Carbide meter
When identifying damp in buildings, architects, surveyors etc may use moisture meters to confirm or obtain a diagnosis. In skilled hands with regular site calibration, moisture meters can be a good starting point.
Carbide meters are one method of measuring moisture content. This technique (sometimes referred to as Speedy Carbide Test after the manufacturer’s name) works by testing a weighed sample of drilled mansory that has been taken from a sample area such as a mortar joint located above the damp proof course. This sample is then placed in a container. A measured amount of calcium carbide powder is placed in a separate portion of the container, and then the container is sealed. The container is shaken and the two substances mix together to trigger a reaction that produces acetylene gas if moisture is present.
The meter will indicate the results of the test. Readings will range from 0 to 5, with a higher number indicating a higher level of moisture.
Carbide meters are likely to give a more accurate measure of moisture content than some other techniques, although they require the removal of a sample - which could be considered by some as destructive. As a result, this method of testing may only be advisable after an electronic meter, or some other method has indicated the presence of moisture.
For more information see: Assessing moisture in porous building materials.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.