The Tramex Moisture Encounters MEX5 and ME5 moisture meters feature several non-destructive settings that allow users to assess moisture conditions in a variety of materials without causing damage. These settings are tailored to different material densities, including: Wood, Drywall/Roofing, Plaster/Tile and Masonry.
By selecting the appropriate setting, you can obtain accurate comparative moisture readings that reflect the characteristics of the material being tested.
Understanding Material Density
The density of the material affects the reading. For instance, when testing a painted concrete floor with the meter set to Drywall/Roofing, the reading will be higher than expected due to the greater density of concrete. Adjusting the meter to the Plaster/Tile or Masonry setting will produce a lower and more accurate comparative measurement.
- The Drywall/Roofing setting is appropriate for lightweight materials.
- The Plaster/Tile setting is suitable for materials of medium density.
- The Masonry setting is designed for dense materials like concrete.
- The Wood setting is designed for measuring moisture content in wood, but could also be used as a comparative scale for other materials of medium density.
Establishing a Dry Baseline
When using the MEX5 or ME5, it is important to establish a baseline by taking a reading in a known dry spot on the material. The goal is to find a setting where the dry reading is close to zero, though not exactly zero. This baseline serves as a reference point for identifying elevated moisture levels in other areas.
The video example shows a dry area on a painted concrete floor producing a reading in the 30s when the meter is set to Masonry. Any increase from this baseline would indicate elevated moisture levels.
Depth of Detection
The Tramex Moisture Encounters MEX5 and ME5 measure moisture up to 1 ¼ inches deep, allowing users to detect both surface and subsurface moisture levels. This range of detection is particularly important when testing flooring over concrete substrates, as the substrate's moisture content can influence the readings.
For situations requiring more precise measurements just beneath the surface, the shallow depth setting is a valuable tool. This setting reduces the influence of the substrate and focuses on the area immediately below the floor covering.
Click to find out more about Shallow depth measurements with the Tramex MEX5 or how to detect moisture under flooring with the Tramex ME5.