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Anonymous
 
Posted on Wednesday, September 13, 2006 - 05:06 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

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:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

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:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

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:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Thanks. This is exactly the information I needed.

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