Features of moisture meters for concrete, purposes of use, types and models

In the construction industry, moisture meters are indispensable instruments, particularly when handling concrete. These tools gauge a material’s moisture content, giving vital information for guaranteeing the strength and longevity of concrete constructions. Correct use of moisture meters can help avoid issues like warping, cracking, and the growth of mold, all of which can result from using the moisture meter incorrectly.

There are various varieties of moisture meters made especially for concrete, each with special characteristics and advantages. Advanced digital models, pinless meters, and pin-type meters are a few popular varieties. Pin-type meters measure the moisture content directly by using electrodes that pierce the surface. Conversely, pinless meters use sensors to identify moisture without causing any harm to the material. Digital models frequently incorporate both approaches and come equipped with cutting-edge features like Bluetooth connectivity and data logging.

The size of the project, the level of precision required, and your budget are just a few of the variables that will determine which moisture meter is best for you. A variety of features are included in the various models, ranging from simple, easy-to-use meters for small-scale projects to sophisticated equipment for expansive, intricate construction sites. To guarantee the best outcomes, choosing the best tool will be made easier if you are aware of the particular requirements of your project.

This post will examine the many functions of concrete moisture meters, as well as some of the more well-liked models and types that are currently on the market. Knowing how to use these tools will improve your concrete work and help your construction projects succeed whether you’re a professional contractor or a do-it-yourselfer.

Feature	Description
Purpose	Moisture meters measure the water content in concrete to ensure proper curing and prevent issues like cracking or mold growth.
Types	There are two main types: pin-type meters that insert probes into the concrete and pinless meters that use sensors on the surface.
Common Models	Popular models include the Wagner Rapid RH, Tramex CME4, and Protimeter Moisture Measurement System.

What kind of device is this?

A concrete moisture meter is a type of metrological apparatus used to measure the amount of moisture in an artificial stone structure when it has reached the hardening stage, or when strength gain is complete.

The moisture meter displays the amount of water vapor in relation to the overall volume of a structural element made of concrete, or a separately poured prototype used for testing.

Appearance of the moisture meter

Compact and made of plastic, the moisture meter is meant to be held in one hand. The device’s upper section is equipped with sensors that resemble contactless flasks or needle probes.

The moisture meter’s front side is equipped with a control panel with keys, a multifunctional LCD display with backlighting that shows the modes of operation in addition to the measurement results. The moisture meter has a compartment on the back side where the battery or batteries that power the device are kept.

Because the majority of concrete moisture meters are used outside, they have a rubberized coating that is waterproof and have a higher resistance to air.

An electronic concrete moisture meter is shown in the picture:

What it measures and why it is needed?

Concrete moisture meters use an actuator housed in the electronic module along with extremely sensitive analyzers to determine the percentage of water molecules in the concrete structure. These tools are employed to accomplish the following useful objectives:

• Accurate determination of the amount of moisture in concrete.
• Calculation of the degree of water saturation of the constructive element of the frame of the building.
• Determination of the age of freshly laid concrete.
• Determination of the time period when you can turn off the heating cable attached to a fresh concrete structure, which is poured in the cold season.
• Determining the need for a pylon strait, walls, columns or overlapping with water to enhance the hydration of the knitting substance in the dry season.
• Checking the efficiency of plasticizers and anti -control additives in concrete.
• Performing one of the regulatory operations during a comprehensive examination of the concrete structure.

Certain versions of premium moisture meters have integrated thermometers that display the temperature of the reinforced concrete element’s surface as well as the surrounding area. These modifications also function as hygrometers, allowing you to compare the humidity of the surrounding air with the water content in concrete.

Scheme and design

Concrete moisture meters, irrespective of their classification, overall size, technical attributes, and inclusion or exclusion of supplementary features, share a common design comprising the subsequent primary and supporting components:

1. Device body made of plastic with rubberized inserts to ensure tightness and water resistance.
2. Metal conductive probe or contactless flask with thin steel plates that deform when the humidity level changes. The probes send a pulse with high-frequency oscillations and vibrations, which provides an accurate analysis of the moisture content in concrete due to its disturbances when exposed to sensors.
3. Connecting copper cable in polymer insulation between the probes and the electronic unit.
4. An electronic unit located in the body of the device, which consists of a pulse analyzer, an actuator and a microcircuit that records encrypted digital data.
5. Liquid crystal display, which displays all the necessary information from the actuator so that the user can read it.
6. Control panel with buttons designed to turn the device on and off, change its modes or calibrate in case of unsuccessful verification.
7. Battery compartment, which contains power elements for normal operation of the device. If a rechargeable battery is used as a power source, the device body also has a socket for the charger plug.
8. Moisture meters are often equipped with special shockproof cases and covers for ease of transportation.

For concrete structures, there is a practical differentiation between amateur (household) and professional moisture meters. Higher accuracy is found in equipment designed for laboratory technicians or professional builders. The probe is a separate rod with a handy holder that is attached to the main device’s body with a low-current cable that is twisted into a spring.

Characteristics

Every moisture meter with the purpose of counting water molecules in concrete structures has unique technical features. Depending on the model and modification, data instrument performance indicators fall into one of the following categories:

• The minimum percentage of the detectable amount of material moisture from which the device begins to identify indicators is from 2% to 6%.
• The maximum content of water molecules that can be determined using a household moisture meter is up to 40% – 50%, a professional device – up to 70% – 80%.
• The weight of the moisture meter is from 75 to 200 g for an amateur device, from 250 to 450 g for professional equipment consisting of two modules.
• A typical set of additional options that most modern electronic moisture meters are equipped with is automatic power-off without active use of the equipment (after 3-5 minutes), registration of maximum and minimum readings during several freeze-thaws of the same material, the ability to change the options of the materials being tested (heavy, light, cellular concrete). And also a battery charge level indicator, LCD backlight, option to save the desired numerical measurement value.
• The division value, the accuracy of the measurements taken – from 0.1% for an amateur moisture meter, to 0.01% for professional devices.
• Type of battery power sources – replaceable AA or AAA batteries for amateur moisture meters and or rechargeable batteries with a charger with LI-Ion composition.

It is advised that you read the quality certificate that comes with the kit before buying a moisture meter. The correct technical characteristics, which are typically within the aforementioned limits, are indicated in this official document.

The customer can select the gadget that best meets his needs by looking through the quality certificate.

Varieties

Concrete moisture meters come in a variety of varieties that are categorized based on features, partners, and operating principles. Consumers can typically purchase one of the following kinds of humidity measuring devices for concrete structures:

1. Needle – the simplest moisture meters, which are equipped with metal probes in the upper part on the end side. These probes penetrate the concrete structure with force, leaving a small trace in the material. Pulse flows are directed into the thickness of the concrete structure, causing disturbance of water molecules inside, after which they send a processed signal to the actuator for display on the screen.
2. Contactless – devices are equipped with a highly sensitive spherical steel flask with a sensor. Inside the sphere there are thin plates that change their shape and bend with the slightest changes in humidity. Processing of the generated pulses by the actuator occurs according to the same scheme as for needle devices.

It should be mentioned that every one of the aforementioned categories of concrete moisture vapor measurement equipment has pros and cons, as well as limitations when it comes to use.

In this sense, it’s important to precisely ascertain the specifications for a concrete structure, along with climate and other factors, in order to take measurements using recording indicators, prior to making a purchase.

Adjustment and setup

The moisture meter must be set up for operation before it can begin, which necessitates the following steps:

• The device requires AA or AAA batteries, and if you use a high-power battery, you must charge it before work.
• The device is turned on by pressing the corresponding key.
• The desired operating mode is selected, or the concrete category, if such a function is available.
• The moisture meter is verified using a reference device, or after receiving accurate information about the real humidity of the test sample.
• If necessary, in case of unsuccessful verification, the device is calibrated until the necessary humidity indicators reach.

Professional moisture meters used for business purposes should have their calibration and verification done in special departmental institutions since users need a unique state-issued calibration certificate. This is true as long as inspection reports are sent to different supervisory authorities.

In order to guarantee appropriate curing and durability, moisture meters for concrete are crucial instruments in the construction sector. By giving precise measurements of the moisture content, these devices aid in the prevention of problems like shrinking, cracking, and weak structural integrity. There are several models and types of meters available, such as pin-type and pinless meters, each with a specific purpose and level of accuracy required. The longevity and quality of concrete structures can be greatly impacted by an understanding of the features and uses of these moisture meters.

Instructions for use

It is not required to hire experts to operate the moisture meter correctly because it is a very simple device to use and completely safe, even for those without construction experience or training.

When using the moisture meter, it is necessary to adhere to the following guidelines and mark every point on a specific process map in order to get the desired outcome:

1. After verification and carrying out all preparatory activities, it is also necessary to prepare the test structure. The surface of the concrete of the column, pylon, wall, pier or floor slab must be cleaned of dust, dirt, grease deposits.
2. The contact device is applied to the surface of the concrete, after which the probes are immersed into its structure by 1 – 2 mm by pulse pressing.
3. The indicators on the screen are read, recorded, or fixed by pressing the corresponding key.
4. When testing a frame element or a prototype with a non-contact moisture meter, it is enough to bring the device from the sensor side to the surface of the concrete structure at a distance of up to 1 mm, after which the moisture content of the structural element will be displayed on the screen.
5. Considering that concrete is a heterogeneous material, it is necessary to take several measurements of the same structure in different places. The recommended number of iterations is 5–10, depending on the surface area of ​​the concrete or reinforced concrete structure.
6. Based on the results of the measurements, the minimum, maximum, and average arithmetic humidity values ​​are recorded.

It should be mentioned that the consumer can get trustworthy information about the moisture content of the concrete structure by using the moisture meter independently.

It will be necessary to get in touch with a specialized organization to provide an official report on the outcomes of the routine measurements that were conducted in the event of contentious issues or questions regarding the caliber of the supporting frame element of a capital structure.

How to choose the right device?

When purchasing a high-quality moisture meter, a prospective buyer should consider the following details and suggestions in order to avoid making major mistakes:

• The presence of a certificate of compliance with federal or international standards.
• The presence of a factory calibration certificate proving that the device is completely calibrated and allows you to obtain reliable humidity values ​​with minimal errors.
• The availability of a product quality passport indicating the main technical characteristics of the moisture meter.
• Modern moisture meter must have a measurement accuracy of at least 0.1%.
• All buttons should be rubberized, and the solar casing itself should be airtight, dust and moisture -proof.
• It is recommended to purchase moisture meters with a recharged battery.
• For ease of reading information, you should pay attention to devices with the function of recording the values ​​required by the consumer, as well as wireless data transmission to the PC screen.
• The presence of a backlight on the screen, since it is often necessary to take measurements of concrete structures that have gained strength in low natural light indoors.
• You should purchase a moisture meter for concrete, which is additionally equipped with useful functions – measuring air humidity, surface temperature in the operating space, as well as with the option of ultrasonic search for reinforcement in the body of a reinforced concrete structure.
• The price, which should be within the average market prices. If the cost of the device is significantly lower than the average value for the current date, such devices should not be purchased, since the risk of defects or use of low-quality equipment increases.
• Availability of a warranty card for a period of at least 12 months from the date of purchase.
• Availability of an authorized service center of the plant so that the consumer can quickly check, calibrate or service the device in the event of its failure or failure of settings.

The reputation of the brand under which the moisture meter was manufactured, the company’s founding year and place of origin, and the abundance of favourable reviews regarding its goods on independent forums across the network are some of the most crucial factors for determining quality, dependability, durability, and safety.

Top 5 best models

It can be challenging for the average person to choose the best moisture meter because the market is filled with a variety of models from different manufacturing companies.

In this regard, to simplify the purchase, below is the TOP 5 of the most famous and popular models of moisture meters, with a brief description of the manufacturer, the main functions of the modified modification, scope of application, advantages and disadvantages, as well as indicating average market retail prices.

HYDRO TEST

A sizable Russian Federation business that was established in 2003. is a market leader in the manufacture and distribution of microwave moisture meters for use in soil, brick, wood, and other building materials. There is a network of brand service centers, and every device is certified. Universal compact needle moisture meter from the lower price range in the economy class. gives you the ability to accurately measure the amount of water vapor present in any building material at home.

The instrument measures the moisture content of solid building materials and has the capacity to store the most recent readings.

Features:

1. Measurement range: 1% – 8.5%.
2. Error: 1% – 2%.
3. Dimensions: 135 x 50 x 32 mm.
4. Weight: 65 g.

Benefits

1. Compact size.
2. Quick humidity measurement.
3. Informative display.
4. Low price.

Drawbacks:

• Low accuracy.
• Rapid physical wear.
• Risk of settings failure.

Starting price: 2,500 rubles.

HYDRO-TEC CONDTROL

The company that makes the aforementioned moisture meter is also the one that makes the previous gadget.

Multipurpose instrument for measuring temperature, humidity, and other factors in concrete, brick, and wood constructions. Utilized extensively by contractors on construction sites, it operates on the basis of contactless indicator reading.

Designed to measure the water content of concrete, wood, brick, and other building materials as well as the room temperature and relative humidity of the surrounding air.

Features:

• Measurement range: 1% – 35%.
• Error: 0.5% – 1.0%.
• Dimensions: 110 x 43 x 25 mm.
• Weight: 75 g.

Advantages:

1. Increased measurement accuracy.
2. Possibility of switching modes.
3. Non-contact technique.

Drawbacks:

• High cost for a household appliance.
• Large measurement error.
• Need for frequent maintenance and sensor adjustment.

Cost: starting at 7,000 rubles.

MC-7825PS

The well-known German manufacturer of this gadget, PCE, was established over 40 years ago. The company offers hundreds of names for high-quality tools used in construction under its many brands.

All of the products have enhanced functionality, dependability, and durability and can be used for both personal and business use.

Semi-professional moisture meter with battery and charger that works with all kinds of building materials. gives immediate analysis of the amount of moisture present in a reinforced concrete structure’s thickness down to a depth of more than 15 mm.

Uses:

1. measuring moisture parameters in a building structure;
2. auto calibration;
3. registration of current indicators;
4. ability to connect to a PC via a micro USB port.

Features:

• Measurement range: 0% – 80%.
• Error: 0.05% – 0.15%.
• Dimensions: 165 x 62 x 26 mm.
• Weight: 215 g.

Benefits

• High accuracy.
• Shockproof and sealed case.
• Informative display.
• Registration of a large number of iterations with memory functions.
• High-capacity battery.

Drawbacks:

1. No official representative office in the Russian Federation.
2. Complexity of calibration and repair work.
3. Absence of a certificate for writing an official state report.

Cost: between 6800 and 7500 rubles.

CEM DT-128M

A well-known Chinese manufacturer that mostly targets the Asian and Russian markets. The company manufactures a range of laboratory instruments to modify the chemical makeup and mechanical and physical properties of building and finishing materials. Every product goes through several testing phases, and the factories are outfitted with sophisticated machinery that is highly automated, ensuring the best possible assembly quality.

Device classified as semi-professional and approved for use in the Russian Federation. outfitted with a capsule that contains extremely sensitive plates to improve measurement accuracy of the water content of the concrete structure.

Uses:

• determination of current humidity in concrete or brick;
• automatic indication of maximum, minimum and average indicators based on the results of all iterations performed.

Features:

1. Measurement range: 0% – 100%.
2. Error: 0.05% – 0.08%.
3. Dimensions: 225 x 85 x 35 mm.
4. Weight: 310 g.

Benefits

• A large number of additional functions.
• Connection with a PC or mobile devices.
• Availability of proprietary software.
• Ease of verification and calibration.

Drawbacks:

1. Small scanning depth.
2. Sensors give different readings on the same structure when measuring in different zones, due to the high sensitivity of the sensors.
3. Rapid physical wear.
4. Price: from 9,500 – 11,000 rubles.

MG4

The Russian company "Stroypribor," which has been selling professional metrological equipment for more than 30 years, is the manufacturer of this moisture meter. The accompanying certificate attests to the State Register’s approval of the use of all of the company’s products. This enables you to gather extremely accurate measurement results using the plant’s equipment and to create an official report following professional actions.

One of the most precise professional humidity meters, designed for official concrete and reinforced concrete structure inspections.

For solid, fibrous, porous, or bulk building materials, the functions include calculating temperature and humidity parameters, recording indicators, automatically calculating average values, and transmitting numerical values for reporting via wireless communication.

Features:

1. Measuring range: 2% – 25%.
2. Accuracy: 0.01% – 0.02%.
3. Dimensions: 175 x 90 x 30 mm.
4. Weight: 670 g.

Benefits

• The most accurate moisture meter in the ranking.
• 9 operating modes.
• Seamless communication with peripheral devices, availability of personal software that has a common extension with CAD files and many calculation programs for designers.
• Intended for preparing a report in accordance with the requirements of the regulations in force in the territory of the Russian Federation.
• Can be used to conduct official examination of the quality of building structures.

Drawbacks:

1. High cost of equipment.
2. Need for periodic official verification with obtaining a state certificate. To be able to use the device for commercial purposes, it must be verified at least once every 12 months. In case of identification of failures, professional calibration of the equipment is required.
3. Complexity of repair work, risk of loss of warranty in case of unauthorized interference in the integrity of the device body.
4. Large own weight, not always convenient for transportation.

Cost: between 24,000 and 26,000 rubles.

Since the rating above is based on the opinions of actual customers rather than being promotional in nature, it is subjective. Therefore, it is not possible to use the TOP-5 models of moisture meters under consideration as a direct recommendation for buying the product. Instead, they are recommendations only.

Pros and cons

Concrete moisture meters are becoming more and more popular among professional contractors and general consumers alike each year because of their numerous, indisputable benefits.

• Quick measurement of moisture in any structure.
• Ease of use of the device.
• No need for complex calculations.
• Increased accuracy of the moisture meter.
• Possibility of choosing a contactless or contact device.
• Complete safety when using the moisture meter.
• Autonomous power supply of the device.
• Compact dimensions and low own weight.
• Display backlight allows you to work in any room
• Waterproof housing ensures safety and operability under any conditions.
• Ease of setting up.
• Some models are equipped with thermometers, hygrometers, as well as wireless data transmission modules or a function for identifying reinforcement in a concrete structural element.

However, in spite of their benefits, these devices also have certain drawbacks. For this reason, a lot of experts would rather send concrete structure samples to approved labs for a thorough examination of the water molecule content of the structures:

• The need for periodic verification and calibration.
• The need for constant recharging or replacement of moisture meter batteries.
• Increased risk of settings failure, depending on the battery charge level.
• Shallow scanning depth of a concrete structure.
• High cost of professional devices.
• Difficulty in testing in the rain or in the cold season.

Even though they have drawbacks, concrete moisture meters are among the easiest tools for figuring out how much moisture is in the material, which helps explain why they are becoming more and more popular in both domestic and international construction markets.

User reviews

Given that concrete moisture meters have been available to both professionals and regular private plot owners for a number of years, users frequently post both positive and negative comments about this equipment on public review sites:

1. A wide range of measurements.
2. Relatively small measurement error even for household moisture meters.
3. When using a non-contact device, the desired scanning depth of a concrete structure is not achieved.
4. Dependence of measurement accuracy on the battery charge level – even if the battery is not completely discharged, a large error is formed.
5. Needle moisture meters provide the highest measurement accuracy.
6. The most accurate devices are considered to be professional moisture meters with a mini-camera.

The moisture meter reviews mentioned above were found here and here.

Average prices in the Russian Federation

Numerous well-known manufacturers offer hundreds of different models of moisture meters on the market. These devices can range in price by two to five times. The most popular amateur or professional moisture meters for concrete structures are listed below, along with their average prices:

• Household moisture meters with contact probes – from 3.5 – 6.5 thousand. rub.
• Household moisture meters with a contactless spherical flask – from 4.5 – 7.5 thousand. rub.
• Professional moisture meters for concrete with increased accuracy, wireless communication function for transmitting readings to a PC monitor – from 12.5 – 14.5 thousand. rub.
• Universal semi-professional moisture meters that can be used for wood, concrete, soils and other materials at the same time – from 8.5 – 10.5 thousand. rub.

The product’s sale region, a specific brand’s internal policies, and other direct or indirect factors may cause the above prices to vary slightly.

Because they provide precise measurements of the moisture content of concrete structures, concrete moisture meters are indispensable instruments in the construction sector. Ensuring the strength, longevity, and durability of concrete installations requires an understanding of and ability to control moisture levels. Construction projects can be safer and more dependable by avoiding possible problems like warping, cracking, and structural failure through routine moisture monitoring.

To accommodate a range of demands and price points, several varieties of moisture meters are offered. Advanced digital models, pinless meters, and pin-type meters all have special features and advantages. While pinless meters are preferred for their non-invasive testing, pin-type meters are renowned for their accuracy. Advanced digital models are appropriate for larger, more complex projects because they frequently include extra features like data logging and Bluetooth connectivity.

The particulars of the task and the properties of the concrete being tested will determine which moisture meter is best. It’s crucial to take into account elements like measurement depth, usability, and the particulars of the testing setting. Purchasing a high-quality moisture meter can lower expenses, save time, and enhance the general quality of construction projects.

To sum up, moisture meters are indispensable instruments that greatly aid in the effective completion of concrete projects. Having the appropriate moisture meter guarantees that concrete installations meet the highest standards of performance and safety, whether for large-scale commercial constructions or small-scale home improvements. Professionals can improve the accuracy of their results and the durability and integrity of their structures by choosing the right type and model and making well-informed decisions.

Video on the topic

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