In the latest in our series of product spotlights, we take a look at moisture measurement and control tools; the Protimeter AquantTM and Protimeter MMS2 handheld devices which are used as preliminary testers to identify potential moisture levels in subfloors and the Digital Hygrometer which is the moisture measurement method recommended by British Standards and is used to assess whether a subfloor is sufficiently dry to proceed with an installation.
Protimeter AquantTM
What is it?
A Protimeter AquantTM is a small, hand-held meter which uses a non-invasive, pinless radio frequency to easily identify potential moisture levels in subfloors.
What is it used for?
Determines if areas potentially contain excess moisture and are of concern. It can be used to undertake an initial test for the presence of moisture directly in materials and below wall and floorcoverings such as tile, wood and vinyl.
Protimeter MMS2
What is it?
The MMS2 is a complete moisture measurement system in one easy-to-use robust instrument. It can provide a quick check for moisture or with the use of probes or humidity box, allows Relative Humidity to be measured directly.
What is it used for?
If you’re surveying buildings, inspecting a home, drying a building after a flood, or testing concrete moisture for a flooring application, the MMS2 can be used to test for moisture.
Digital Hygrometer
What is it?
A calibrated digital hygrometer is a non-invasive device used to measure the moisture levels in a subfloor. British Standards 5325 (Installation of textile floor coverings), 8203 (Installation of resilient floor coverings) and 8201 (Installation of flooring of wood and wood based panels) recommend dampness testing is carried out using a hygrometer.
What is it used for?
It is used prior to the installation of floorcoverings to assess whether a subfloor is sufficiently dry to proceed with an installation. It incorporates a thermo hygrometer that indicates both relative humidity and air temperature to provide an accurate measure of the moisture levels present in a subfloor.
To use the digital hygrometer, remove the hygrometer in its insulating box from the packaging and apply the butyl tape provided around all four edges of the hygrometer insulating box to make an airtight seal around the base of the box. The insulating box should be positioned on the subfloor, ensuring the hygrometer remains switched off until it is conditioned for use. This process should be repeated at various points across the floor as necessary. Once enough time has passed to allow the entrapped air to reach moisture equilibrium with the subfloor, the hygrometer can be switched on and a reading taken. The base can be considered dry enough to install most floorcoverings if a series of tests produce readings not exceeding 75% R.H. For timber floorcoverings consult the manufacturer.