Carbide meter
When identifying damp in buildings, architects, surveyors etc may use moisture meters to confirm or obtain a diagnosis. In skilled hands with regular site calibration, moisture meters can be a good starting point.
Carbide meters are one method of measuring moisture content. This technique (sometimes referred to as Speedy Carbide Test after the manufacturer’s name) works by testing a weighed sample of drilled mansory that has been taken from a sample area such as a mortar joint located above the damp proof course. This sample is then placed in a container. A measured amount of calcium carbide powder is placed in a separate portion of the container, and then the container is sealed. The container is shaken and the two substances mix together to trigger a reaction that produces acetylene gas if moisture is present.
The meter will indicate the results of the test. Readings will range from 0 to 5, with a higher number indicating a higher level of moisture.
Carbide meters are likely to give a more accurate measure of moisture content than some other techniques, although they require the removal of a sample - which could be considered by some as destructive. As a result, this method of testing may only be advisable after an electronic meter, or some other method has indicated the presence of moisture.
For more information see: Assessing moisture in porous building materials.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Twas the site before Christmas...
A rhyme for the industry and a thankyou to our supporters.
Plumbing and heating systems in schools
New apprentice pay rates coming into effect in the new year
Addressing the impact of recent national minimum wage changes.
EBSSA support for the new industry competence structure
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority, in working group 2.
Notes from BSRIA Sustainable Futures briefing
From carbon down to the all important customer: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
Principal Designer: A New Opportunity for Architects
ACA launches a Principal Designer Register for architects.
A new government plan for housing and nature recovery
Exploring a new housing and infrastructure nature recovery framework.
Leveraging technology to enhance prospects for students
A case study on the significance of the Autodesk Revit certification.
Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance
Announced during commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.
CIOB photographic competition final images revealed
Art of Building produces stunning images for another year.
HSE prosecutes company for putting workers at risk
Roofing company fined and its director sentenced.
Strategic restructure to transform industry competence
EBSSA becomes part of a new industry competence structure.
Major overhaul of planning committees proposed by government
Planning decisions set to be fast-tracked to tackle the housing crisis.
Industry Competence Steering Group restructure
ICSG transitions to the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Principal Contractor Competency Certification Scheme
CIOB PCCCS competence framework for Principal Contractors.
The CIAT Principal Designer register
Issues explained via a series of FAQs.