How to test damp walls using a damp meter - (don't forget to test for Condensation if you see mould)

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Damp testing meters measure either electrical conductivity between two steel pins touched onto, or pressed into the plaster, masonry or timber, or they use a smooth contact head to measure electrical capacitance. Damp meters usually have two scales, one for timber and one for masonry, but some have only a simple 'reference' scale or a row of coloured lights. Dampness readings in wood usually covers a scale from 0 - 40% maximum (average softwoods are saturated at 28% - 32%) and damp readings in masonry (brick, stone, plaster, concrete) usually range from 0 - 5% maximum.

'Protimeter' is the trade name most familiar to the professional surveyor, but there are many other quality 'damp' meters on the market. Protimeters tend to be expensive, but have a range of special attachments and advanced features required by qualified dampness Surveyors and Chartered Building Surveyors.

Self Help - Diagnosing your damp:

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How to test for condensation

Test the walls of the building with our Condensation Test Kit and look for evidence of mold - usually 'black spot' - this indicates that you have Condensation forming on the coldest surfaces in the room. Unless you can increase ventilation and heating, consider using our Anti-Mold Paint Additive or Anti-Mould Emulsion Paint - guaranteed for 5 years!

If necessary, treat all plaster with the anti-mold treatment supplied with the paint and then redecorate.

Measure the Relative Humidity - use our Hygrometer to monitor the conditions in each affected room and use the Memory function to check the exact conditions overnight, the time when temperature falls and condensation is most likely. This meter helps you to control the conditions that cause condensation and to monitor the use of your heating, ventilation and dehumidification.

Available in standard and large display versions

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Firstly, check the outside of the building for rainwater penetration - if the walls are absorbing moisture apply a water repellent - UltraProof - check your downpipes and gutters.

Click here to see the Data Sheet for the Damp Testing Meter

Click here to see a Quick Guide to understanding the readings from a Damp testing Meter - Front Page

Click here for Quick Guide Back Page

Damp testing meter - a sturdy conductivity meter, ideal for testing masonry (brick, stone, plaster) and timber (skirting boards, floors) to give an indication of 'relative' dampness. Always use meters to compare like materials, never to give absolute moisture readings.

Benefits are as follows;

1. Pocket sized
2. As used by the 'professionals'
3. Battery powered
4. Direct visual reading

Can also be used to test damp floors and new concrete floors.

(We also sell the Protimeter Range of products, including the Surveymaster. These are Professional instruments, starting at over £100 plus VAT for the basic model.)

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Wall temperature gun - the best way to quickly find the cold areas in a building. Compare readings for areas showing no signs of damage and see immediately the extent of the cold - point and click.

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Hand held infra red temperature gun in action

Protimeter Mini - The Protimeter Mini can be used for making rapid moisture assessments in a wide range of building materials including wood, masonry, drywall, plaster and concrete. The instrument measuring pins are small and sharp which means measurements can be taken at the surface with virtually no mark left behind.

The numerical values represent the actual percent moisture content of wood (%MC) and the wood moisture equivalent (WME) of other materials. The Protimeter Mini can be used to determine if the fabric of a building is in a dry, borderline or damp condition.

When taking readings in awkward positions, the Protimeter Mini can be used with the moisture probe and lead, supplied as standard with the instrument.

The optional Protimeter Hammer Electrode can also be used with the Protimeter Mini for determining moisture gradients in wood.

Optional Deep Wall Probes can be used with Protimeter Mini to measure the moisture level at depth in a wall, irrespective of the surface condition. Deep Wall Probes are very useful accessories when investigating the cause of the moisture problems within buildings.

Click here for Wood Calibration Chart

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Protimeter Surveymaster - The Dual Mode Moisture Meter

The NEW Surveymaster incorporates two modes of operation - search and measure (non-invasive and pin type). Search and measure enable the user to distinguish surface moisture from sub-surface moisture, essential information when trying to establish the extent and cause of a moisture problem.

Surveymaster is a moisture meter that displays the moisture level values on a digital display along side a scale of colour coded lights. This digital moisture meter helps in accurate building material moisture measurement. This combined presentation of moisture measurement helps the user to map the extent of problems and monitor changes in condition precisely and reliably.

Click here for Protimeter Data Sheet

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Hand held infra red temperature gun in action

Dry rot detector - the best way to find 'active' dry rot, or to chart the edges of an attack.

Benefits are as follows;

1. Change colour to show Dry rot blue to yellow
2. Only require an 8mm diameter hole
3. Quick fit and remove to view
4. Can remain on test indefinitely

Available in boxes of 8, ready to use

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Mould growth is caused by Condensation forming on the surface or inside the building material

Condensation is caused by high levels of moisture in the air condensing on the coldest surfaces in the room, often at night when the temperature falls

Surfaces will be colder if they are damp - rising and penetrating dampness, blocked wall cavities or lack of them, can all increase dampness

Dampness can be caused by common defects, like blocked gutters overflowing, poor pointing, cracked external render.

For immediate help (in office hours) ring our dedicated team of Experts - David, Angela or Kathy will help to diagnose your dampness problem FREE. Ring them on 01626 331351 or use our special CHECKLIST by clicking here.

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This wall needs to have a DPC injected, the plaster cut back from contact with the solid floor, then treated with Salt Neutraliser, and finally repainted with Anti-Mold Emulsion

www.dampness-info.co.uk - how to treat penetrating dampness in walls and plaster

www.drywallandfloor.co.uk - Membranes and Sump Pumps for cellars and basements

www.deck-treatment.co.uk - how to treat patio decks and yacht decks

www.dryrot.biz - how to cure and prevent Dry Rot

www.epoxy-info.co.uk - epoxies, polyesters and polyurethanes for all applications

www.joist-repair.co.uk - how to quickly repair joists and beams of any size

www.timber.org.uk - systems of repair, with step by step methods

www.timber-repair.co.uk - how to repair timbers in buildings without wrecking the place

www.woodworm-info.co.uk - how to kill and prevent woodworm and death watch beetle