The Concrete Moisture Encounter CMEX5, used with a handheld heavy-duty pin probe, provides a reliable method for assessing moisture levels in OSB substrates. This article and video guide outlines the steps to effectively use the CMEX5 for moisture testing OSB substrates, ensuring precise measurements.
Setting Up the Concrete Moisture Encounter CMEX5
Before conducting any moisture test, it is important to properly set up the CMEX5 Moisture Meter to ensure accurate and consistent readings.
- Start by turning on the CMEX5 moisture meter.
- Press the upper left button on the meter to access the main menu.
The interface allows for easy navigation through various testing modes and settings.
- From the main menu, select 'Pin Mode'. Within Pin Mode, there are five available options. Scroll down and select 'WME', which stands for Wood Moisture Equivalent. This setting is tailored for assessing moisture content in wood-based materials such as OSB.
- Connect the pin probe to the CMEX5 using the bayonet connector. The meter will remember the selected WME setting, ensuring consistency in subsequent measurements.
Inserting the Probe into OSB
- Insert the pin probe into the OSB substrate. It is important to insert the probe deep enough to ensure stability and accurate measurement. Ensure that the cord remains stable during insertion to prevent inaccurate readings caused by movement or shifting of the probe.
- Once the probe is securely inserted, allow the meter to stabilize and display the moisture reading. In the demonstration, a reading of 7.9% is obtained, indicating the moisture level within the OSB substrate.
Interpreting Moisture Readings
Understanding the moisture readings in the context of ambient conditions is vital for making informed decisions about material readiness and installation processes.
- The CMEX5 provides ambient conditions at the bottom of the display, including temperature and relative humidity. In this example, the temperature is 76°F with a relative humidity of 51%.
Cross-Referencing with the WME Chart
Use the Wood Moisture Equivalent (WME) chart to determine the acceptable moisture levels for OSB under the recorded ambient conditions. The WME chart correlates moisture readings with specific environmental factors to establish acceptable moisture thresholds.
A reading of 7.9% falls within the acceptable range for a dry OSB substrate under the given conditions, indicating that the material is adequately dry for installation.
The Concrete Moisture Encounter CMEX5, paired with the heavy-duty pin probe, provides a reliable and efficient method for assessing moisture levels in OSB substrates.
The instant moisture readings enable professionals to determine whether an OSB substrate is ready for installation, reducing the risk of moisture-related problems and ensuring successful project outcomes.