L PIECE OF KIT , discusses how to purchase the correct moisture meter for the job.
even faster. You won't need to check each moisture reading. Just keep moving along until the alarm beeps – if it beeps.
If you're measuring moisture in firewood, a pin meter is the way to go. They're smaller bundles than flooring batches and aesthetics aren't an issue. A few holes won’t make a difference. In any case, unless the firewood has a flat surface, the moisture sensor plate of the pinless meter won't work on it anyway.
But to help ensure that the wood flooring you install will last for years to come, a pinless moisture meter is definitely the way to go.
WHAT FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN
A WOOD MOISTURE METER I've already mentioned the alarm feature that alerts you to an unacceptable reading. Not all wood moisture meters have an alarm. If working quickly has value to you, then look for this feature on the meter you choose.
There are other features that should always be considered when selecting a wood moisture meter.
Moisture Content Range: For most installers, a meter that can measure MC within the 5-20% range will suffice. It is especially important to use a meter that can take readings at the lower end of this range. Because some meters do not read to 5% MC, check the MC range before you buy. Having a meter that can read above 20% MC is less important. If the moisture content is over 20%, the wood is not acclimatised and therefore not appropriate for installation.
Wood Species Setting: The wood's species, and even subspecies, matters when measuring moisture. This relates to the physical characteristics of each species, including specific gravity or density. Look for a meter with a wood species setting that adjusts the readings to account for the species. Without this setting, you'll have to consult a species correction table. Few people have time for that. If you work with a wide range of species or with exotic species, make sure the meter's species settings cover what you need.
Display: Some meter displays are easier to read than others. A digital display will always be easier than an analogue display. Either an LED or LCD digital display should be fine. Take a look at each to see if you have a preference. Also, look for whether the meter has a ‘hold’ button to keep a reading displayed for a longer period of time. This is helpful if you have to take readings from awkward angles and can't see the display until removing the meter.
Relative mode: A meter with a relative mode lets you check some types of non-wood materials. Instead of giving you a MC%, this mode gives you a relative reading that indicates if a spot has more moisture than a confirmed dry spot. However, when checking the moisture condition of a concrete subfloor, use an in-situ relative humidity test kit instead. A handheld meter’s relative mode won’t indicate if a concrete slab is dry enough for your floor installation.
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There are also some enhanced moisture meter features that will make your life much easier.
EMC Calculator: The EMC and MC% are two different readings. All digital meters provide MC% readings but do not necessarily give you the EMC. The EMC is the number that tells you whether the wood has acclimatised. Some moisture meters do the EMC calculation for you. With an EMC calculator, you can be confident that you're making decisions with the right information.
Ambient Conditions Sensor: If you do want to determine the EMC, you'll also need to know the air temperature and relative humidity. Some meters have a sensor to capture this data, which is generally useful to have as part of your project record.
Data Collection App: Having a digital record of all your moisture-related data can protect you if a project goes bad. You may want to consider a Bluetooth-enabled meter that can integrate with a data collection application on your smartphone. This will take your data management to a new, stress-free level.
FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU NEED –
THEN BUY Some wood moisture meters are designed for hobbyists. Some for professional wood flooring installers whose livelihoods depend on their reputation. You want to select a moisture meter with the features that help you do your job. Someone building wood projects on the weekend won't need the advanced features that improve a professional's work. If you are a professional wood installer, a moisture meter is no place to skimp. It's an essential tool that will have a huge impact on the quality of your work.
www.wagnermeters.com MACHINERY, TOOLS & ACCESSORIES | 35
For flooring installers, a pinless moisture meter makes the best choice since you’ll be able to take faster measurements and avoid unsightly pin holes.
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