Delmhorst Instrument BD-10 - Manual (Page 5)

TAKING A READING
hRemove the protective cover to expose the pins. Check
that the contact pins
%
are firmly hand tightened.
USING 6-40% WOOD SCALE
hAlign contact pins
%
parallel to the grain pushing to
their full penetration, if possible.
hPress the read button
!
and read the moisture content
on the wood meter scale
#
.
Delmhorst uses the USDA standard–Douglas Fir– as the
basis for all calibrations. Because the electrical characteristics
of different species vary, some species may read differently
at the same moisture content. However, in most cases, the
Douglas Fir reading can be taken at face value on construction-
grade lumber. If you choose to apply species corrections
please contact us at 800-222-0638 or e-mail us at
[email protected].
Paint Failure and Moisture
Moisture is by far the most frequent cause of paint failure.
The key to preventing paint failure is to make certain that
moisture is not absorbed through the wood to the back of the
paint film. So, in order to insure quality paint jobs, wood
must remain dry after the application of paint.
Outdoor wood can be safely painted without danger of peeling
if the %MC is 15% or less. In drier climates, the maximum
reading should be 10% to 11%. Indoor wood should be
between 7% to 8% prior to painting.
The following conditions may cause high moisture content
in wood:
hLeaky gutters and down spouts
hLeaky pipes or condensation on cold water lines in attic or
hollow walls
hFaulty flashing around windows, doors and where porch
and dormer roofs meet sidings
hEnd-grain wood that is not sealed with paint at all joints
around windows, corners, and butt joints
4