditions of concrete slabs and wooden floor coverings
Why do you need a soil moisture test?
Excess moisture in a concrete subfloor or floor covering can lead to floor failure. A high moisture content can have a negative impact on the installation of a new floor covering and can also damage an existing floor covering.
For each part of a floor, such as the Subfloor and the floor coveringare Specific moisture testing methods and tools required. The methods of moisture testing depend on the stage of installation of the floor covering or the extent of the investigations required as part of a refurbishment process.
By carefully carrying out moisture tests and taking appropriate remedial action based on the results, you can protect the integrity of the flooring and avoid costly failures in the future.
Moisture test before laying a floor covering
It is important to measure the moisture content and relative humidity of a subfloor to ensure that it fulfils the Manufacturer's specifications and industry standards and is considered dry enough for the adhesive or floor covering to be laid.
Testing the moisture content of a Concrete subfloor is usually carried out and completed before the floor layer arrives on site. The concrete subfloor is tested to determine if it meets the dryness recommendations set by the flooring manufacturer. These tests can be carried out using Tramex moisture meters, RH probes, moisture content probes and surface thermometers. These are available in specially developed test kits for concrete moisture available
Moisture testing during the installation of a floor covering
It is important to check the moisture content and environmental conditions at and during the installation of a floor covering to ensure that the conditions are favourable for successful completion of the work.
- MOISTURE TEST OF THE SUBFLOOR
Even if a subfloor has been tested in advance and found to be dry enough to lay a floor covering, it is important to remember that the The moisture content of concrete fluctuates and is strongly influenced by the ambient conditions. One Change in ambient conditionssuch as temperature, humidity and dew point, can be used to Formation of condensation on the tile surface, which in turn can lead to major problems with the flooring adhesive or the actual flooring material, resulting in costly flooring failure.
That is why it is important, the quick installation test before laying the floor or applying a coating to be carried out. This moisture test can be carried out quickly and effectively with the Tramex Installation Quick Check Kits be carried out.
It is important to check the manufacturer's guidelines regarding the moisture content and environmental conditions for their floor coverings, adhesives and coatings.
- MOISTURE TEST OF THE FLOOR COVERING MATERIAL
Floorboards are usually stored in the room in which they are to be installed so that the wood can adapt to the ambient conditions. The wood should be allowed to acclimatise so that it does not warp, shrink or otherwise become damaged.
It is important to follow the flooring manufacturer's guidelines regarding the permissible Moisture content of the subsoil and the Moisture content of the floor covering to note. Hardwood floors can be analysed with a pin probe such as the Heavy-duty wooden pin probe and the Concrete Moisture Encounter CMEX5 or with the non-destructive Moisture Encounter ME5 or Moisture Encounter MEX5 using the Wooden scale should be checked. By ensuring that both the subfloor and the flooring material have the recommended moisture content, you can ensure a successful floor installation. Take a look at the Tramex flooring test kits to find a kit suitable for your testing requirements.
Moisture testing after laying a floor covering
A moisture test of an installed floor could be part of a general home or building inspection. It should also be carried out if the floor is failing. This may be due to improper installation of the flooring or some form of water intrusion due to flooding or water damage. It may be necessary to inspect both the flooring material and the subfloor to find the cause of the floor failure. In the event of water damage, an increased moisture content in both the subfloor and the floor covering must be measured, recorded and analysed until the drying target is reached.
When inspecting a floor for moisture, it is most logical to start with a Visual inspection to determine if there are any obvious signs of moisture damage, such as delamination, warping, buckling or shrinkage. It is advisable to always inspect the entire floor area, as the Origin of the moisture problem may not be visible and could even be in a different location than the damaged area.
The Advantage of a pinless moisture analyser with two depths is that measurements can be carried out at different depths and over a large area in a short time.
The advantage of the shallow measuring depth of the Moisture Encounter 5 (ME5 or MEX5) is that it enables non-destructive testing of installed floor coverings. Since the shallow depth setting measures approximately 3/8" deep, it is not overly affected by the subfloor, but can be Detect moisture directly under the floor coveringso that you can determine whether moisture is the cause of the floor failure.
The measurements can be taken via the Tramex Meter App recorded and stored in colour-coded moisture maps that provide a visual representation of the moisture content in a particular floor area. Tramex Water Damage Restoration and Flooring Inspection Kits contain reliable and accurate moisture meters for concrete and flooring materials and have the tools and accessories for further investigation if required.
Importance of moisture mapping in soil testing
Moisture mappings functions are a great advantage for visualising the moisture content over a large area.
This procedure can reveal a hidden increased moisture content under the floor covering and help track the moisture problem to its point of entry. The maps can be used to record the drying progress to the desired end result and can be shared as reports.
The Tramex Meters app provides the ability to store readings, create visual moisture maps of the area being tested and distribute reports.
