Excess moisture can make wood difficult to work with and unstable to use in a project. Even do-it-yourself woodworkers are advised to test the moisture of wood, before using it, to ensure top quality.

Wood moisture meters come in two types, pin and pinless. Learn more information about the differences between Pin and Pinless meters by reading our blog  Pin vs. Pinless Moisture Meters. A pin model uses an electric current and has a pin that is used to insert into the timber. A pinless model uses an electromagnetic field to measure moisture content and does not have a pin to insert. While both types are accurate for measuring moisture levels in wood, there are advantages and disadvantages to both models.

Pin models work well on both rough and smooth wood. The main disadvantage is that it leaves two small holes behind when using the meter to test. By leaving two smalls holes, wood cannot be tested before purchasing.

Pinless models can be used on wood prior to purchase as they leave no holes behind after testing. The disadvantage is that pinless meters work only on smooth wood surfaces. A rough surface cannot accurately be tested using a pinless meter.

Wood moisture meters are also used for a variety of other materials such as carpet, drywall and concrete floors. Many use these meters to test for moisture before applying a floor over a subfloor or sealing a surface. Using a meter on drywall before painting will ensure that paint is not being used to seal walls with a high moisture content. There are many moisture meters that are reasonably priced for all needs. It is recommended that one is used in most building projects.

It is important to read the instructions that come with a wood moisture meter to ensure the proper usage and how to interpret results. Know what to expect when testing a surface and what the accepted parameters are to ensure accuracy. A wood moisture meter is a tool that will help keep quality levels high on a building project.

Sonin’s intuitive moisture meters help trace and locate moisture problems. With over 25 years of engineering innovative tools, including moisture meters, Sonin offers a variety of moisture detector, electronic measuring tools, and construction calculators.

The type of moisture meters used most often are pin and pinless. (Learn more about the differences by reading our previous blog Moisture Meter: Pin vs. Pinless) Newer versions of the tool provide an LCD screen for easy reading. Pin type meters work by passing a current between the first pin and the second pin. The strength of the current indicates the amount of moisture in the material, as moisture acts as a conductor. A pinless meter will send a wave of electrical signal into the material, which creates a field. The amount of moisture present will have an effect on the field. It should be noted that pinless meters can give inaccurate readings if there is too much moisture on the surface.

In wood, a moisture content above 20 percent can indicate a water problem, that may lead to damage later on. This can include cracking, shrinking or other changes in shape. Too much moisture in any material can be a breeding ground for mold and will weaken the material overall, which can cause serious accidents. The majority of contractors aim for an eight percent moisture reading. This can vary as high as 11 percent along the coast of California and the southern United States, to as low as six percent in desert climates such as Nevada and Arizona.

Any responsible contractor will use a moisture meter through all phases of a project to keep results consistent. This is especially important with wood projects, as wood is most prone to changes when the moisture content is not right. Any material should have the proper moisture content for the environment in which it will be used.

Standing water can cause structural damage resulting in expensive home repairs. Not only can it cause structural damage, water damage can devalue property. Water detectors can notify occupants of water building up before it becomes a serious problem.

They are inexpensive and simple to use. The water leak detectors are battery operated alarms which can be easily placed beneath a refrigerator, washer, toilet or drain pipe. They work in basements as a backup to a sump pump or bilge pump. The leak detectors can be installed near water heaters and inside air conditioning units. Wireless models are available.

A loud 85 decibel alarm is given off when water is detected. Depending on the model, the alarm will sound continuously from 18 hours to three days. The battery gives two years of monitoring and if the battery is getting low, an alarm beeps to notify you that they will need to be changed.

The water leak detectors weigh from 3.5-ounces up to five ounces. They operate between 32 F and 122 F. A circuit test bar makes certain that the system is operating.

The sensor can be placed at the lowest point of the floor with the suction cup up. It can be placed on other horizontal surfaces where water might collect. If water bridges the two contacts, the alarm will sound. The alarm can be mounted away from the sensor on a shelf, table or wall.

Use the water leak detectors while filling unattended pools, spas or bathtubs. It will attach to any vertical surface that is smooth and when water reaches both metal contacts, the alarm sounds.

The sensors can be placed up to six feet away from the alarm. The Water alarm with dual remote sensors allowing the sensors to be up to 12 feet away from each other. Another model can be connected to additional devices. For example, a light beacon can be activated. The water leak detector can notify someone if water is detected by sending an email or short text message to a mobile phone.

Repairing water damage can be costly. Sonin water detectors can raise the alarm before the damage occurs.

There are two basic types of moisture meters available; pin and pinless. Pin meters use two probes inserted into the wood to determine the moisture content. Pin meters work by measuring the electrical resistance between the probes. Water is a good conductor of electricity, whereas wood is not. A higher moisture content in the wood means less electrical resistance between the probes.

A pinless meter works a bit differently. It uses a sensor plate that is pressed against the wood and generates an electrical field. The meter measures changes in the electrical field caused by moisture in the wood to produce a moisture content measurement.

Why would you use one over the other? All a pin meter needs to make a reading is two points of contact on the wood. This means that any piece of wood, no matter what shape or how rough, can be read. Pin meters can also use remote probes that you can drive deeper into a thick piece of wood to get a core reading. However, if you hate the idea of poking holes in your wood, then the pinless meter is a better option. It does require good surface contact to yield an accurate reading, but is convenient and easy to use.

Both types of meters do a fine job of measuring moisture content. The decision of which one to go with comes down to individual need and preference. A pinless meter offers is quick and easy to use without having to poke holes in your lumber. However, pinless meters require good contact between the wood and the sensor plate. For wood that you don’t care about poking holes in, or wood that is rough and uneven, a pin meter will work great. All you need are two contact points to get your moisture content measurement.

Sonin has engineered a full line of innovative tools, including construction calculators and moisture testing and water alarms.