The science of drying involves removing moisture from wet materials and is most effectively performed after collecting atmospheric moisture reading, structural materials temperature readings, and moisture content from both affected and unaffected materials.
Descriptions of moisture meters can be found in ANSI/IICRC S500 2006. The standard defines Moisture Meters as: “An electronic sensing device used to measure the internal moisture percentage of various construction materials, such as wood, gypsum board, masonry, etc.”
Penetrating meters work when pins or probes are inserted into materials and work by detecting measurable moisture levels.
Non-penetrating meters work by detecting moisture levels without penetrating the surface.
Some meters operate beyond detecting moisture, the measure surface and air temperatures; relative humidity including grains per pound, vapor pressure, calculate dew point and condensation risks.
Humidity probes on some devices can also be used in structural materials such as concrete, masonry and other building materials.
Some devices allows wireless on-site monitoring and moisture recording and then data can be downloaded to a computer.
With Infrared thermal imaging cameras can quickly scan and identify the full extent of water and moisture damage at a job site. It allows targeted dry-out efforts and monitor drying progress.
Moisture meters provide a reasonably accurate picture of how wet materials are and can be used to established drying trends. This is very important when drying is accelerated with the addition of heat.
Source:
Restoration & Remediation, Dan Bernazzani, Extech, Tramex, Lignomat & Flir
SteamMaster Restoration and Cleaning Journal 