Non-Destructive Moisture Humidity Meter USER GUIDE

MRH III User GuideHumidity Probe DisplayMETRICFlashing 'H' in Hold modeRelative HumidityR HT dT ºC5 0 . 1 %1 1 . 7 CDewpoint (Td) ºCHT2 0 C0 0 0 7 g m sMixing Ratio g/kgIMPERIALR HT d5 0 . 1 %5 3 . 1 FHT6 8 F0 0 5 1 G R NWood Pin Probe DisplayP I N XP R O B EX X X X X X XM C 1 0 . 8 %Moisture Content13

05 III 8VHU *XLGH XPLGLW\ PHDVXUHPHQW PRGH The optional Relative Humidity (RH) Probe can be pluggedinto the socket at the top of the instrument. The displayshows relative humidity (RH), temperature (T), dew-pointtemperature (Td) and mixing ratio in grains/lb (GRN) org/kg (gms). When the RH Probe is plugged into the MRH,theorkey is used for changing the temperaturebetween ºC and ºF and the mixing ratio between g/kg andgrains/lb.:RUNLQJ ZLWK \RXU 05 &RPSDUDWLYH 0DWHULDO 6FDOHV The MRH has 4 comparative material scales: Roof,Masonry, Drywall and Laminate. The comparative materialscales are selected using thekey and switching betweenthe various scales usingorkey. 5RRI 6FDOH 5RRI 7HVWLQJ a) The presence of moisture in built-up roofs covered withmulti-ply roofing felt, PVC, modified bitumen and allnon-conductive membranes (See Limitations Section),can cause blistering and splitting of the roof covering. Inaddition moisture can cause considerable damage to thecontents and fabric of the building as well as heat lossthrough wet insulation. Your MRH can be used toconfirm a new roof has been installed dry and help traceleaks.b) If the waterproofing membrane develops a leak, thewater can travel within the built-up-roof structure and14

05 III 8VHU *XLGHenter the building some distance away. Testing themembrane surface and comparing the dry areas withareas where moisture is present below the surface canassist in tracing such a leak to its source.c) As there are many different types and thickness sizes ofroofing membranes, it is not possible to give acalibrated percentage measurement. Instead, a comparativescale is displayed both numerically, (0 to 99) and in a barform on the bottom line of the display. The display alsoshows low (Lo), medium (Md) and high (Hi) readings forthe scale.These do not necessarily indicate low, medium or highlevels of moisture but indicate the area of the 0-100comparative scale where the reading lies.d) If gravel surfacing is present, this should be removed toensure your MRH comes into direct contact with thesurface of the membrane.e) It is recommended that a core be cut to determine thedepth and density of the moisture before carrying outroof repairs. Alternatively, the area can be checked witha resistance-type moisture meter with insulated pins upto a length of 7”(180mm).0DVRQU\ 6FDOH 7HVWLQJ SODVWHU EULFN DQG EORFN Your MRH gives comparative (relative) readings (0 to 99)on plaster, brick and block. These readings are displayed bothnumerically and in bar form on the LCD. The display alsoshows low (Lo), medium (Md) and high (Hi) readings for the scale.These do not necessarily indicate low, medium or highlevels of moisture but indicate the area of the 0-100comparative scale where the reading lies.For plaster, brick and block use the Masonry scale. For Drywallthe more sensitive dedicated Drywall scale is used. Alwayspress the electrodes firmly against the surface.The moisture profile of a masonry wall can be determinedby moving your MRH across the surface where it will readthrough most paints and wall coverings.It will help identify the different levels of moisture even ifnot apparent on the surface. Moisture can often be trappedbehind wall coverings.15

05 III 8VHU *XLGHRising damp and moisture migration from leaks anddefective, or non-existent, vapor barriers can be identifiedand profiled and often its source identified by moving theinstrument across the wall surface.Water damage following flooding or fire fighting can bechecked and the drying out and de-humidification processcan be monitored. 'U\ZDOO 6FDOHBecause of its deep signal penetration, your MRH canidentify excess moisture behind drywall, ceramic tile andother wall coverings when used on the Drywall Scale. 7HVWLQJ RQ FHUDPLF WLOHV RWKHU ZDOO DQG IORRU FRYHULQJV.Excess moisture trapped behind covering materials such asceramic tiles, carpet, wall coverings etc can cause majorproblems. For instance, excess moisture behind ceramic tileson drywall or other substrates can cause decay, delaminationand mold growth. The longer these problems go undetected,the worse the problem can get, eventually leading to systemfailure.Your MRH can be used to detect and identify areas ofelevated moisture within or behind most types of wall andfloor coverings. For example the MRH can detect elevatedmoisture behind most types of ceramic tiles.Should the Drywall Scale prove to be too sensitive fortesting ceramic tiles or other coverings, reduce sensitivity bychoosing the Laminate Scale and take readings on acomparative basis. 16

05 III 8VHU *XLGH/DPLQDWH 6FDOH For applications where the Roof or Drywall scales are toosensitive and the Masonry scale is not sensitive enough, theLaminate scale can be used. This scale used can be used fortesting on ceramic tiles and other wall and floor coverings. Itcan also be used in many other applications where the otherscales do not have the required sensitivity.:RRG 6FDOH 7HVWLQJ ZRRG DQG ZRRG SURGXFWV a) When testing wood, power-on, select Wood Scale usingthekey.b) When the Wood Scale is selected the moisture content(MC) in percent is shown on the right-hand side of thebottom line of the display. The left-hand side of this lineshows the specific gravity (SG) being used. See note onspecific gravity on page 23. The SG is changed by usingtheorkey to adjust to the required SG value.The range of SG covered is 0.30 to 0.80. The S.G.increases and decreases in increments of 0.01.c) A chart showing the approximate specific gravity of arange of different species is shown on pages 22 and 23.For SG greater than 0.80 please refer to specific gravityadjustment chart (Table 2 on page 20). For species notlisted a more comprehensive list is available on theUSDA websitewww2.fpl.fs.fed.us/ (in the US) orfrom timber importers and forestry departments in othercountries.d) If possible, always take readings with the length of theinstrument parallel to the direction of the wood grain.e) Calibration tests were carried out by Forbairt, the IrishInstitute for Industrial Research and Standards, and arebased on Douglas Fir, which had a published specificgravity (SG) of 0.50.f) Acceptable levels of moisture content depend onclimatic conditions and we advise you check the levelsacceptable in your area. Table 1 on page 19 shows the17

05 III 8VHU *XLGHapproximate relationship between the ambient relativehumidity and equilibrium moisture content in woods.g) The following moisture content levels are given as aguide% Furniture: 5% to 6% when used in locations of lowrelative humidity and up to 10% to 11% may beacceptable where the relative humidity is higher.% Interior wood: 6% in low humidity areas. Up to12% in higher humidity locations.% Exterior wood: 10% to 15% depending on localhumidity levels.% Generally, wood with a moisture content in excessof 23% - 25% is susceptible to rot.% Wood moisture content in excess of 18% - 20%may provide an environment for termite and woodboring insects to thrive and multiply. Wood at thesehigh levels can also support mold and biologicalgrowth.% Wood at 28% moisture content is considered tohave reached fiber saturation point.h) Avoid taking readings on wood from the top of a stackstored outside as these may be affected by surfacemoisture from recent rain.i) When taking readings in chemically treated wood, it isadvisable to allow for possible effects that the treatmentmay have on readings. 5HODWLYH KXPLGLW\ DQG PRLVWXUH FRQWHQW The following table shows the approximate relationshipbetween relative humidity (RH) and equilibrium moisturecontent (EMC) of some woods.These figures are approximate values and may vary fordifferent species.18

05 III 8VHU *XLGHRelative Humidity10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%Wood MC %3 to 55 to 66 to 88 to 1010 to 1111 to 1313 to1515 to 1818 to 2323 7DEOH SSUR[ UHODWLRQVKLS EHWZHHQ 5 DQG (0& Depth of field penetrationDepending on the density of the material being tested, the instrument field canthin materials such as wood veneers it is recommended that they are stacked to atleast that thickness. :RRG )ORRULQJ a) Excess moisture in wood flooring or concrete sub-floorscan cause major problems. For instance, if installed withexcess moisture, the wood can subsequently shrinkleading to job failure.b) If a wood floor (solid, laminated or engineered) isinstalled above wet concrete the wood can absorbmoisture emitting from the concrete causing the wood toswell and buckle and even cause structural damage tothe building. For measuring the moisture in concrete,the Tramex CME4, CRH or CMEXpert should be used.c) Your MRH can be used to measure the moisturecontent of the wood floor to ensure it meetsspecification. Likewise it can be used to check, on acomparative basis, through the floor covering, toidentify elevated moisture in the substrate.19

MRH III User GuideNOTE: On the Wood, Drywall, Roofing andLaminate Scales the depth of penetration ofWhen using any of these scales on wood orlaminate over concrete or other screeds, theMRH will be reading through the materialand may be giving a much higher thanexpected reading. This is invariably due to thefact that concrete is a much densermaterial than wood or wood-based products.In such instances, the wetter areas can beidentified non-invasively and the wood probecan then be used to make select intrusions todetermine the moisture content of the wood orlaminate.ReadingS.G. set at 0.55 to 910 to 1213 to 1516 to 1819 to 2122 to 2425 to 2728 to 3031 to 3334 to 51-4-5-6-8-10-11-13-14-15-16Table 2. Specific Gravity Adjustment Table (S.G. 0.80)20

MRH III User GuideAdhesivesThe presence of different species, treatments, adhesives, etc.,within products such as plywood, particleboard, OSB(oriented strand board), laminated and engineered woodswill affect measurements. If in doubt please contact us and,if you wish, we can work with you in developing your owncalibration for a specific product.Concrete.Your MRH is not calibrated for concrete. The TramexConcrete Encounter CME4, CMExpert and CRHinstruments are specifically designed for concrete flooringand are recommended where quantitative measurements arerequired. However a comparative indication of the moisturecondition of a concrete or sub floor can be obtained with theMRH set on the Masonry scale. Comparative readings canalso be obtained through coverings such as vinyl, carpet andlaminated wood flooring by using the Laminate Scale.Chemical treatment or contaminationReadings may be affected by certain flame-retardants,preservatives, aluminium paint and by contamination by saltwater. Treat all readings on such wood as indicative readingsonly.21

MRH III User GuideTable of Wood Specific Gravities (S.G.)HARDWOODSAm. AmericanAlder, Red (Am. Alder, Western Alder) Alnus rubra 0.41Ash, White (Northern / Southern Ash) F. americana 0.60Aspen, Quaking (Am. Aspen) Populus tremuloides 0.38Basswood (Am. Basswood, Linden) Tilia americana 0.37Beech Fagus Grandifolia 0.64Birch, Yellow (Gray, Silver, Swamp)B. alleghaniensis 0.62Cherry (Am. Black Cherry) Prunus serotina 0.50Cottonwood (Eastern Cottonwood) Populus deltoides 0.40Elm, Red (Slippery elm) Ulmus rubra 0.53Hackberry (Common Hackberry) Celtic occidentalis 0.53Hickory (Pignut, True Hickory) Carya glabra 0.75Maple, Am. Hard (Sugar Maple) Acer saccharum 0.63Maple Am. Soft (Red Maple) Acer rubrum 0.54Maple, Silver Acer saccharinum 0.47Maple, Black Acer nigrum 0.57Oak, Northern Red Quercus rubra 0.63Oak, Southern Red (Cherrybark) Quercus falcata 0.68Oak, White (Am. White Oak) Quercus alba 0.68Pecan Hickory (Am. Pecan) CaryaiIllinoensis 0.66Red Gum (Sweetgum) Liquidamber styraciflua 0.52Sassafras (Golden Elm) Sassafras albidum 0.46Sycamore(Am. Planetree, Buttonwood) P. occidentalis 0.49Walnut, Black (Am. Walnut) Juglans nigra 0.55Willow, black (Am. Willow) Salix nigra 0.39Yellow Poplar (Am. Tulipwood, Tulip Poplar, Canarywood)Liriodendron tulipifera 0.42SOFTWOODSCedar, Alaska (Alaskan Yellow) 0.4422

MRH III User GuideCedar, Incense 0.37Cedar, Port-Orford 0.43Cedar, Western Red 0.32Douglas Fir, Coast 0.48Douglas Fir, Interior West 0.50Fir, California Red 0.38Fir, Grand 0.37Fir, noble 0.39Fir, Pacific Silver 0.43Fir, White 0.39Hemlock, Western 0.45Larch, Western 0.52Pine, Lodgepole 0.41Pine, Ponderosa 0.40Pine, Sugar 0.36Pine, Western White (Idaho) 0.38Spruce, Engelmann 0.35Spruce, Sitka 0.40EXOTICBalsa 0.16Ebony 1.10Karri 0.82Padauk 0.77Tulipwood 0.96Source: USDA: Wood Handbook 1987.Note on specific gravity (S.G.):The specific gravity (S.G.) of wood is the ratioof the density of wood to the density of waterat a specified temperature (generally 4ºCwhere the density of water is at its maximum).The density of wood is usually based on theoven-dry weight and the volume at thespecified moisture content (M.C.), generally12%.23

05 III 8VHU *XLGH :RRG 3LQ 0HWHU 0RGH Factors Affecting Moisture ReadingsThe readings of all moisture meters are influenced by thecharacteristics of different species of wood as well astemperature and other factors listed below.SpeciesDifferent species of wood can vary in density andconductivity, which can have an effect on the electricalresistance of the wood. This can influence meter readings forthe same moisture content and can also apply to similarspecies from different origins. A species adjustment table isprovided on page 28 to 39.TemperatureMeter readings can be affected by wood temperature. TheWood Probe is calibrated at 20 C (68 F). At woodtemperatures above 20 C (68 F), the meter readings arehigher and at wood temperatures below 20 C (68 F) themeter readings are lower. A temperature adjustment chart isprovided on page 27.Chemical treatment or contaminationReadings may be affected by certain flame retardants,preservatives, aluminium paint and by contamination by saltwater. Treat all readings on such wood as indicative readingsonly.Surface MoistureSurface moisture due to wetting or condensation can affectreadings when uninsulated pins are used. It is recommendedthat insulated pins such as SP-52 are used in conjunctionwith HA-22 Hammer Action electrode. As the pins are24

MRH III User Guidedriven into the wood, readings can be taken at differentdepths unaffected by moisture on the surface.Wood Flooringa)Excess moisture in wood flooring can cause majorproblems.b) For instance, if installed with excess moisture, the woodcan subsequently shrink leading to job failure.c) If a wood floor (solid, laminated or engineered) isinstalled above wet concrete the wood can absorbmoisture emitting from the concrete causing the wood toswell and buckle and even cause structural damage tothe building.d) Your MRH in PIN Probe mode can be used to measurethe moisture content of the wood floor to ensure it meetsspecification.Testing wood and wood productsa)b)c)d)e)When testing wood, power-on, insert wood probeinto phono-socket at the top of the MRH andselect Pin Probe Mode using thekey.When a wood probe is inserted the moisturecontent (MC) in percent is shown on the righthand side of the bottom line of the display.If possible, always take readings with the pinsparallel to the direction of the wood grain.Calibration tests are based on Douglas fir, whichhas a published specific gravity (SG) of 0.50.Acceptable levels of moisture content depend onclimatic conditions and we advise you check thelevels acceptable in your area. Table 1 on page19 shows the approximate relationship betweenthe ambient relative humidity and equilibriummoisture content in woods.25

MRH III User Guidef)The following moisture content levels are oftenquoted in the wood industry and should be usedas a guide only. Please contact industryassociations and manufacturers for theirspecifications.% Furniture: 5% to 6% when used in locations of lowrelative humidity and up to 10% to 11% may beacceptable where the relative humidity is higher.% Interior wood: 6% in low humidity areas. Up to12% in higher humidity locations.% Exterior wood: 10% to 15% depending on localhumidity levels.% Generally, wood with moisture content in excess of23% - 25% is susceptible to rot.% Wood moisture content in excess of 18% to

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