NONINVASIVE MEASUREMENTS

Noninvasive scanning (pinless) meters are used for wood flooring and subfloors, gypcrete subfloors, and concrete slabs. These meters transmit an impedance or capacitance radio frequency (RF) signal into the material. The strength of the signal varies in relation to the amount of moisture present. Since water is conductive, the meter can calculate comparative or relative readings of the moisture in flooring materials or substrates.

Meters provide a relative scale (e.g., 0-100, 0-300, or 0-999) or an estimated moisture content percentage (%MC). These types of meters or functions can provide a method to perform preliminary evaluations of qualitative moisture conditions prior to using invasive or destructive quantitative testing methods.

ASTM F2659 Standard Guide for Preliminary Evaluation of Comparative Moisture Condition of Concrete, Gypsum Cement and Other Floor Slabs and Screeds Using a Non-Destructive Electronic Moisture Meter recognizes the value of this technology and provides guidelines for the use of these type meters for subfloors.