Destructive Moisture Testing

Introduction

Destructive moisture testing is a reliable method used to determine the moisture content of building materials. This type of testing is invasive, meaning that it requires the removal of a sample of the material being tested. The sample is then subjected to laboratory testing to determine its moisture content.

Pinless Moisture Meters

Pinless moisture meters are commonly used to measure the moisture content of building materials without causing damage. While these meters can provide an indication of the moisture content, they are not as accurate as destructive moisture testing. This is because pinless moisture meters measure the moisture content of the surface of the material, while destructive moisture testing measures the moisture content of the entire sample.

Advantages of Destructive Moisture Testing

  • Accurate measurement of moisture content
  • Can be used to test a variety of building materials
  • Provides a physical sample of the material for further analysis

Disadvantages of Destructive Moisture Testing

  • Invasive nature of testing
  • Can damage the building material
  • Time-consuming and expensive

When to Use Destructive Moisture Testing

Destructive moisture testing is typically used when a high level of accuracy is required or when the material being tested is not accessible for non-destructive testing. For example, destructive moisture testing may be used to test the moisture content of a concrete slab that is covered with flooring.

Conclusion

Destructive moisture testing is a reliable method for determining the moisture content of building materials. While this type of testing is invasive, it provides accurate results and can be used to test a variety of materials. Pinless moisture meters can provide an indication of the moisture content, but they are not as accurate as destructive moisture testing.