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What Moisture Meter for Flooring?

Watch this informative Video on Moisture Meters...

Flooring Africa

Published 2023-10-03

Watch this informative Video on Moisture Meters...

With special thanks to Flooring Africa for the production of this video!

Moisture Meters Explained | S2 Ep 13 Getting Your Feet Wet - YouTube

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Video summary

Moisture Meters for Flooring: Understanding Your Options

Moisture meters come in two main types: pin-type (destructive) and non-destructive (pad or prong-based), each suited to different applications and user preferences.
All moisture meter readings are expressed in WME (wood moisture equivalent), which indicates what moisture level wood would reach if in contact with the measured surface; green typically means below 15%, orange is 15-20%, and red is 20% and above.
The Protimeter Mini 2000 is the entry-level choice popular with flooring professionals, while the Tramex CME 4 provides actual concrete moisture percentages rather than relative readings, making it easier to meet specific product specifications.
The Tramex Hydromette with SurveyMaster accessory offers the most versatility, allowing both surface and depth measurements (down to about 20mm), which is critical for detecting subsurface moisture that surface-only readings miss.
Moisture meters are just one tool in site assessment; professional installers must also consider external factors like humidity, sunlight, visible moisture damage, and always document readings before installation to protect themselves and their reputation.

Moisture meters help flooring professionals assess whether a site is safe for installation and protect their work and reputation. Grant from BAMR explains that pin-type meters like the Protimeter Mini 2000 are affordable entry-level tools with easy-to-read green/orange/red indicators, while non-destructive meters using pads or prongs appeal to those avoiding pin insertion. The Tramex CME 4 steps up by converting readings to actual concrete moisture percentages rather than just wood moisture equivalents, making it simpler to meet product specifications. For maximum information, the Tramex Hydromette with SurveyMaster allows drilling to measure moisture at different depths, revealing subsurface issues that surface readings alone cannot detect. Regardless of which meter you choose, proper use requires understanding external factors like humidity and always documenting readings before installation.

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About the author

Flooring Africa

2023-10-03

Technical specialist at BAMR. Has spent years advising coating inspectors at industrial sites across southern Africa on instrument selection and compliance requirements.

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