Moisture meter help

[iyaman]

So I got a klein tools moisture meter. So what's the acceptable percentage of moisture reading and what reading should I start to worry?

I see softwood, hardwood, masonry and drywall mode. What's the best mode to use when taking a reading on our C-Dory?

Thank you all.

[clayhubler]

iyaman,

I have a meter like this and I assume yours is similar


I used mine on hardwood at first, but the drywall and masonry settings go to 100% while hardwood only goes to 35%. It doesn't really matter too much, the readings are all relative. The best way to use one of these meters is to find an area that is cored that you know is dry and take a reading and use it as a baseline. If you one area with a much higher reading than another then it is time to take a closer look. You can see in the picture above a reading of 16% and in the pic below 0%. The deck fitting in the first picture was leaking and the coring was wet and starting to rot.


Remember that the meter is using conductivity to measure the moisture content. So metal really close or behind can give a false reading. Also, the surface needs to be dry. I have also heard that bottom paint with copper in it can affect the reading. And I think the meter only reads down about 3/4" or so.

Also, I wouldn't tear anything apart unless you get high readings and have another reason to suspect water intrusion.

[iyaman]

Thank you Clayhubler.