TRAMEX Dec Scanner User Manual

non-destructive
roof moisture scanner

Introduction..................................................................................................................................2

How the Dec Scanner Works..................................................................................................2

Assembly Instructions..............................................................................................................2

Operating Instructions..............................................................................................................3

• Using the control panel.........................................................................................................3

• Range selection.......................................................................................................................4

• Calibration setting..................................................................................................................4

Conducting a roof survey.........................................................................................................4

Tracing a leak................................................................................................................................5

Types of roofing structure and their more common problems.................................5

Maintenance of the instrument.............................................................................................6

Limitations....................................................................................................................................6

Calibration.....................................................................................................................................6

Warranty.........................................................................................................................................6

Product Development...............................................................................................................7

Safety...............................................................................................................................................7

Technical data...............................................................................................................................7

User Guide

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

User Guide

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INTRODUCTION

Thank you for selecting the Dec Scanner instrument from
Tramex.

The Tramex Dec Scanner is a non-destructive impedance
moisture scanner designed for detecting and evaluating
moisture conditions in roofing and waterproofing systems.
The Dec Scanner has 3 ranges of sensitivity to enable the
surveying of a variety of roof types and roofing depths, and
is equipped to detect moisture in the majority of roofing and
waterproofing systems.

To get the maximum benefit from your Tramex Dec Scanner,
it is suggested that you read this manual to familiarize
yourself with the instrument and its capabilities, before
undertaking any roof investigations.

WHY SHOULD TESTING BE DONE ?

Excess moisture in a roofing and waterproofing system can
affect its performance, reducing thermal resistance values
and energy efficiency, raising energy costs, and eventually
causing structural damage and system failure.

WHEN SHOULD TESTING BE DONE ?

Testing and surveying of roofing systems needs to be
carried out at various stages of the lifetime of the roofing
and waterproofing system:

at installation to ensure roofing quality;

regularly as part of an ongoing maintenance program,
in order to monitor and take remedial action in plenty
of time to prevent major and expensive stripping and
re-roofing;

prior to reparation or re-roofing in order to determine
the cause and extent of damage.

The signals from this instrument will not penetrate
certain types of rubber roofing material such as
some black E.P.D.M and some Butyl Rubber. The
Dec Scanner is not suitable for any roofing with
electrically conductive or metal-faced membranes.

IMPORTANT NOTE

HOW THE ‘DEC SCANNER’ WORKS

The Dec Scanner detects and evaluates the moisture
conditions within roofing and waterproofing systems by
non-destructively measuring the electrical impedance. This is
a method that is very well suited to obtaining comparative
moisture content readings in the many different types of
materials used in the roofing assembly.

The Dec Scanner is a battery powered, electronic instrument,
that generates a low frequency electronic signal. This signal
is transmitted into the material under test via one of the two
electrodes incorporated in the rubber electrode mat, which is
draped on the underside of the instrument. The other
electrode receives the signal that is transmitted through the
material under test. The strength of this signal varies in
proportion to the amount of moisture in the material under
test. The Dec Scanner determines the strength of the current
and converts this to a comparative moisture value. By moving
the Dec Scanner across a roofing surface in a regular pattern,
a continuous reading is obtained, and any areas that contain
moisture can be readily identified.

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS

Remove the Base Unit from the carry case using the grab
handles.

Check the tightness of the 8 electrode mat retaining
screw fasteners.

To insert the telescopic handle: fully open the flip lock
mechanism, extend the lower part of the handle, insert
the threaded end into the Base Unit and turn clockwise
until tight and secure.

Extend the telescopic handle to the desired height.
Position the meter bracket to the front, ensuring the
arrow is pointing directly down the handle for optimal
infrared communication between Base Unit and Control
Panel Meter. Close and lock the flip lock.

Adjust the hand piece to the desired position.

Remove the Control Panel Meter from the carry case and
clip it onto the meter bracket.

Also included is a folder containing survey sheets and
the warranty card. (This should be completed and
returned to Tramex Ltd, Ireland.)

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