Moisture Meters
Electronic devices detecting elevated moisture in wood and building materials - essential for identifying conducive conditions for termites, carpenter ants, and wood decay.
Detailed Overview
Moisture meters measure water content in wood and building materials. Two types: (1) Pin-type: metal pins insert into wood measuring electrical resistance - higher moisture increases conductivity. Gives localized reading at pin depth. Best for wood beams, framing, structural members. (2) Pinless/Surface: uses electromagnetic wave scanning surface without penetration. Covers larger area but less precise. Best for finished surfaces, drywall, quick scanning. Moisture readings: 6-12% normal for interior wood. 15-19% elevated risk for fungi and insects. 20%+ supports decay and active termite/carpenter ant activity. Uses: (1) Termite inspections: measure wood moisture at suspected activity, identify high-moisture areas attractive to termites, document conducive conditions. (2) Carpenter ant inspections: locate moisture-damaged wood preferred by carpenter ants. (3) Building moisture problems: find leaks behind walls, under floors, in ceilings causing pest-conducive conditions. (4) Documentation: provides numerical data for reports rather than subjective assessment. Many WDI inspectors require moisture meters. Document readings with photos showing location. Calibrate per manufacturer schedule. Limitations: surface moisture (rain) gives false high readings - probe deeper. Metal contact causes erratic readings.
When to Use
Use on all termite and carpenter ant inspections to identify elevated moisture. Scan suspected water damage areas. Document readings in inspection reports. Essential tool for WDO inspections.
Required Skill Level
Requires some training and experience in pest management
Benefits
- Objectively quantifies moisture levels
- Identifies hidden moisture problems
- Documents conducive conditions with data
- Guides recommendations for moisture correction
- Essential for professional WDO inspections
- Finds problems before visible damage
Limitations
- Requires understanding of normal vs elevated moisture
- Surface moisture gives false readings
- Metal contact affects readings
- Different wood species have different normal ranges
- Moisture alone does not prove pest presence
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