Damp meters

[andromeda]

Has anyone bought one of the damp meters from Aldi?
Because I have significant damp issues found on the Hab check, (£5000 worth apparently) I went in the van and I tested the areas indicated. Some matched the report some didn't so I'm wondering about the meters reliability. It was cheap.
As you can imagine gutted at problems but the dealer I bought off has said he will sort. Whether that means at a price I don't know because I'm out of warranty.
Oh well life's full of issues but no one's died downward and upwards.

 

[Steve121]

Has anyone bought one of the damp meters from Aldi?
Because I have significant damp issues found on the Hab check, (£5000 worth apparently) I went in the van and I tested the areas indicated. Some matched the report some didn't so I'm wondering about the meters reliability. It was cheap.
As you can imagine gutted at problems but the dealer I bought off has said he will sort. Whether that means at a price I don't know because I'm out of warranty.
Oh well life's full of issues but no one's died downward and upwards.

I only have limited experience using damp meters, but the readings will vary depending on several factors. Does the meter have pins which have to be pressed into the area being tested? If so, the readings depth will vary with depth of penetration, and possibly with temperature. It's unlikely 2 different makes of meter will give the same reading.

 

[craig9760]

hi what year is the van

 

[andromeda]

hi what year is the van

2005

 

[Dowel]

Pretty much as hairydog said although I would avoid the very cheap meters that lack a read out but squeak at you instead! Maybe they have now disappeared from the market?

Yes, I have an Aldi meter I bought about 4 years ago Model EM4807. also have another inexpensive meter a "Kamasa Mini Moisture Meter" and a rather more expensive "Comprotec Timber Check Moisture Meter" from Canada.

I have checked them against each other in use and also used the contacts marked "T" on the Aldi meter to check the calibration of that meter and the Kamasa. Aldi claim an accuracy for wood of ± 2% up to 29% and ± 4% from 30%, resolution for wood is 1%.

I would suggest the meters are accurate and reliable enough for your purposes and the variations could be due to several factors other than the meter.

The report you refer to could be at fault.
Readings could be fluctuating with changes in the weather altering the actual dampness in the fabric, the degree of local air movement in different spaces in the van and/or condensation on the surfaces being tested.
If the weather has been cold for long enough to chill the van down, then the weather improves and a nice warm front comes in off the Atlantic there is likely to be condensation on every cold surface including the inside of the van shortly after you open the doors!

I have seen the figures on this web page referred to in several places: Caravan Repairs & Servicing Wales - The Caravan Hospital - St. Hilary, Cowbridge
I couldn't comment on the interpretation of work required at each moisture level, not my field.

The best way to use a moisture meter is to ignore the absolute % figures and use it to compare readings on a grid across the internal surfaces of the van. This should help you to form a picture of the moisture levels and with luck help locate the leak. No need to mark a grid on the van just make sketches to assist recording and interpretation.

Keep in mind that different timbers can give different readings at the same moisture content. My Comprotec came with a table to correct for different species, Protimeters are supplied with similar tables.
Plywood and MDF etc being manufactured products bound with water resistant or waterproof glue will most likely also read differently.

If your dealer is not making repairs for free under warranty or good will I would consider getting a second opinion and quotation for the repairs.

Hope you get sorted soon

 

[b20pjg]

Damp Meters

I used to work in the caravan industry and part of my job was to check part ex caravans and motorhomes for damp. The industry tends to use the Protimeter Mini which gives an accurate calibrated reading. The downside is that they retail at around £200, although you can sometimes buy them used on Ebay. The meter has colour reading as well as a % dampness. The industry guidelines tend to be under 15% reading (green reading) no cause for concern, 15% to 20% (amber reading) could be caused by atmospheric conditions and recheck in three months.20% to 30% (amber / red reading) a cause for concern and definitely recheck, above 30% (red reading) internal structural damage is very likely. At 60% the prongs of the meter will go straight through the internal board.

Damp repair work is expensive, since whilst the materials are relatively cheap, the big cost is labour. To repair its usually necessary to remove all of the internal cabinets and furniture in the affected area. The next stage is then to basically to pull off the internal boarding to expose the internal structures of the wall. From personal experience with a reading of 50% on the surface of the board, the internal structure will be absolutely shocking with the wooden stringers black with mould and rot.

At a labour charge out rate of £40 per hour two days work would cost £1,000.

In terms of a repair quote I would ask for a detailed breakdown of labour, board, glue etc.