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Non-destructive moisture testing in walls

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Use of a moisture analyser for testing drywalls

Moisture meters for drywall

 

The Tramex moisture analysers MEX5 and ME5 are used to measure the Moisture in drywalls calibrated. The MEX5 supplies Moisture measurement values for drywall in % with the optional pin probes and Comparative, non-destructive measured values. The ME5 transforms the Pinless impedance measurement into a qualitative moisture value um.

The Moisture Encounter MEX5 is a digital, non-destructive Moisture meter that has been calibrated for the assessment of increased moisture content in drywall constructions. It also has a Built-in hygrometer for the ambient conditions and a Infrared surface thermometerwhich is used in the determination of Dew point problems can be helpful. The possible applications of the MEX5 can be summarised as follows Optional pin probes for drywall and wood moisture measurements and with RH probes for in-situExpand equilibrium moisture measurements. These functions make the MEX5 an extremely useful moisture analyser for drywall construction.

The Moisture Encounter ME5 is the improved version of the established and proven Moisture Encounter Plus - MEP, which has been a favourite among moisture experts for many years. The ME5 provides qualitative, comparative measurement results.

Both measuring devices offer a double depth and a Bluetooth connection to the Tramex Meters App.

  • The double depth measurement can be used to determine where the moisture is located in a wall structure. By comparing moisture measurements at shallow depth and at core depth, the influence of the substrate can be eliminated when testing coverings.
  • The Tramex Meters app offers the ability to store readings, create visual moisture maps of the area being tested and share reports.

Moisture analysers for Drywalls

Inspection with moisture test

 

The Tramex Water damage restoration kits provide the necessary tools to detect increased moisture in and behind walls and ceilings and to carry out further investigations if necessary.

Tramex Meters has many years of experience in the development of accurate moisture meters for moisture-related problems within the building structure.

Click for more information about:

  • Water damage restoration
  • Concrete moisture analysers and moisture sensors
  • Concrete moisture testing
  • Roof inspection and measurement
  • Inspection and assessment of floors

Moisture measurement kits for Drywalls

Is moisture in drywall acceptable?

Drywall should contain as little moisture as possible, as moisture-related problems can lead to structural damage and potential health problems.

Drywall or plasterboard is one of the most commonly used materials for walls and ceilings in a building. Drywall is a porous material that easily absorbs moisture. Moisture can have a negative effect on drywall, as its strength and rigidity can be affected. In addition, increased moisture can promote the growth of microorganisms or mould, which can lead to health problems.

As described in our detailed article on acceptable Moisture content in drywall, moisture measurement values in drywall should be above 0.5 % moisture content as higher than generally acceptable and require further drying or investigation and damage limitation.

It is important that moisture-related problems are addressed as early as possible. Moisture is not always visible on the surface and can be hidden and trapped behind the drywall layer in the building structure.

Signs of moisture in the walls

Damp Blistering White Wall 1 Square W550h600

When moisture or mould becomes visible, structural damage has already occurred. This can manifest itself in the form of blistering, stains or discolouration.

Fortunately, there is a way to detect this invisible moisture before it becomes noticeable and attacks the building fabric. A non-destructive or pinless wall moisture analyser such as the Tramex Moisture Encounter ME5 or Moisture Encounter MEX5 detects elevated moisture levels in a wall structure without damaging or breaking the surface.

How does a pinless moisture detector for drywall work?

A penless Moisture detector for drywall evaluates the moisture conditions within the building material with a non-destructive methodbased on the measurement of the electrical impedance based.

In order to determine the moisture content, a Electronic low-frequency signal via the electrodes at the bottom of the moisture meter into the material transmitted. The strength of this signal varies in relation to the moisture of the material to be tested.

The moisture analyser measures the strength of the impedance current and converts it into a moisture measurement around. It is very advantageous to use a moisture analyser that is calibrated for drywallas it can determine the actual percentage moisture content and the signal penetration is adapted to the density of the material.

 Me5 On Drwall With Insulation Wal Makeup Square W550h600

How do you recognise damp behind walls?

Moisture in and behind walls can be detected with a pinless moisture meter. A non-destructive moisture meter can precisely localise and measure increased moisture without having to break open the surface material of the wall.

Moisture analysers with Two measuring depthshow the MEX5 and the ME5enable the user to change the Compare moisture content inside and behind wall panelling. The measurements in shallow depth, up to 10 mm (⅜"), and in large depth, up to 30 mm (1¼"), can be used to Compare surface and core moisture and eliminate the influence of the substrate when testing coverings. It can also help determine whether a moisture problem lies deeper in the structure.

Further in-situ investigations can then be combined with insulated pins and RH probes for moisture measurement at depth. This can be done with the Moisture Encounter MEX5 which has a plug-in connection for pin probes that can be used to check increased humidity values.

As well as assessing dampness, pinless damp testing can also be used to identify and map the extent of a damp problem within a wall structure without penetrating the external surface. The extent of a moisture problem can be determined using Humidity maps be visualised.

Using a moisture meter for drywall

Me5 On Plaster Wall Extension Handle Tm App Plaster Tile W550h600

As the Moisture Encounter ME5, Qualitative, comparative measurement results it is necessary to first carry out a moisture measurement on a part of the wall that is known to be dry. This measurement result can then be as a reference for "acceptably dry" can be used.
  • Switching Switch on the measuring device and select the Dry construction scale.
  • Press the moisture detector on a known dry spot against the wall and Make a note of this measured value as a reference for further tests. Ensure that both electrodes are fully connected to the surface to be tested.
  • Higher moisture readings indicate a possible moisture-related problem that needs to be investigated further.
  • Multiple measurements along the outer wall with a pinless moisture meter such as the ME5 will not damage the wall surface and give a good indication of the moisture content hidden behind the surface material.
  • The Double depth function of the ME5 can help to localise the depth of the moisture problem from the surface material. For example, if the deep reading, up to 30mm (1¼"), shows that there are elevated moisture levels and the shallow reading, up to 10mm (⅜"), shows no elevated moisture problems, it may indicate that the moisture problem is further into the building structure and has not reached the surface material.
  • With the Tramex Meters App you can use the Display measured values and a Visual humidity map of your test area, which displays the various moisture values at the respective test points. The measured values can be saved and compiled into reports to share with others.

Moisture mapping of the humidity level

Moisture mapping can help visualise high and low readings within a wall structure, especially when there is no visible evidence of increased moisture.

Moisture maps are useful for detecting and mapping the extent of a moisture problem within a wall structure without damaging the exterior surface.

A moisture map can help to localise the source of the moisture problem by detecting the leak and monitoring the drying process until an acceptable level of dryness is achieved.

 Moisture Map Phone In Hand With Room Background W550h600

Importance of moisture mapping in soil testing

Moisture mapping functions are a great advantage for visualising the moisture content over a large area.

Me5 With Extension Handle On Wooden Floor 1

This process can reveal a hidden elevated moisture content under the flooring and help trace 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.