Diagnostic Instruments
We at H2O Remedial Services use the latest diagnostic instruments available in order to provide our Surveyors and Technicians with the correct information so as to establish if remedial treatments are necessary or not, the following instruments are used and calibrated on a regular basis to ensure optimum performance:-
Protimeter Survey Master: This combination enables our Surveyors to distinguish surface moisture from sub-surface moisture, essential information when trying to establish the extent and cause of a dampness problem.
Search mode (non-invasive)
By selecting search mode and holding the instrument against building materials such as walls, we can obtain a qualitative indication of the moisture level beneath the surface or under a floor covering.
Measure mode
By selecting Measure mode and pushing two needle electrodes into the surface of the wood or masonry under investigation, we can obtain, respectively, the actual moisture content or the materials wood moisture equivalent (WME) value. Additionally by utilising deep wall probes, further information can be gathered about moisture levels deep within a wall cavity or structure.
Hygrometer: This instrument is used to measure the relative humidity, dew point and ambient temperature.
A sensor supplied with the instrument can also be embedded in solid floors and walls to obtain a materials equilibrium relative humidity (ERH) value.
Surface temperature measurements can also be provided, making this instrument especially suitable for condensation risk assessment and diagnosis.
Salt Analysis: One way of finding the source of moisture is by way of undertaking a simple on site salt analysis, we can thus establish if Nitrates are present in a plaster sample. Nitrates are derived from the decay of organic compounds thus present in the soil, therefore if these salts are detected, as the salts only move in solution, this would indicate moisture from the soil.
This test is quite simple, with colour changes indicating the presence or not of Nitrates and Chlorides.
Speedy Calcium Carbide Meter: This instrument whilst more accurate than an electrical conductivity meter and gives a quantitative reading, it is a destructive method in that a plaster or masonry samples must be prepared, each test usually takes about 10minutes to undertake.
Free moisture within the sample reacts with the reagent in the sealed vessel to produce acetylene gas and pressure rise within the vessel that is proportional to the amount of moisture. The moisture content value is then read directly from the calibrated integral pressure gauge.
Laboratory Analysis Service: We have access to a Laboratory whereby in depth testing of samples of plaster, brick, timber, mortar etc, can be sent in order to establish salt contents, type of salts present, amount of salts present, moisture content levels, hygroscopic moisture contents, timber treatments used, etc. This information is invaluble to establish the cause of the problem, useful indeed, if on site testing proves to be inconclusive.
AutoCAD Drawings: In order to illustrate our proposals in picture format, we take the time to produce detailed drawings using AutoCAD, thus providing the proposed plan layout, highlighted treatment zones and cross sections etc, all part of the professional service we deliver to our valued commercial customers.
