Moisture mapping is a technique used to identify and quantify moisture content within materials such as wood. This technique is commonly employed in construction to ensure that wood surfaces are suitable for painting or other surface treatments.
Wood moisture content refers to the amount of water present within a piece of wood, expressed as a percentage of the wood's weight when fully dried.
Wood moisture content significantly affects its properties and performance. High moisture content can lead to problems such as warping, shrinkage, and decay, while low moisture content can result in cracking and splitting.
The ideal moisture content of wood before painting is between 8% and 12%. Painting wood at a higher moisture content can trap moisture, leading to blistering, peeling, and discoloration. Conversely, painting wood at a lower moisture content can cause the wood to absorb moisture from the paint, resulting in poor adhesion and cracking.
Several methods can be used to measure wood moisture content, including: