Hardwood Moisture Testing Meters

There are several types of meters. Some function by probing pins that are pushed into the material itself, or the Tramex Encounter Plus. This little beauty can detect moisture levels into material one inch, opposed to some meters that require a near surface testing area. In other words, if you're seeking the moisture content of common pine framing studs it can be placed on the drywall and a reading is taken, opposed to ripping out the drywall.

The Encounter Plus can detect moisture levels into building materials up to one inch. This includes the actual flooring or wood subfloor that should be tested prior to any installation. Plan on floating a wood floor over ceramic tile or VCT? No need for removal, simply place the unit over the material and a reading is seen. The instant reading has to be calibrated for the type of material being tested. A calibration guide is included for subfloors and dozens of hardwood species being used today.

Tramex Concrete Encounter Moisture Meter

This meter works to test new or older concrete substrates. You may think that old concrete slab is fine and never showed any signs of moisture problems, but has there been any new grading work done? Any changes could alter the drainage from or around the property. Perhaps there's a slow plumbing leak. Concrete wicks moisture like a sponge. This moisture meter can detect readings as deep as four inches into concrete.

Both products shown are lightweight pocket sized tools and battery operated. Moisture testing should not be overlooked. Any wide variances will likely result in problems with your new hardwood floor. Often the only solutions are complete removal, assessment and correction of what caused the problems, and re installation. Situations like this do not happen immediately. Floor covering failures as a result of moisture problems are usually noticeable within the first year after installation.