What is it?
The Protimeter MMS2 is a powerful moisture measurement device that can be used to measure moisture levels in a number of different building structures and materials, including drywall, wood, plaster and concrete.
What is it used for?
The Protimeter MMS2 is one of a range of moisture measurement tools available to flooring contractors to measure relative humidity (RH) levels of a subfloor prior to the installation of floorcoverings. It can also be used to measure the surface temperature of materials and provides the option to non-invasively detect sub-surface moisture.
How does it work?
To measure relative humidity of a concrete subfloor, the Protimeter MMS2 should be operated as follows:
- Drill a hole in the concrete being tested
- Insert the humidity sleeve into the hole, so that the sleeve is capped flush to the floor
- The RH of the air in the test hole is now at the same moisture level as the concrete around it
- The screen will provide a measurement of the RH level as a percentage
- Repeat this process as required
What’s next?
The RH readings after testing the surface should be used to indicate whether further action is required. If the readings show RH levels of 75% or more, or 65% or more for wood floorcovering installations, a waterproof surface membrane should be applied before continuing with the installation to prevent future failure of the floorcoverings.
There are a number of options available to contractors should protection against excess moisture be required. Waterproof surface membranes, such as Stopgap F77 (see Product Focus) and Stopgap F78, or F. Ball’s loose-lay isolator membrane provide a barrier between excess moisture in subfloors and floorcoverings to impede the passage of damp.
To find out more about product testing or waterproof surface membranes, visit the F. Ball website.