Understanding Wood Moisture Content A Crucial Aspect of Moisture Mapping

Wood Moisture Content

Wood moisture content (MC) plays a pivotal role in both the structural integrity and overall performance of wood structures. It refers to the amount of water present in wood, typically expressed as a percentage of its dry weight.

Preferred Moisture Content for Wood Treatment

When treating wood with preservatives or coatings, achieving the preferred moisture content is essential for optimal results.

  • Preservative Treatment: For effective penetration and absorption of preservatives, wood should ideally be below 20% MC.
  • Coating Applications: Coatings perform best when applied to wood with a MC below 12%. Higher MC can lead to blistering or peeling of the coating.

Maintaining the recommended MC is crucial to ensure the effectiveness of wood treatments and extend the lifespan of wood structures.