Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 25, 2000 06:32am | #1

   *
   Ted,

   There's an instrument (several types, actually) called a "moisture meter" that measures moisture content of wood/drywall/plaster ... most I've seen have two little prongs that are pressed into the surface of the item you wish to measure.

   Check w/ a supply house, lumber yard, or possibly a larger paint supplier - if that's what you're talking about. You might do a little sleuthing that way and pinpoint the most likely location?

   Geo.

1. 
   Guest_ | Sep 27, 2000 08:15pm | #2

   *When I had the house inspected in the spring, the inspector had a model without the two prongs, looking for evidence of wet framing, etc. He said it worked on (I think) active sonar, or something similar. The difference in soundwave responses for a given material allow the demonstration of variances in moisture content of the material. Or something like that.Anyway, he said his particular model cost in the neghborhood of $600, and prongless was a relatively recent invention/design. $600 may have been his blowing smoke to an extent, I dunno. But if nothing else, call around to different good home inspectors and see if any of 'em use 'em, and can tell you where to get one cheap.

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   Guest_ | Sep 27, 2000 08:28pm | #3

   *The detectors are real pricey...I would have a home inspector do it or just open up the wall a bit...near the stream,aj

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   Guest_ | Sep 27, 2000 08:57pm | #4

   *DUH! I'm surprised I didn't make the same connection in my post. I guess I'm too much of a tool junkie, I'd (almost) rather spend the $ on a new gadget... Thanks, AJ.

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   Guest_ | Sep 27, 2000 10:23pm | #5

   *http://www.tramexltd.com/Welcome to Tramex Ltd. on-line. Here is a list of Moisture Meters we manufacture. You can click on any of the images for detailed information on each meter and then download a Product Data Sheet for all the specifications. We hope you enjoy the convenience of researching and purchasing Tramex Moisture Meters on-line. A non-destructive overall building inspection tool that has applications for many industries including but not limited to: building/home inspection, roofing, drywall, painting, flood and water restoration, flooring and pest control. Three ranges of sensitivity make it suitable for various building materials. A pocket size non-destructive meter designed to measure the moisture content in concrete flooring prior to the application of floor coverings. Simply switch the Concrete Encounter on, hold it against the surface and take readings from the clear analog dial showing readings up to 6% moisture content. A pocket size digital display moisture meter for measuring moisture content in wood without damaging the surface. Incorporates the following: Switchable specific gravity adjustment for many wood species; built in temperature sensor and readout; display hold facility; covers moisture content from 3% to 35%. A digital probe type resistance meter with built in probes designed to measure moisture content in wood and indicate this on a clear LED display, giving moisture reading from 6% to over 40% in 0.1% increments. Plug in hand held or hammer action electrodes and a range of probe sizes are also available. A probe type resistance meter with built in probes designed to measure moisture content in wood and indicate this on a clear analog dial, giving moisture readings from 7% to 40%. Plug in hand held or hammer action electrodes are also available. A pocket size, non-destructive moisture meter designed to locate moisture in boat hulls and fittings. It has three ranges of operation making it suitable for use on wood and fibreglass in fresh or salt water. A portable hand held instrument for non-destructive surveying, moisture detection and leak tracking in built up and single ply roofing. Suitable for use on most types of roofing with a non-conductive roof membrane. It will detect through up to 50mm of gravel surfacing. A mobile instrument on four wheels which allows quick non-destructive scanning of large roof areas with immediate accurate results. The Dec Scanner works on most types of built up and single ply non-conductive roofing with smooth or ballasted surfaces. Comes with an ABS carrying case. The Dec Scanner may also be ordered with an aluminium flight case. A non-destructive moisture detector to assist with leak tracing and moisture location in Black EPDM and Butyl roofing systems. A portable, hand held non-destructive moisture detector for moisture evaluation and tracing in EIFS. Incorporates 2 ranges of sensitivity for different insulation board thicknesses. Easy operation for fast non-destructive location of substrate moisture. A Complete Kit for moisture testing concrete flooring and wood flooring. Contains a Concrete Meter, Professional Wood Meter, Digital Hygrometer and slide action electrodes with 1.5" pins. A hand held, non-destructive, moisture meter giving moisture reading of between 7 and 30% wood moisture content and relative scale of 0-100. The electrodes on the Slim Line Moisture Encounter are fitted on the top of the instrument and measure approximately 20mm x 50mm to facilitate use on narrow spaces such as window frames, door frames etc.There is no product data sheet for the Slim Line, you may use these links to contact us for more information or order it on-line. Electronic Hygrometer giving relative Humidity, Temperature, and Dewpoint.There is no product data sheet for the Hygrometer, you may use these links to contact us for more information or order it on-line. Electrodes and Pins for use with Professional and Compact Moisture Meters.

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   Guest_ | Sep 27, 2000 10:33pm | #6

   *NON-DESTRUCTIVE MOISTURE METERS US $ Tramex Moisture Encounter: Non-destructive damp tracing and building surveying. 318.00 Tramex Concrete Encounter: Non-destructive moisture testing of concrete floors. 369.00 Tramex Flooring Inspection Kit: Foam lined ABS carrying case contains (1) Concrete Encounter, (2) Professional Meter, (3) Hammer Electrode with 1.5 inch (40mm) insulated pins, (4) Electronic Digital Hygrometer 894.00 Tramex Wood Encounter: Non-destructive testing of wood and wood products. 339.00

3. 
   Guest_ | Sep 29, 2000 03:37am | #7

   *Even back in the dark ages when I was in grad skool in Wood Science and Technology at Penn State in the late seventies there existed di-electic moisture meters. They create an electic field that penetrates about 3/4" into wood.The two prong meters are resistence meters and measure the area between the two probes.How these might apply to plaster is a concern for me and I would definitely contact the manufacturer to determine applicability and usefulness. With either meter it would probably require calibration for the material being tested (eg different woods as they have natural resistance, di-electric properties based on species).