| Author |
Message |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - 05:06 pm: |    |
Is there a recognized standard for non-destructive testing of moisture content of wood? I know there are hand held moisture meters available, but I have not found a standard (ASTM, APA, ???) that would form the basis for what these meters are testing.
The specific condition we are dealing with is fire-retardant treated plywood sheathing which will have a limited exposure to weathering. We want to be able to test the moisture content of the plywood just prior to application of final exterior finishes to determine that it meets our specification of 19% MC.
Anyone have any experience with this sort of test? |
Mark Gilligan SE, CSI
Senior Member
Username: markgilligan
Post Number: 96
Registered: 05-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, September 14, 2006 - 02:22 am: | |
A number of years ago when I needed to test the moisture content of lumber the testing laboratory used a hand heald unit with pins. The length of the pin determines the depth of the wood where you are checking the moisture.
I remember there being an ASTM standard. A quick search on the ASTM site came up with the following: "D4444-92(2003) Standard Test Methods for Use and Calibration of Hand-Held MOISTURE Meters."
I would check with a testing laboratory since this should be a common type of test they perform. |
John Bunzick, CCS, CCCA
Senior Member
Username: bunzick
Post Number: 574
Registered: 03-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, September 14, 2006 - 09:29 am: | |
The May 2006 issue of Construction Specifier has an article about moisture meters which also covers some aspects of moisture content of wood and other materials. DOC PS20 defines dry wood as moisture content of 19 percent or less, calculated by weight. The proper calibration of the meter is important to getting accurate results. |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Monday, September 25, 2006 - 04:37 pm: | |
Thanks. This is exactly the information I needed. |
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