In the realm of wood preservation and construction, understanding wood moisture content holds paramount importance. Wood, being a hygroscopic material, readily absorbs and releases moisture from its surroundings, affecting its physical properties and overall performance.
Moisture Mapping is a specialized technique that provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of wood moisture distribution within a structure or component. This process involves strategically placing moisture sensors at predetermined locations to measure moisture levels at various depths and locations.
Wood’s moisture content is typically expressed as a percentage based on its oven-dry weight. This means that wood with 100% moisture content has the same weight of water as the dry wood itself.
While it is possible for wood to contain moisture in excess of 100%, known as “above-fiber saturation point” or “free water,” this condition is typically found only in extreme circumstances where the wood is submerged in water or exposed to extended periods of high humidity.
Once wood reaches fiber saturation point, which is around 30% moisture content, its cellular structure becomes completely saturated, and additional moisture is held in the pore spaces between wood cells.