Moisture Mapping is a crucial technique employed to assess the moisture levels within wood structures, providing valuable insights into their current condition and potential risks. It involves measuring the moisture content of wood using specialized instruments and creating a visual representation of these values.
### Wood Moisture Content: A Fundamental Aspect
Wood moisture content refers to the amount of water present within the wood cells. It is typically expressed as a percentage of the wood’s dry weight. The ideal moisture content for most wood applications ranges between 6% and 12%. When moisture levels deviate significantly from this range, it can lead to structural problems and material degradation.
### Can Wood Contain Over 100% Moisture Content?
Exceeding 100% moisture content in wood is generally not possible. Even when fully saturated, wood can only absorb a maximum amount of water. The term “over 100% moisture content” is sometimes used to describe a situation where the wood’s surface is excessively wet or covered in liquid water. However, this excess water is not absorbed into the wood’s cells and does not significantly increase its overall moisture content.