Non-penetrating Meter
In the water damage restoration industry, the non-penetrating meter is primarily used for measuring moisture content (MC) in sheetrock walls or ceilings and hardwood flooring. It can also be used to measure MC in concrete, plaster and laminate flooring. This meter can either use a radio frequency to measure MC or the more common type uses conductive pads. When excessive moisture is present this completes the circuit across the insulated pads and the meter will register the item as having excessive MC. This meter is also commonly referred to as a pin- less or non-destructive type moisture meter.
Advantages of a Non-penetrating Meter:
- This meter is very fast for large areas – you can literally slide this meter along the surface to measure MC
- This meter will not mark, leave holes or cause any damage to the material being tested
- Typically has a selector switch for ranges of sensitivity to match the material being measured
- Audible beeping sound to alert you that the MC exceeds allowable tolerance
- Can measure MC to a depth of approximately 1”
Disadvantages of a Non-penetrating Meter:
- Meter is prone to false-positive readings (material is actually dry, but the meter is registering wet due to conductive materials such as metal studs, duct work, metal corner beads, etc. behind the drywall)
- Conductive pads can be damaged if due care is not taken
- Less accurate than the pin-type meter