Moisture mapping is an essential tool for understanding the moisture distribution within wood structures. By using specialized equipment, moisture mapping can provide valuable insights into the condition of wood, helping to identify areas of high moisture content that may pose structural risks.
### Wood Moisture Content: A Critical Factor
Wood moisture content (MC) is the amount of water present in wood relative to its weight. MC is a crucial factor that affects a wood’s strength, durability, and susceptibility to rot. The optimum MC for wood in most applications is between 7% and 15%, as moisture levels outside this range can lead to problems such as shrinkage, warping, and mold growth.
### Can Wood Contain Over 100% Moisture Content?
It is not possible for wood to contain over 100% MC. The maximum MC that wood can hold is known as the fiber saturation point (FSP), which is typically around 30%. At the FSP, all of the wood’s cell walls are saturated with water, leaving no additional space for water absorption. Excess water beyond the FSP will occupy the voids between the wood cells.