Moisture measurement and mapping in buildings

Isatec discuss microwave moisture measurement and mapping in buildings.

Moisture is one of the most controversial topics in the evaluation of the physical condition of buildings.

Commonly used direct methods for moisture measurement such as drying, calciumcarbide, or Carl-Fischer titration require the removal of samples from the building.

They are destructive and time consuming and cannot easily be used to obtain a detailed view of water distribution by moisture mapping.

Other established methods such as conductivity and low frequency capacitance measurement are strongly influenced by salinity due to long term water diffusion or by additives in the building materials.

Often, as in the case of cellar walls, measurements can only be taken from one side of the material.

Using any of the traditional methods in this situation does not easily allow an in-depth analysis of the area in question.

Microwaves operating in the gigahertz range overcome the problem of salinity and, depending on the design of the sensor, can measure at various depths within a structure, thus making measurement from both sides unnecessary.

HF Sensor produce portable, microwave meters with a variety of interchangeable sensors which can accurately and quickly measure moisture levels at varying depths in a building structure.

By creating an array of measuring points and taking readings using different sensors, the results can be plotted in accurate maps of the affected area at different depths.

For more information, and application examples using HF Sensor products please contact Isatec.

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