Technical Tips on Restoration Meters and Readings

NORTHBROOK, ILL.—May 19, 2021—In this article preview, Dan Mesenburg, a regional training manager with ServiceMaster Restore, discusses his IICRC technical tip article, “Do You Read Me Now: Correct Drying Technology Usage,” from the May/June 2021 issue of Cleanfax.

He shares interesting observations and significant trends regarding the water damage process and modern meter technology, along with training tips, and how the proper use of meters can protect restoration companies in several ways.

Here is an excerpt from the upcoming article:

Relative (REL) readings are taken by properly holding the meter against the surface of the wet material and documenting a reading from the relative scale of 1-100, 0-300, 0-999, or others. This number should not be converted to percent moisture content and should remain as read. For instance, a reading of 78 on a scale of 0-100 does not become 78% and a reading of 656 on a scale of 0-999 does not become 65.6%.

It is important to know that over the past few years, new non-invasive meters calibrated for wood have been introduced to our industry. Upon calibrating the dial for the type of wood, the meter will then read the percent moisture content for the wood type selected. This number can then be documented as percent moisture content. A final word on moisture meters involves dry standard and drying goals. It is best…

Look for the “Do You Read Me Now: Correct Drying Technology Usage” article in the May/June 2021 issue of Cleanfax magazine, which will be available online in late May. It’s part of the IICRC article series you see in each issue of Cleanfax.