Moisture Mapping Exploring Wood Moisture Content and Its Limits

Moisture Mapping: An Overview

Moisture mapping is an essential technique for assessing the moisture content of wood, ensuring its structural integrity and preventing potential damage. This process involves measuring the moisture present within the wood using specialized equipment and creating a visual representation of the results. Moisture mapping provides crucial information for various applications, such as timber grading, construction, and restoration.

Wood Moisture Content

Wood moisture content (MC) refers to the amount of water present within the wood fibers, expressed as a percentage of the oven-dry weight. The moisture content of wood can vary significantly depending on factors such as species, environmental conditions, and storage methods.

Can Wood Contain Over 100% Moisture Content?

Typically, wood cannot contain over 100% MC. Once wood reaches the fiber saturation point (FSP), which is around 25-30% MC, the cell walls become saturated with water. Any additional moisture will be present in the wood's cavities and pores. Therefore, it is not possible for wood to contain more moisture than its total volume.