Moisture Mapping is a process of measuring the moisture content of wood using a moisture meter. This information can be used to determine the best way to treat the wood to prevent decay and other problems.
What is the preferred moisture content for treating wood?
The preferred moisture content for treating wood is between 12% and 18%. This moisture content is low enough to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, but high enough to prevent the wood from shrinking and cracking.
When wood is treated with a preservative, the preservative is able to penetrate the wood more deeply and effectively if the wood has a moisture content of 12% to 18%. This is because the preservative is able to travel through the water in the wood to reach the interior of the wood.
If the moisture content of the wood is too high, the preservative will not be able to penetrate the wood as deeply and effectively. This can result in the wood being more susceptible to decay and other problems.
If the moisture content of the wood is too low, the wood will be more likely to shrink and crack. This can also result in the wood being more susceptible to decay and other problems.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that the moisture content of wood is between 12% and 18% before treating it with a preservative. This will help to ensure that the wood is treated properly and is protected from decay and other problems.