Moisture mapping is a crucial component of building maintenance, helping to identify and mitigate areas of excessive moisture that can compromise the structure’s integrity and indoor air quality.

### Moisture Mapping and Detection Methods

Moisture mapping involves the systematic measurement and analysis of moisture levels in building materials. This information is then used to create a visual representation, known as a “moisture map,” that highlights areas with moisture problems.

Various methods are employed for moisture detection, including:

– In-situ moisture sensors: These sensors are placed within building materials to measure real-time moisture levels.

– Infrared (IR) thermography: IR cameras detect temperature variations caused by moisture, allowing for non-invasive identification of moisture problems.

– Electrical impedance tomography (EIT): EIT uses electrical currents to create cross-sectional images of moisture distribution within building components.

### How Does Moisture Detection Work?

Moisture detection relies on the principle of electrical conductivity. When moisture is present in building materials, it increases the electrical conductivity, which can be measured using sensors.

– In-situ moisture sensors: The sensors are typically placed in holes drilled into the building material. The sensors measure the electrical resistance between two electrodes, which changes depending on the moisture content.

– Infrared (IR) thermography: IR cameras detect the thermal radiation emitted by objects. Moisture absorbs and releases heat differently compared to dry materials, resulting in temperature variations that can be captured by IR cameras.

– Electrical impedance tomography (EIT): EIT uses an array of electrodes placed on the surface of the building component. Electrical currents are passed through the electrodes and the resulting voltage distribution is measured. The collected data is then used to reconstruct an image of the moisture distribution.