What is a normal wall moisture reading?
A range of 5 to 12 percent is considered optimal. A reading of up to 17 percent is generally considered moderate moisture and acceptable. Any reading over 17 percent is considered to be an indication of saturation and the need to replace the drywall and to take preventative measures against future moisture buildup.
What is an acceptable moisture readings in plaster walls?
The surveyor on site needs to have some flexibility based on the site, the context and other factors. However, as a rough guide we say anything below 20% WME on plaster is low – above that but lower than 25 to 27%%WME is moderate and Over 27% or so can be thought of as high (ish)…
What should moisture levels be in a wall?
Most houses have varying levels of humidity up to 50%, so moisture levels in drywall can vary from home to home. While relative humidity can have some effect on moisture levels, drywall is considered to have an appropriate level of moisture if it has a moisture content of between 5 and 12%.
What is a bad damp reading?
any moisture content above 16% reading is considered damp. Most meters are fairly accurate now,even the cheaper ones.
How do you check for moisture in walls?
With a drywall scale meter, accurately measuring moisture is as easy as pushing the pins of the meter into the drywall and taking a reading. The meter will provide an exact measurement that you can use to determine the moisture content of the drywall.
What is a bad moisture reading?
When using the wood scale on a pin-type moisture meter, the %MC reading can range from 5% to 40% in moisture content. Generally, the low end of this reading will fall into the 5 to 12% range, the moderate range will be 15 to 17%, and the high or saturated range will read above 17%.
What is a bad damp meter reading?
How is Wall dampness measured?
The size of the pores in the material (eg, concrete) can have an effect on the reading as a moisture meter simply measures how conductive a material is. This is also the reason that salts can affect a reading, as can foil-backed wallpaper or insulation material.
How can you tell if a wall is damp?
How to spot signs of damp
- A musty smell.
- The appearance of mould or mildew on walls, floors or ceilings.
- Walls, floors or ceilings that feel cold or wet.
- Dark or discoloured patches on walls or plaster.
- Lifting or peeling wallpaper.
- Excessive condensation on windows.
How do you check for damp walls?
Press the meters pins lightly on the surface of the walls and note readings. Take readings in damp affected areas every 100mm (4”) up and across the wall to establish the extent of the problem. 2. In the areas of highest readings try to push the pins further into the wall.