Copyright
2009, Delmhorst Instrument Co.
Page 9 of 35
TAKING A READING
– PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
The following application notes are intended for use with the meter in PIN
MODE except where otherwise indicated.
TESTING WOOD:
The integral contact pins (5/16in penetration) on top of the meter are best for wood up to 1-
1/2inches (6/4) or drywall. Use the 26-ES electrode on hard materials, wood over 2 inches thick,
or for any application where using the insulated pins are needed for best accuracy. The 22-E
with 1/2in non-insulated pins is also an excellent option for wood or drywall. Mount the electrode
directly to the external connector at the top of the meter
.
To take a wood reading
, align the contact pins parallel to the grain and push them to their
full penetration into the wood, if possible. Insulated pins read only at the tip and can be
driven to the desired depth.
Press the SELECT button
and read the moisture content on the meter scale. The meter
displays the %MC for two seconds.
Apply species and temperature corrections
if necessary for best accuracy. Refer to charts
at the back of the manual.
PAINT FAILURE AND MOISTURE
Moisture is by far the most frequent cause of paint failure. The key to preventing paint failure is to
insure that moisture is not absorbed through the wood to the back of the paint film. So, in order to
insure quality paint jobs, wood must remain dry after the application of paint.
Outdoor wood can be safely painted without danger of peeling if the %MC is 15% or less. In drier
climates, the maximum reading should be 10% to 11%. Indoor wood should be between 7% and
8% prior to painting.
The following conditions may cause high moisture content in wood:
Leaky gutters and down spouts
Leaky pipes or condensation on cold water lines in attic or hollow walls
Faulty flashing around windows, doors and where porch and dormer roofs meet sidings
End-grain wood that is not sealed with paint at all joints around windows, corners, and butt
joints
Porch columns that do not have good drainage and ventilation where they rest on porch
floors
Siding or any other wood that is in contact with the ground may absorb moisture
Siding and shingles without sufficient lap so that water is forced up through cracks by wind
pressure
Ice dams
Condensation of vapor within hollow walls
EIFS (Exterior Insulation & Finish Systems)
Moisture intrusion problems in EIFS (also known as synthetic stucco) stem from leaking window
frames, improper use of or lack of sealant, and faulty installation of flashing.
www.
.com
1.800.561.8187
