Moisture Mapping Understanding Wood Moisture Content

What is Wood Moisture Content?

Wood moisture content refers to the amount of water present within the wood's cellular structure. It is expressed as a percentage of the wood's dry weight. Understanding wood moisture content is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment methods and predicting the wood's behavior under various conditions.

What is the Preferred Moisture Content for Treating Wood?

The optimal moisture content for treating wood depends on the intended use and the treatment method employed.

Preservative-Treated Wood

• Most preservatives are applied to wood with a moisture content of less than 19%.
• Lower moisture content helps ensure that the preservative penetrates the wood effectively.

Fire-Retardant-Treated Wood

• Fire-retardant treatments are generally applied to wood with a moisture content of less than 25%.
• Higher moisture content can reduce the effectiveness of the fire retardant.

Unseasoned Wood

• Unseasoned wood, with a moisture content above 20%, is typically not recommended for treatment.
• Excessive moisture content can interfere with the treatment process and potentially lead to problems such as checking or warping.