How to take a Concrete Moisture Measurement using the CME4 Concrete Encounter Moisture Meter

How to take a Concrete Moisture Measurement using the CME4 Concrete Encounter Moisture Meter

The CME4 concrete encounter moisture meter facilitates straightforward and regular checking of moisture content during the drying out phase of a laying a new concrete floor or screed. Checking moisture content levels during this period is essential to ensure that your concrete is dry enough to accept floor coverings. Failure to monitor moisture content risks latent problems such as adhesive failure, condensation, or warped floorboards.

 
Figure 1 Watch an Instrument Choice demonstrate how to take a Concrete Moisture Measurement using the CME4 Concrete Encounter Moisture Meter here.

Measurement Notes

Referring to Figure 2 (below), you can see that the analogue dial on the CME4 is simple to read:

  1. For concrete, read the moisture content from the top 0% to 6% scale of the meter dial.
  2. For gypsum and other floor screeds, comparative readings should be taken from the middle, 0 to 10 scale of the meter dial.
  3. The lower 0 to 100 reference scale is suitable for comparative readings of other building materials.

Important Note: Do not interpret readings on the bottom reference scale as a measurement of the percentage of moisture content.

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Figure 2 Analogue dial of the CME4 concrete moisture encounter displaying the Concrete MC% on top,
Gypsum floor screed comparative reading in the middle, and the reference scale on the bottom.

How to take a Concrete Moisture Measurement using the CME4 Concrete Encounter Moisture Meter

  1. To take a measurement, turn the unit on by pressing the 'ON/OFF' button. The lower LED will light up and remain illuminated.
  2. To take a measurement, press the meter against the surface you wish to measure, ensuring complete compression of all the spring-loaded pins.
  3. The analogue dial will display the result instantly. Read the result or comparative reading from the corresponding scale.
  4. At any time during measurement, you can press the second 'HOLD' button.Pressing this freezes the current measurement on the screen. The hold status is indicated by the needle staying in one place, and the upper LED light flashing slowly. The hold function is especially useful when taking readings in areas where it is difficult to see the analog dial during testing. To release the hold function and resume active measurement, press 'HOLD' a second time.
  5. Repeat the moisture tests several times in the same general area. Repeating measurements is essential as the distribution of moisture tends to become erratic as the concrete dries out. Use only the highest reading.

IC TIP: For precise results, avoid testing in locations subject to direct sunlight or sources of heat. Include tests in potentially damp areas such as the centre of the slab and within a metre of walls.

Conclusion 

The CME4 by Tramex is a robust and accurate concrete moisture meter that is simple and non-destructive to use. 

Want more information on the CME4? See the links below or contact us!

Additional links

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