Yes, moisture meters that are calibrated specifically for concrete provide instant and precise quantitative measurement of the moisture content of concrete.
Concrete Moisture Meter Calibration
The best concrete moisture meters have been calibrated using gravimetric testing as a baseline. They also provide stability in use, by way of spring-loaded electrodes, giving repeatable and reliable measurements. If a concrete moisture meter is not calibrated specifically for concrete, it cannot be used to measure moisture content, and should only be used for comparative reference.
Gravimetric testing as a baseline
Gravimetric testing (the measurement of water % by weight, aka ‘the oven method’) is an industry standard in many different and diverse industries, including the wood industry, grain storage, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. As a result, gravimetric has been established as the most accurate method of measuring the moisture content of virtually anything.
The most critical section of concrete slab moisture testing
The top ¾ inch of the slab is the most critical section of concrete slab moisture testing as it interacts with the coating or covering that is to be installed. Concrete moisture meters non-destructively measure moisture content in the top ¾ inch of the concrete. Concrete moisture testing using a calibrated concrete moisture meter provides reliable and accurate reading results.
Acceptable Moisture Content in Concrete
When concrete is first placed, its moisture content by weight will be approximately 6 to 7% water, and half of that water reacts to form cement. The remaining water is chemically bound and no longer of concern for flooring installation. As such, we are essentially concerned with this 3% to 6% window to determine when the concrete is ‘dry enough’, and so precision is critical - precision that concrete moisture meters calibrated using gravimetric testing method as a baseline can provide.
Advantages of Quality Concrete Moisture Meters
- Tramex concrete moisture meters, such as the CME5 and the CMEX5, have been calibrated to gravimetric methods and are instant, with no need to wait hours or days for a result. This reduces money and time spent.
- The instruments are very cost-effective and sustainable, with no repetitive costs or waste over years of repeated use.
- The user is not restricted to testing a few specific test locations, such as a drilled hole, or chosen square foot and can effectively map out the entire concrete slab. This can identify areas of highest moisture, anomalies and potential problem areas quickly and easily.
- Tramex concrete moisture meters make this even more straightforward in being compatible with the Tramex Meters App for recording, moisture mapping and reporting mapped data, as well as extension handles to avoid repeated kneeling or crouching.
- Tramex concrete moisture meters are included in various concrete moisture test kits, designed to carry out specific concrete moisture test methods.
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