Delmhorst BD-10 User Manual

BD-10

owners manual

(800)-222-0638

www.delmhorst.com

e-mail - [e-mail]

WHEN ACCURACY IS THE POINT.

®

TM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2 BD-10 Features
3 Before You Begin
3 Check Calibration
4 Taking a Reading
4 Using 6-40% Wood Scale
4 Paint Failure and Moisture
5 EIFS (Exterior Insulation & Finish Systems)
6 Using 0-100 Reference Scale
6 Testing Concrete Slabs for Flooring

Applications
8 Testing Brick or Concrete for Paint Application
9 Testing Plaster Walls, Sheetrock (Gypsum)
9 Tracing Leaks

10 Detecting Moisture in Insulation
11 Care of Your Meter
12 Service For Your Meter
13 Warranty

%

BD-10 FEATURES

hDesigned to check moisture levels in wood, concrete, EIFS,

sheetrock, and other materials

hResistance technology recognized around the world as the

most accurate method for measuring moisture

h6%-40% moisture range for wood
h0 to 100 reference scale for non-wood materials
hAnalog readout
hBuilt-in calibration check
hTemperature stable circuit
hErgonomic case design
hEasy one-hand operation
hIncludes (1) 9-Volt Battery
hIncludes sturdy carrying case
hOne-year warranty
hOver fifty years of proven quality, accuracy and service

#2497A-100 contact pins

Read Button

Calibration
Check Button

#

Analog

Wood

Scale

$

Analog Reference

Scale for

Non-wood

Materials

^

External

Connector

@

!

2

DELMHORST BD-10

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

The BD-10 features two scales — one marked
“wood” and the other marked “reference”. The
wood scale

# is used when testing wood and the

reading indicates the percentage moisture content.
The reference scale

$ reads from 0-100 and is

used when testing any building material such as
plaster, concrete, brick, insulation, etc. Readings
on the reference scale

$ are to be taken as a

qualitative indication of the moisture level.
Readings in the low end of the scale indicate a
“drier” condition; readings in the upper end of the
scale indicate a higher moisture level in the material.
The scale is color coded with green, yellow, and
red areas. Readings may be interpreted as green
(dry), yellow (borderline), red (wet).

When using the reference scale

$, tests should be

made on material samples that are known to be
dry. Such readings can be used as standards or
reference points against which subsequent readings
should be compared.

CHECK CALIBRATION

hPress the calibration check button @. Meter is in calibration

if the needle pointer moves to “20” on the wood scale

#.

Any reading within the green band on the dial is acceptable.
Make sure the contact pins

% are not in contact with

anything when checking the calibration.

If you check the calibration and the needle does not read
within the green band, it is likely an indication of a low bat­tery. If this occurs, change the battery (9-Volt) immediately.
Continued use with a low battery may cause the meter to go
out of calibration. If you have a fresh battery and the
instrument still does not indicate a proper calibration,
return it to DELMHORST for service. See

Service for Your

Meter

section for details.

3

TAKING A READING

hRemove the protective cover to expose the pins. Check

that the contact pins

% are firmly hand tightened.

USING 6-40% WOOD SCALE

hAlign contact pins % parallel to the grain pushing to

their full penetration, if possible.

hPress the read button ! and read the moisture content

on the wood meter scale

#.

Delmhorst uses the USDA standard–Douglas Fir–as the
basis for all calibrations. Because the electrical characteristics
of different species vary, some species may read differently
at the same moisture content. However, in most cases, the
Douglas Fir reading can be taken at face value on construction­grade lumber. If you choose to apply species corrections
please contact us at 800-222-0638 or e-mail us at
[e-mail].

Paint Failure and Moisture

Moisture is by far the most frequent cause of paint failure.
The key to preventing paint failure is to make certain that
moisture is not absorbed through the wood to the back of the
paint film. So, in order to insure quality paint jobs, wood
must remain dry after the application of paint.

Outdoor wood can be safely painted without danger of peeling
if the %MC is 15% or less. In drier climates, the maximum
reading should be 10% to 11%. Indoor wood should be
between 7% to 8% prior to painting.

The following conditions may cause high moisture content
in wood:

hLeaky gutters and down spouts
hLeaky pipes or condensation on cold water lines in attic or

hollow walls

hFaulty flashing around windows, doors and where porch

and dormer roofs meet sidings

hEnd-grain wood that is not sealed with paint at all joints

around windows, corners, and butt joints

4

hPorch columns that do not have good drainage and

ventilation where they rest on porch floors

hSiding or any other wood that is in contact with the

ground

hSiding and shingles without sufficient lap so that water

is forced up through cracks by wind pressure

hIce dams
hCondensation of vapor within hollow walls

EIFS (Exterior Insulation & Finish Systems)*

Moisture intrusion problems in EIFS (also know as
synthetic stucco) stem from leaking window frames,
improper use of or lack of sealant, and faulty installation
of flashing.

If you suspect a problem take a visual inspection. Look for
gaps around windows, doors, air conditioning units, light
fixtures, hose bibs, dryer vents and other areas of potential
penetration. Also look for visible signs of water damage. If
you feel a problem exists, use the

BD-10 with a #21-E
electrode. This electrode includes the #608 - (4”) insulated
pins.

Procedure:

hDrill two 1/4” holes about 3/4” apart at an upward

45˚ angle.

hPush the #21-E Electrode into the holes through the

polystyrene and into the substrate.

hPress read button ! and read the scale.
*Refer to the wood scale

# if the sheathing is plywood.

If gypsum sheathing is used, refer to the reference
scale

$.

5

6

USING THE 0-100 REFERENCE SCALE

Testing Concrete Slabs for Flooring
Applications

Moisture meters are an effective tool to check moisture in
concrete. They can tell you where there may be excess moisture
and help determine if you need to conduct further testing.

It is important to test both the surface and mid-section of the
slab, especially if the slab is on or below grade. This will help
determine if there is continuous moisture migration toward the
surface. If this condition exists, the moisture movement may
be so slow that once it reaches the surface, moisture evaporates
and causes a “dry” reading when a surface test is made.
However, if a sub-surface test is made, the meter may read
“wet” indicating the presence of moisture. When the slab is
covered and the upward movement of moisture continues, moisture
will move into a hygroscopic (wood) floor, or build-up pressure
under a non-breathing synthetic floor, causing delamination.

Taking a Surface Reading:

hDrive two hardened-steel masonry nails about 3/4”

apart into the finish coat of concrete floor. Drive them
about 1/8” deep so they make firm contact with the

concrete and do not move when touched.

hTouch the nails with the contact pins % .
hPress read button ! and read the reference scale $.

If the meter reads in the red or “wet” area, it shows the
floor is not satisfactory for covering. If meter reads in
the green or “dry” area, the surface is dry. However,
subsurface tests should be made to verify if the slab is
dry throughout.

Subsurface Test:

hDrill two 1/4” holes, 3/4” apart and 1/2” to 2” deep.
hDrive the masonry nails into the bottom of the holes and

make the tests as described above. Nails must not touch
sides of drilled holes.

➝

➝

➝

➝

➝

6”

nails 1/8” into

concrete

Drilled holes 1/4” diameter.

Nails 1/8” into concrete at

bottom of holes.

2-3” approx.

slab

electrode

subsurface

If the meter still indicates green or “dry” the floor is ready
for covering. Tests should be made at several points,
especially when the slab is thick and air circulation is poor.
Tests should only be made in newly drilled holes, since the
inside surface of the holes can dry out while the rest of the
slab is still wet.

Even readings in the red or “wet” area can indicate
relatively low moisture content in concrete. For example,
readings in the 85-95 range on the reference scale

$

indicate approximately 2% to 4% moisture content.
If more testing is required, the calcium chloride test is

recommended, which measures the moisture vapor emission
rate of concrete. The National Wood Flooring Association
offers the following guidelines when evaluating the results
of the calcium chloride test***.

Key Factors to Consider:

hThe age of the slab. National Wood Flooring Association

guidelines specify to wait at least 30 days after the slab
is laid before checking moisture content. ***

hIs the slab on grade or suspended? If the slab is on

grade, is there an effective vapor barrier under the slab?

hHow thick is the slab?
hWhat is the drainage condition of the ground?
hHistory of other structures in the area

***Taken from Section V Appendix AA “Moisture Testing

Procedures for Concrete Slabs” — NWFA

7

Results Indicate

0-3 lbs. Dry
over 3 lbs. Moisture barrier required
over 7 lbs. Too wet

Testing Brick or Concrete for Paint Application

Brick, stucco, or concrete surfaces must be dry at the time of
application and must remain dry after paint is applied or failure
of the paint film may occur. These materials are frequently
exposed to unusual moisture conditions that allow them to absorb
moisture through some exposed surface or some structural defect.
This is why it is important to check the moisture content of the
brick or concrete when it has been exposed to conditions that
permit it to absorb moisture.

Procedure:

hDrive two hardened steel masonry nails about 3/4” apart into

the brick or concrete. Drive them about 1/4” deep so they
make firm contact and do not move when touched.

hTouch the nails with the contact pins %.
hPress read button ! and read the reference scale $.

Normally, dry concrete or brick will read in the green or “dry”
portion of scale, indicating a safe condition to apply paint.
Meter readings should be evaluated in relation to other factors —
knowledge of the structure, type of paint used, expected weather
conditions in the near future, etc. Paint should not be applied if
readings are in the red or “wet” portion of the scale.

Do not be misled by surface appearance of masonry materials.
Short exposure to rain may thoroughly wet the surface while
the interior is still dry. In this instance, we recommend repeating
the test on the masonry

below the surface as mentioned above.

Key Areas to Check:

hThe rear side of brick parapet walls — generally are not

waterproof above the flashing line and frequently absorb
moisture during rains.

hPainted concrete floors on ground — subject to peeling as

they absorb moisture from the earth, unless an effective
vapor barrier has been installed.

Tests on these materials should be made a day or so after they
have been exposed to rain or other high moisture conditions to
verify to what extent they absorb moisture.

8

Testing Plaster Walls, Sheetrock (Gypsum)

Under normal drying conditions and proper application of plaster
(sufficient drying time between coats), surface readings give accurate
results. However, if rapid drying occurs, the surface of the plaster
may be dry, but moisture is still present below the surface and will
eventually affect the paint or wallpaper. This condition occurs when
there is high temperature or exceptionally good air circulation, or
where brown scratch and white coats are applied within a few days.

Take several readings on each wall. Pay special attention near the
base, around doorjambs, electrical and plumbing fixtures, and other
places where the plaster is thicker than normal.

Taking a Surface Reading:

hDrive the contact pins % into the plaster to their full

penetration, if possible.

hPress read button ! and read the reference scale $.

Taking a Reading Below the Surface:

hDrive a pair of nails into the plaster at least 1/3 of the

total thickness of the plaster. If you are applying plaster
to a material of doubtful dryness, such as brick or con­crete, drive the nails through the plaster and into the
brick or concrete.

hTouch the heads of the nails with the contact pins % and read

the meter.

The following guidelines may be used to interpret the meter readings
on plaster or sheetrock prior to painting or applying adhesives:

Green or “dry” — < 4% moisture
Red or “wet” — approximately 5%
Yellow — Borderline

Tracing Leaks

The BD-10 can help trace leaks in masonry material. Normally, dry
plaster, brick, or concrete will contain so little moisture it cannot be
detected by the meter. If the meter indicates the presence of moisture
you can trace the moisture to its origin.

To trace the origin of a leak:

hDrive a nail into an area that is known to be wet and attach an

insulated wire between the nail and one of the contact pins

%

9

hApply the other pin to various parts of the wall where you suspect

the leak originates. If the meter indicates red or “wet”, the material
is wet between the points of contact. If the meter reads green or
“dry”, the material along this line is not in the path of a leak.

To confirm if a brick wall is waterproof:

Perform the following procedure after storms to verify if a brick wall
is waterproof, or if waterproofing repairs have been properly performed:

hDrive pairs of nails into the brick wherever it is necessary to

make the tests and leave them in place until after all the tests are
completed.

hTake readings after each storm, and record the readings. The

pattern of these readings will indicate if the brick is gradually
drying out or is moistened again by each storm.

Detecting Moisture in Insulation:

Use the BD-10 with the #21-E Electrode and #608 insulated
pins

to detect moisture in insulation. These pins are insulated,
except at the tips. Only the uninsulated tips make contact
with the material, providing information as to the depth at
which moisture is present.

Procedure:

hDrill two 3/16” diameter holes, one inch apart through

the siding.

hUsing the #21-E, insert the #608 contact pins into

the holes so that you make contact with the insulation.

hPress the read button ! and read the reference scale $.

Take readings at various depths of penetration to determine
the location of moisture.

hFill holes with putty at the conclusion of the test.
Meters are not calibrated to read the percentage of moisture

content in the insulation. Instead, meter readings provide
a qualitative indication of the presence of moisture. The
meter may also help identify the pattern of distribution to
help you determine if moisture is due to condensation or
leakage.

The presence of moisture in insulating material greatly
reduces its insulating properties. If the insulating material
absorbs moisture, water will displace the air in the material.
Water also transmits heat at a faster rate than air, thus
reducing the efficiency of the insulation.

10

Side walls and roof insulation pick up moisture because
of leaks in the roof or structural defects in the side walls
which allow storm water to be forced in during high wind.
During periods of cold weather, vapor will condense as it
approaches the colder area near the outside walls, and
resulting moisture will remain trapped in the insulation.

Cork, wood fiber boards, and other cellulose material read
lower than glass wool and other inorganic types of insulation.

CARE OF YOUR METER

To keep your meter in good working order:
hStore your meter in a clean, dry place. The protective

carrying case provided is an ideal storage place when the
meter is not in use.

hChange the 9-Volt battery as needed. Continued use with a

low battery may cause the meter to go out of calibration.

hChange contact pins % as needed. Keep pin retainers

hand tightened.

hClean the meter and contact pins with any biodegradable

cleaner. Use the cleaner sparingly and on external parts
only. Keep cleaner out of the external connector

^.

hRemove the battery if the meter will not be used for one

month or longer.

11

SERVICE FOR YOUR METER

hPack your meter securely. Enclose a purchase order or letter

with a brief description of the problem.

hThere is no need to call us for a return authorization number

if you are within the U.S. Customers outside the U.S. must
contact us for more specific instructions prior to returning
a meter.

hInclude your name, address, daytime phone and fax

numbers or e-mail address. If you believe the meter is
under warranty, please provide the original sales slip or
invoice.

hShip via UPS, Express Mail, Priority Mail, or any

overnight courier who provides prompt service. Do not use
standard parcel post.

hInsure your instrument for its full value and ship prepaid.

We are not responsible for damage in transit.

hWe do not accept COD shipments or cover any incoming

freight or duty charges on returned merchandise.

hTurnaround time on repairs is approximately two weeks.
hWe will call you with an estimate if you specifically request

one, or if we determine that the meter may be too costly
to repair.

hNon-warranty repairs will be returned via UPS/COD unless

you have already established other payment terms. There
is no COD service outside the U.S. To pay by credit card,
include the card number and expiration date with your
repair. We accept Visa/MasterCard, American Express,
and Discover.

hWarranty repairs will be returned at no charge if shipped

within the U.S. via UPS Ground Service. Freight charges
for expedited services (i.e., Federal Express, UPS/2 Day,
UPS/1 Day, etc.) are the customer’s responsibility and will
be charged as per the above terms.

12

WARRANTY

Delmhorst Instrument Co., referred to hereafter as
Delmhorst, guarantees its BD-10 meter for one year from
date of purchase and any optional electrodes against defects
in material or workmanship for 90 days. If, within the
warranty period, you find any defect in material or workmanship
return the meter following the instructions in the

Service for

Your Meter

section. This limited warranty does not cover
abuse, alteration, misuse, damage during shipment, improper
service, unauthorized or unreasonable use of the meter or
electrodes. This warranty does not cover batteries or contact
pins. If the meter or any optional electrodes have been tam­pered with, the warranty shall be void. At our option we may
replace or repair the meter.

Delmhorst shall not be liable for incidental or consequential
damages for the breach of any express or implied warranty
with respect to this product or its calibration. With proper
care and maintenance the meter should stay in calibration;
follow the instructions in the

Care of Your Meter section.

Under no circumstances shall Delmhorst be liable for any
incidental, indirect, special, or consequential damages of any
type whatsoever, including, but not limited to, lost profits or
downtime arising out of or related in any respect to its
meters or electrodes and no other warranty, written, oral or
implied applies. Delmhorst shall in no event be liable for any
breach of warranty or defect in this product that exceeds the
amount of purchase of this product.

The express warranty set forth above constitutes the entire
warranty with respect to Delmhorst meters and electrodes
and no other warranty, written, oral, or implied applies. This
warranty is personal to the customer purchasing the product
and is not transferable.

13

For over 50 years, Delmhorst has been the leading

manufacturer of high-quality resistance moisture meters.

Today we offer the innovative KIL-MO-TROL

®

in-kiln monitoring system, and Loadmaster®, a fully

automated weight-based kiln control system

for the ultimate in accuracy. We also offer

a complete line of portable moisture meters for

woodworking/lumber, agriculture, construction and paper.

WHEN ACCURACY IS THE POINT.

®

TM

51 Indian Lane East

Towaco, NJ 07082

(800)-222-0638

www.delmhorst.com

e-mail - [e-mail]

©1999, Delmhorst Instrument Co.

REV. 2/05

METER READINGS WITH NON-INSULATED PINS

SPECIES 7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

ALDER 8 9 10 11 13 15 17.5 19.5 21.5 24 27

APITONG 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 20 22 24 27

ASPEN 7 8 9 10 11.5 13 15 16.5 18 20 21

ASH, WHITE 6.5 7.5 8 9 11 13 14.5 16 18 19.5 21

BASSWOOD 7 8 8 9 10.5 13 15 17 19 20.5 22

BIRCH 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 19 21.5 23.5 25.5

CEDAR, EAST. RED 8 9.5 10.5 12 14 17 19 21 23 25 26

CEDAR, INCENSE 7 8 9.5 10.5 12.5 15 17 19 21 23 25

CHERRY 8 9 10 11 13.5 15.5 18 20 22 24 26

COTTONWOOD 6 7.5 8.5 9.5 12 14 15 17 19.5 21 23

CYPRESS 7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 19.5 21.5 23.5

ELM, AMERICAN 7 7.5 8 8.5 10 11.5 13 15 16 18 19

FIR, DOUGLAS 7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

FIR,RED 7 8 9 10 12.5 15 17 19 21 23 25

FIR, WHITE 8 9 9.5 10.5 12.5 15 17 19 21 23 25

GUM, BLACK 7.5 9 10 11 13 15 16 18 19 20.5 22

GUM, RED 7 8 9 10 12.5 14.5 16.5 19 20.5 22.5 24

HEMLOCK, WESTERN 7 8 9 10.5 13 15 17 19 20.5 22 23.5

HACKBERRY 7 8.5 9 9.5 12 13 15 17 18.5 20 22

HICKORY 8 8.5 9 10 11 12.5 14 15.5 17 19 20.5

KERUING 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 20 22 24 27

LARCH 7.5 9 10 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25.5

MAGNOLIA 7.5 9 10 11.5 14 16 17.5 19 21 22.5 24.5

MAHOGANY, AFRICAN 8 9.5 10.5 12 15 17 19.5 22 24 26 28
(ALSO KHAYA)

MAHOGANY, HOND. 7 8 9 10.5 12.5 14.5 16 18 19.5 21.5 22.5

MAHOGANY, PHIL. 6 7 7.5 8 9.5 11 13 14 15.5 17 18

MAPLE, HARD/SOFT 8 9 9.5 10 12 14 16 18 20 22.5 25

MERANTI, DARK RED 8.5 9.5 10.5 11.5 12.5 16 18 20.5 22.5 24.5 26.5

OAK, RED 7 8 9 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24

OAK, WHITE 7 8 8.5 9.5 11.5 13.5 15 17 18.5 20 22

PECAN 6.5 8 9.5 11 12.5 14 16 17.5 19 22 24

PINE, LONGLEAF 8 8.5 10 11 13 15.5 17.5 19.5 21 23 25

PINE, PONDEROSA 7.5 8.5 10 11 13.5 15.5 17.5 19.5 21 23 25.5

PINE, SHORTLEAF 7.5 9 10 11 13 15.5 17.5 19.5 21.5 23.5 25

PINE, SO. YELLOW* 8 9.5 10.5 12 14.5 16.5 19 21 23 25 28

PINE, SUGAR 7 8 9 10 12 15 17 19 21 23 25

PINE, WHITE 7 8 9 10 13 15 17 19 21 23 25.5

POPLAR, YELLOW 8 8.5 10 11 13 15.5 17.5 19.5 22 24 26

RAMIN 7 8 9 10 11 13 15 16 18 20 21

RADIATA PINE 10 11 11 12 14 16 18 20 23 25 27

REDWOOD 7 8 9 10 12 13.5 15 17 19 22 24

SPRUCE, SITKA 7 8 9 10 12.5 14.5 17 19 21 23.5 26

SPF** 9 10 11.5 13 15.5 18 20.5 23 25 28 30

SPF/COFI 8 9 10 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25

TEAK 7 8 8.5 9 11 12 14 15 17 18.5 20

VIROLA 6.5 7 8 9 11 12.5 14 16 18 18.5 20.5

WALNUT, BLACK 7.5 8.5 9.5 10.5 12.5 14.5 16 18 20 22 23.5

*Meter readings taken with 26-E 2-pin electrode. Do not apply 2-pin correction.

**SPF correction based on 2-pin 26-E reading with insulated pins. It is based on USDA/Forintek data and can be used for the following species:

Lodgepole Pine
Alpine Fir