PE News: Benefits, Types, and Proper Use of Moisture Meters

PE NEWS: ALL ABOUT MOISTURE METERS! Click Here To Shop Our Moisture Meters.

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Moisture Meters – Benefits, Types, and Proper Use Moisture meters are utilized by home inspectors, pest control operators and EIFS inspectors and many other inspectors for determining moisture intrusion into the structures they inspect. Moisture or the amount of moisture is the single most important factor affecting the integrity of building structures. Properly used, moisture meters allow inspectors to see behind or below surfaces to locate moisture, determine the amount of moisture and identify the source. Benefits of Using Moisture Meters Moisture meters can be used on a large variety of materials, such as wood, drywall, tile, plaster, insulation, siding and roofing material. They are used in determining the moisture content in these materials is high enough to lead to rot, mold, or decay, all of which are potential safety hazards. This application is typically used during a home or building inspection, but there are other uses. They are also useful in determining if a home is suitable to live in again after flooding. Additionally, moisture meters are used to check the moisture levels in types of wood, to determine if the wood is dry enough to be installed, and subsequently stained or painted. Types of Moisture Meters There are essentially three types of moisture meters that can be used for testing moisture in building materials: Pin Meters, Pinless Meters, and combination units. There are specific advantages to using each of them. Pin Meters Pin Meters are aptly named due to the two pins extending from the meter. This invasive method of measuring moisture requires the two pins to be able to be inserted into wood or other building materials. Moisture is measured by detecting the electrical resistance between the two pins, and only at the depth the pins are driven to. The readings from a pin meter are very accurate, but the meter will leave two pinholes in the material. The pin meter is especially useful for determining whether a stain on a wall or ceiling is resulting from a still active leak. It can also easily test for moisture on the surface level of many building materials. Pin meters are utilized most often to measure the levels of moisture in wood. However, because different types of wood possess different resistance properties, the meter must be adjusted to the correct species’ measuring range if able to do so, or a cross-reference chart will need to be consulted. Adjustments will also need to be made if other types of building materials are tested, such as drywall. Pinless Meters Pinless meters are non-invasive, and able to scan large areas quickly, using electromagnetic waves or radio waves to measure moisture. They work best if utilized on a fairly smooth surface, but cannot determine exactly where moisture might be: moisture is measured from ¾” – 4” below the surface of the material, depending upon the meter you are using. Pinless meters are used often to check for leaks or moisture around the sides and base of a tub or shower, sinks, or other appliances such a dishwasher, and generally in the kitchen and bathroom areas, beneath the floor. Combination Units These units utilize both the invasive and non-invasive methods. You can use the pinless method to scan quickly for moisture, and then the pins if more accurate readings are required. Proper Use of Moisture Meters Regardless of which moisture meter you use, proper use and reading them accurately is key to determining the levels of moisture in building materials. It is important to know and understand what the acceptable levels of moisture are in specific types of material. Readings higher than 20% contribute to mold growth and cause wood to begin to decay. Different areas of the country will also result in more moisture being found in building materials, thereby yielding different acceptable levels. The image below details the recommended moisture averages for different areas of the United States. Moisture meters can also be affected by temperature, humidity, and conductive metals, so it is important to be aware of these factors when attmepting to take a reading. Professional Equipment, providing inspection, electrical, HVAC, engineering and building professionals with the tools and testing equipment they need since 1987, carries an extensive line of moisture meters suitable for any purpose. Please visit our site and browse through our selection of moisture meters, which includes meters for building materials, industrial meters, marine moisture meters, and much more. Additionally, we carry books and DVDs about moisture, mold, and moisture meters. With these reference materials, you can learn how moisture meters work, their many applications and the benefits of using moisture meters.     Tramex Encounter Plus, Non Destructive Moisture Meter Item #: M254 Your Price: $329.00 Protimeter Mini Moisture Meter Item #: M829 Your Price: $169.00       Delmhorst BD-2100 Digital Moisture Meter Item #: M655 Your Price: $310.00     Allegro Bitrex™ Respirator Fit Test Kit Item #: M255PEQ Your Price: $1,005.95 Lignomat Moisture Meter, Mini Ligno S/D for Wood, Sheetrock and other Building Materials Item #: 159090 Your Price: $137.95       Extech Wood Moisture Meter Item #: M511-0200 Your Price: $74.95       Wagner Extended Range Moisture Meter Item #: 159151 Your Price: $409.95 Sonin Rapitest Moisture Test Meter Item #: M631 Your Price: $29.00

800.334.9291 PO Box 5197 Janesville, WI 53547-5197

PE News: EPA's New Lead Renovation, Repair, and Safety Rule

EPA'S NEW LEAD RENOVATION, REPAIR, AND SAFETY RULE! Click Here to View The Newsletter.

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EPA’s NEW LEAD RENOVATION, REPAIR, AND SAFETY RULE Beginning April 2010, companies that do any construction, remodeling or installation on work inside homes built before 1978 are going to be required to be certified and use lead-safe work practices. A partial list of contractors affected by the regulation include carpenters, HVAC, electricians, plumbers, and painters. Renovation activities like sanding, cutting, and demolition which disturbs old lead based paints can create hazardous lead dust and chips, which can be harmful to occupants of the house both children and adults as well as the contractors doing the work. If you do almost any kind of construction or installation work inside homes or child occupied facilities built before 1978, you need to know about the EPA's new Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting rule. The two main components of the Rule are that beginning in April 2010, firms working in pre-1978 homes will need to be certified. Along with firm certification, an employee will also need to be certified as a Certified Renovator The responsibilities of a certified firm ensure that: 1.        All individuals performing activities that disturb painted surfaces on behalf of the firm are either certified renovators or have been trained by a certified renovator. 2.        A certified renovator is assigned to each renovation and performs all of the certified renovator responsibilities. 3.        All renovations performed by the firm are performed in accordance with the work practice standards of the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program. 4.        Pre-renovation education requirements of the Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program are performed. 5.        The program's recordkeeping requirements are met. Firms may begin applying for certification beginning October 22, 2009. To obtain a copy of the "Application for Firms" contact the NLIC at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323). The cost for firm certification is $300 and renewable every five years. A certified renovator must successfully complete an eight-hour initial training course, including two hours of hands on training, offered by an accredited training provider. The course completion certificate serves as proof of certification. Renovators are required to be certified by April 22, 2010. The Responsibilities of a Certified Renovator are: 1.        When requested by the homeowner, must use a test kit accepted by EPA to determine whether components to be affected by the renovation contain lead-based paint. 2.        Provide on-the-job-training to workers on the work practices they will be using in performing their assigned tasks. 3.        They are to be physically present at the work site when warning signs are posted, while the work-area containment is being established, and while the work-area cleaning is performed 4.        Must regularly direct work being performed by other individuals to ensure that the work practices are being followed, including maintaining the integrity of the containment barriers and ensuring that dust or debris does not spread beyond the work area. 5.        Be available, either on-site or by telephone, at all times renovations are being conducted 6.        They must perform project cleaning verification. 7.        They must have with them at the work site copies of their initial course completion certificate and their most recent refresher course completion certificate. 8.        They must prepare required records. The training curriculum for the Certified Renovator is currently under development by the EPA. As of now the training will consist of an 8 hour class with 2 hours of hands on training. Certifications of the firm and renovator will be valid for 5 years; at the end of that 5 year period the Certified Renovator will be required to take a four hour refresher course for recertification. For a complete listing of lead abatement products available from Professional Equipment follow the attached link. www.ProfessionalEquipment.com 3M Full Face Respirator 6000 Series - Medium Item #: A406-6800 Your Price: $154.95 Lead Check Swabs 16/Pack Item #: K601-0912 Your Price: $58.95 MSA OptimAir PAPR Respirator Hycar Ultravue - Medium Item #: A602-4152 Your Price: $674.95 Allegro Bitrex™ Respirator Fit Test Kit Item #: 67872 Your Price: $163.00 North Safety 7600 Series Silicone Full Facepiece M/L Item #: A603-7703 Your Price: $179.95 North Safety 7700 Series Silicone Half Mask M Item #: A603-7701 Your Price: $24.95 Air Sampling Pump, Allegro Rotary Vane - A100 w/ Stand Item #: 14407 Your Price: $489.95

800.334.9291 PO Box 5197 Janesville, WI 53547-5197

PE News: UV Light and its use in multiple applications.

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Ladders | License/Exam-prep | Light/Sound Meters | Locators | Measuring Tools | Moisture Meters | New Products

ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT AND ITS USE IN MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS Ultraviolet Light Ultraviolet (UV) light is radiation that lies in the ultraviolet range and possesses wavelengths that are shorter than visible light but longer than x-rays. The sun is the largest source of UV light, and while prolonged exposure to UV can be harmful, it can also be very effective in applications for a wide variety of industries, including healthcare, government investigation, mineralogy, and water treatment. Ultraviolet Light in Healthcare UV light can be used for a variety of purposes in the healthcare industry. It can be used to detect ringworm, to induce the production of Vitamin D, to stimulate the immune system, and to treat skin disorders. Additionally, UV light can detect cataracts in the eyes, as well as abrasions or lesions. Further studies and tests are continually providing new uses for ultraviolet light in medical applications. Ultraviolet Light as a Germicide Used at a particular wavelength of 253.7nm, UV light is effective at killing germs, bacteria, fungi, mold and a variety of spores and bacteria that cause allergies or transmit infections. UV light has been used as a germicide in clinics, hospitals and labs for over 60 years, and is now being utilized to treat and clean HVAC systems. It is also used for the purpose of water purification. It is not harmful to the water, does not alter its taste or introduce any chemicals, and does not cause harm to septic systems or plumbing. Ultraviolet Light in Government and Criminal Applications Many substances have the tendency to fluoresce (glow brightly apart from other items and substances) when UV light is introduced. UV light can be used to detect various bodily fluids for the purposes of criminal investigation, as well as some types of accelerants, useful in arson investigations. Ultraviolet Light for Rodent Detection There are more common applications for UV light utilized by various trades, such as detecting rodent infestation. UV light can be used to detect rodent urine (which also glows differently than pet urine, and so can be easily discernable from any bodily fluid stains left by pets). The UV light can detect the presence of rodent hair as well. UV LED flashlights are quickly becoming a common household object as well as a useful tool for many additional applications, such as checking stamps at nightclubs, detecting counterfeit items, and detecting leaks and cracks. Professional Equipment, who provides tools and testing equipment to inspection, electrical, HVAC, engineering and building professionals, carries a line of UV flashlights for various applications. The Inova X5 Lithium Powered UV LED Flashlight is a shockproof and waterproof UV flashlight that has individual reflectors surrounding each of five white LEDs recessed into a stainless steel head. It’s light projects up to 120', and the lithium batteries (included) have a 10-year shelf life and run up to 20 hours. The Coast LED Lenser Tactical Flashlight possesses an advanced focus system and a strong aluminum body. The Coast LED lenser UV flashlight is a smaller UV flashlight with applications for Industrial, Automotive, Security, Household, Pest Control, and Home Inspection. Please visit Professional Equipment to browse their full line of UV flashlights and products.

Inova X5 Lithium Powered UV LED Flashlight - Titanium Item #: 161711 Your Price $50.50 Coast LED Lenser Tactical Flashlight w/ Advanced Focus System - 2AA Item #: 158978 Your Price $99.95 Coast LED Lenser UV Flashlight, V2 6 Chip - Dual Color - 3AAA Item #: 158970 Your Price $54.95

800.334.9291 PO Box 5197 Janesville, WI 53547-5197