Moisture readings for internal walls can vary depending on factors such as the wall's material, the ambient temperature and humidity, and whether or not the wall has been exposed to water damage. Generally, a moisture reading of less than 16% is considered acceptable for most internal walls.
However, it is important to note that moisture readings can vary significantly within a single wall, and it is not uncommon for different parts of the wall to have different moisture levels. Therefore, it is important to take multiple readings from different parts of the wall to get a more accurate picture of the overall moisture content.
Moisture readings are useful for identifying areas of a wall that may be at risk for mold growth or structural damage. Mold growth can occur when the moisture content of a wall exceeds 20%, and structural damage can occur when the moisture content exceeds 30%. Therefore, it is important to have a professional inspect any areas of a wall that have moisture readings above these levels.
There are a number of different methods that can be used to measure the moisture content of a wall, including:
The type of moisture meter that is used will depend on the specific application. Pin-type moisture meters are generally the most accurate, but they can also damage the wall. Non-pin-type moisture meters are less accurate, but they do not damage the wall. Infrared moisture meters are the least accurate, but they can be used to measure the moisture content of a wall without damaging it.