Tools

Moisture Meters

Pin and pinless moisture meters for checking concrete, screed and timber before membranes, adhesives and floor coverings go down.

Narrow by category (25)

3 products

Moisture Meters products

Moisture Meters buying guide

Why substrate moisture matters

Most membranes, adhesives and floor coverings have a maximum substrate moisture content. Exceeding it causes bond failure, blistering and, with timber flooring, movement after installation. On a slab, a surface reading is not enough — relative humidity probes set into the slab give the real figure, since moisture migrates upward once a coating goes down and traps it.

Pin versus pinless meters

Pin meters measure electrical resistance between two probes and give a reading at a specific depth, but they leave holes and are affected by salts in the material. Pinless meters read a volume beneath the surface without damage, which makes them ideal for scanning an area quickly to find wet spots. Use pinless to survey and pin or probe to confirm.

In-slab relative humidity testing

For anything with a strict moisture limit — timber flooring, vinyl, some membranes — a surface reading is not acceptable evidence. In-slab relative humidity probes are inserted into drilled holes at a specified depth and left to equilibrate, usually 24 to 72 hours, before reading. It is slower, but it is the measurement that manufacturers and warranties actually recognise.

Interpreting readings

Meter readings are relative unless the meter is calibrated for the specific material. A reading that looks acceptable on a timber scale means nothing on concrete. Always compare against the figure in the product data sheet, using the test method that sheet specifies. Take multiple readings across the area — slabs dry unevenly, and the wettest point governs.

Frequently asked questions

How dry does a slab need to be before tiling?
It depends on the adhesive and any membrane. Check the specific product data sheet — requirements vary considerably between systems.
Is a surface moisture meter enough?
For a quick check, yes. For timber flooring and products with strict limits, an in-slab relative humidity test is what manufacturers require.
How long does a slab take to dry?
A common guide is around one month per 25mm of thickness under good drying conditions, but it varies enormously with ventilation, humidity and whether the slab can dry from both faces.

stocked at both jaden services trade counters — fairfield heights and prestons — with australia-wide delivery and trade pricing for regular accounts. Get in touch