BD-10 owners manual ® . WHEN ACCURACY IS THE POINT (800)-222-0638 www.delmhorst.com e-mail - info@delmhorst.
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
DELMHORST BD-10 % #2497A-100 contact pins ^ External Connector # Analog Wood Scale $ ! Read Button @ Analog Reference Scale for Non-wood Materials Calibration Check Button 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
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.
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.
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 install
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 51 Indian Lane East Towaco, NJ 07082 (800)-222-0638 www.delmhorst.
METER READINGS WITH NON-INSULATED PINS SPECIES ALDER APITONG ASPEN ASH, WHITE BASSWOOD BIRCH CEDAR, EAST. RED CEDAR, INCENSE CHERRY COTTONWOOD CYPRESS ELM, AMERICAN FIR, DOUGLAS FIR,RED FIR, WHITE GUM, BLACK 7 8 8 7 6.5 7 8 8 7 8 6 7 7 7 7 8 7.5 8 9 9 8 7.5 8 9 9.5 8 9 7.5 8 7.5 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 9 8 8 10 10.5 9.5 10 8.5 9 8 9 9 9.5 10 10 11 11 10 9 9 11 12 10.5 11 9.5 10 8.5 10 10 10.5 11 12 13 13 11.5 11 10.5 13 14 12.5 13.5 12 12 10 12 12.5 12.5 13 14 15 15 13 13 13 15 17 15 15.5 14 14 11.
