FAI DETDAMP -
Damp and Moisture Meter
Specification
Display:
LCD
Meter Measurement Range:
Wood:
6 ~ 42%
Hard Material: 0.2 ~ 2.0%
Temperature: 0 ~ 40°C, or 32 ~ 99°F
Resolution:
Wood:
1%
Material:
0.1%
Temperature: 1°C/2°F
Accuracy:
Wood: reading < 30% : ±2%
reading ≥ 30% : ±4%
Hard Material: reading < 1.4% : ±0.1%
reading ≥ 1.4% : ±0.2%
Temperature: Not specified
OL
=
Out of Limits
Introduction
Testing for dampness using a conductivity
‘pin’ type meter is intended to allow the user
to compare readings in order to interpret the
pattern and deduce the likely cause(s).
Do not use the meter to justify expensive
building works without consulting a qualified
expert as high conductivity readings can be
caused by ‘salts’, foil backed plasterboard,
aluminium paints etc.
Visual Clues
Make a plan of the walls and any related area
you are intending to test, inspect them looking
for the following symptoms then mark them on
your plan.
▪
Water stains, discoloured paint, paper.
▪
White crunchy salts on the surface, paint
being pushing off or mould on the wallpaper.
▪
Black or green tide mark, often a wavy line
along the wall (note the height) at low level.
▪
Loose crumbly plaster, or hollow sound
when tapped with the knuckles.
▪
Skirting board creasing, inward or outward
or splitting into cubes.
▪
Is the plaster right down to the floor
(‘bridging’ the DPC) - tap the skirting boards
with your knuckles, they should sound
hollow at the base.
▪
Soft, sagging, bouncy or rotting floor boards
(check air bricks – size and number)
▪
Insect holes (measure the diameter, use a
magnifier)
▪
Chimney breast stains (which floor, any
ventilation?)
▪
Solid floor damp - check the wall to floor
joint at the edges.
▪
Water leaks from kitchen or bathroom
fixtures or machines.
▪
Leaking gutters, downpipes, drains.
Defective pointing or flashing.
▪
High external ground levels relative to DPC.
How to test for damp guide
1
