How to Use a Moisture Meter?

The moisture tester is very easy to use. Anyone can get it to check the safety of a wall, a wood frame, or the moisture content in a screed. Here is some information to better understand the use, to know the price and the different models.

The different models of moisture meters

There are several models of moisture testers and you can adapt your choice according to your needs. You should know that there is still a margin of error of about 1% with these devices.

• The analog moisture tester: it is the most commonly used nowadays. The reading is done on the screen for the precision of the results.
• The needle tester: the results are displayed according to the variation of a needle.
• The diode tester: it is instead recommended for professional use, which requires a real precision.

The criteria of choice

• needs: for one or two occasional measurements, it is useless to invest in a high-end moisture tester;
• performance of the device: they meet the need to opt for ultra-simple models or a little more sophisticated for further analysis;
• Functions: some tools include some options such as the instant display of measurements on an LCD screen, etc.
• Compliance with European standards: for a product complying with European requirements, the standard NF DTU 53.2 must appear on the humidity tester.

Operation of the humidity tester

Humidimeters are usually equipped with one or more probes that will penetrate the material whose moisture content is to be measured. Very easy to use; they are valuable tools to gauge the safety of a wall or check that a frame is still in good condition. Once the probes are placed in the material, you will be able to read the results on the LCD screen or with the needle. They work with a battery and are often small for natural movement. Interchangeable tips make it possible to adapt them according to the substances to be tested. Some testers are not invasive and need to be placed against the material. The result is, however, less precise.

How to use it and how much does this tester cost?

Always place the probes perpendicular to the veins of the wood. For other materials, make sure the probes are seated enough in the holder for accurate measurement. 
The price can vary from 10 to 180 dollars, depending on the model you choose. The most expensive is recommended for professionals. If you use it for home use, you can opt for a less expensive tester.

• The ideal humidity level of a living room must be between 45 and 65%, with a temperature of 20 ° C, to be as comfortable as possible and not to risk damaging the materials that make up the housing.
• If the ambient air is too dry, there will be more dust on the furniture, and the mucous membranes of the ENT area of ​​the human body will dry out more quickly, creating breathing problems, headaches, or even discomfort.
• On the contrary, if the humidity is above 70%, allergens and fungi can appear in your home. Rain and health rarely mix; it can trigger lung diseases such as asthma. Also, depending on the cause of this moisture, your home may have water infiltration. And this can give rise to many problems: a musty smell floating in the house, blackened walls, damp and damaged furniture, peeling paint, peeling wallpaper, a proliferation of mites.
• If you suspect a percentage of humidity that is too high in your home, for example in the case of condensation on walls and windows, it is essential to ask a professional to carry out a humidity diagnosis, including a hygrometer and a moisture meter, or an infrared thermal ultrasound camera. It will be able to propose a solution adapted to the problem, for example, the installation of a ventilation system, an absorber of humidity, or the injection of a barrier of waterproofing in the walls.
• Now you know what you have to do if you find moisture in your home, before going out planer, grinder and sander to tinker your walls and furniture damaged, call a professional to see if the problem is located no more in-depth!