Moisture mapping is a non-invasive technique used to identify and locate moisture problems in buildings. It involves using a moisture meter to measure the relative humidity or moisture content of building materials, such as drywall, wood, and concrete.
The acceptable moisture levels for building materials vary depending on the material itself and the environment in which it is located. However, as a general rule, the following moisture levels are considered acceptable:
– **Drywall:** Less than 15% moisture content
– **Wood:** Between 6% and 12% moisture content
– **Concrete:** Less than 4% moisture content
Damp readings are expressed as a percentage of relative humidity (RH) or moisture content (MC). An acceptable damp reading will vary depending on the specific material being measured and the environment in which it is located.
– For example, in a typical indoor environment with a relative humidity of 50%, an acceptable damp reading for drywall would be less than 60% RH.
– For wood, an acceptable damp reading would be between 6% and 12% MC.
– For concrete, an acceptable damp reading would be less than 4% MC.
It is important to note that these are just general guidelines. The specific acceptable moisture levels for a particular building material and environment should be determined by a qualified professional.