TRAMEX RWS User manual

RWS
Roof & Wall
Moisture Scanner
NON-DESTRUCTIVE
MOISTURE DETECTION
FOR
BUILT-UP &
SINGLE PLY ROOFS
AND
EXTERIOR
INSULATION
FINISHING SYSTEMS
(EIFS)
User
Guide
RWSUG01/05

TRAMEX MOISTURE/HUMIDITY
INSTRUMENTS
DEC SCANNER.
Mobile non-destructive moisture surveying instrument
for inspecting flat roofs.
LEAK SEEKER.
Leak tracing in flat and built-up roofing
SURVEY ENCOUNTER.
“State of the art” non-destructive moisture meter for
measuring and recording moisture in building
materials.
MOISTURE ENCOUNTER PLUS.
Non-destructive moisture meter employing advanced
analog and digital technology with automatic timed cut-
out and HOLD facility.
PROFESSIONAL MOISTURE METER.
Digital resistance meter with probes, tests deep into
wood.
COMPACT MOISTURE METER.
Economical pin-type resistance meter for wood.
WOOD MOISTURE ENCOUNTER.
Non-destructive testing of wood and wood products.
CONCRETE ENCOUNTER CME 4.
Non-destructive moisture meter for concrete floors.
CRH FLOORING METER.
“State of the art” non-destructive testing and recording
of moisture content and relative humidity in concrete,
gypsum screeds and sub-floors.
SKIPPER PLUS
Checks wooden boats for decay and finds osmosis in
GRP.
MOISTURE & HUMIDITY KITS ARE
AVAILABLE FOR THE FOLLOWING
INDUSTRIES:
EIFS and Wall Inspection, Roof inspection, Floor
inspection, Indoor Air Quality and Building
Maintenance
R.W.S.
User Guide


R.W.S.
User Guide

Roof and Wall Moisture Scanner R.W.S. ......................4
Introduction..............................................................4
Fig. 1. The RWS ......................................................4
Modes Of Operation ................................................5
How It Works ..........................................................5
Fig. 2. RWS Low Frequency Signals on EIFS........5
Principles Of Operation ..........................................6
Prior To Use.............................................................6
Conducting A Moisture Survey ..............................6
OPERATION MODES ..................................................7
EIFS MODE ............................................................7
ROOF MODE..........................................................7
Conducting A Moisture Survey: ....................................8
IN EIFS Mode ........................................................8
Fig. 3. Laboratory Mock-Up ..................................9
Interpretation of Readings ......................................9
Table 1. Comparison of RWS and Professional
Pin Type Resistance Meter Readings ......................10
Tracing Moisture Back To Source In EIFS Or
Similar Construction................................................11
Fig. 4. Professional Pin Meter With
Deep Wall Probe ......................................................11
Conducting A Moisture Survey: ....................................12
In Roof Mode ..........................................................12
Conducting A Roof Survey............................................12
Procedure ................................................................12
Fig. 5. Roof Grid Sketch ........................................13
Tracing A Leak And Checking Suspected
Trouble Areas ..........................................................13
Fig. 6. Tracing and Marking a Leak
on your Roof............................................................14
Types Of Roofing Structures And Their More
Common Problems ..................................................14
Possible Problems Leading To Moisture Intrusion
Of The Roof System ................................................15
Moisture Survey Checklist ......................................15
Useful Items Required When Conducting
A Survey...................................................................15
Correct Use Of RWS. ..............................................16
Maintenance of RWS...............................................16
Warranty ........................................................................17
Warranty Claims ......................................................17
Product Development ..............................................17
Safety ......................................................................17
Additional Notes ............................................................18

Roof and Wall Moisture Scanner R.W.S.
Introduction
The RWS is a hand held, non-destructive, electronic
moisture meter specially developed for non-destructive
moisture evaluation and surveying of built-up or single
ply roofing and EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finishing
Systems).
The Tramex RWS is an effective Moisture Scanner with
2 operating modes, EIFS (Walls) and Roofing, each
mode has 2 ranges of sensitivity, affording you the
opportunity to scan roofing, walls and the building
envelope for excess moisture. In the EIFS mode, the
RWS can also be used on foamed-over roofing systems.
For those familiar with Tramex moisture meters, the
RWS incorporates two of Tramex’s well-known mois-
ture scanners, with additional features and benefits, in
one instrument. These are the Leak Seeker, for Roofing
moisture detection and Wet Wall Detector for Wall
(EIFS) moisture detection.
To get maximum benefit from your TRAMEX RWS, it
is suggested before undertaking a moisture survey, that
you read this manual to familiarise yourself with the
operation, features and capabilities of this multi-mode
non-destructive moisture detection and scanning instru-
ment.
Fig. 1. The R.W.S.
R.W.S.
User Guide

          
   
           
          
   
       
    
       
   
     
   
     
     
     
     
    

Modes Of Operation
The RWS (Roof and Wall Moisture Scanner) has two
operating modes, each with two ranges of sensitivity.
EIFS Mode (Yellow LED selected on MODE switch.)
is for moisture scanning of exterior insulation and fin-
ish system (EIFS) and similar type of construction
cladding as well as polyurethane and polystyrene foam
insulation and other types of low-density insulation sys-
tems applied to the building envelope.
Roof Mode (Red LED selected on MODE switch) is for
moisture scanning and leak tracing of built-up and sin-
gle ply roofing systems.
Each of these measurement modes incorporates two
sensitivities, which are activated by pressing the
RANGE switch:
Yellow LED for lower sensitivity and lower penetra-
tion. Red LED for higher sensitivity and deeper pene-
tration.
How It Works
The R.W.S. is an electronic instrument powered by one
9volt PP3 or similar battery. It operates on the princi-
pal of electrical impedance measurement. This means
that a harmless, low frequency, non-destructive signal
is sent from the two rubber coated electrodes at the base
of the instrument through the surface of the material
being tested, deep into this material. See Figure 2.
Fig. 2. RWS Low Frequency Signals On EIFS
R.W.S.
User Guide


Principles Of Operation
To measure / detect moisture, the rubber coated base of
the instrument is pressed onto the material being tested.
The detection signals from the instrument penetrate the
material under test to a depth of up to approximately 75
mm. (3 inches) depending on the mode, the range of
sensitivity selected and the material being tested. The
small current flowing through the field is inversely pro-
portional to the impedance of the material. This current
is a measure of the change in the electrical impedance
caused by a change in the moisture content. This
change is translated by the RWS and instantly and con-
tinuously displayed on the large clear analog dial which
gives comparative readings of 0 to 100.
Prior To Use.
Although the RWS is checked on manufacture and at
quality control to ensure it is in working order before
leaving the factory, a few minor checks should be car-
ried out following transit. These are as follows :
Depress ON/OFF switch (located on facia right side of
grab handle) to power on the RWS. Check battery
strength by depressing BATTERY check switch. The
needle on the analog dial should go past the BATTERY
line on the dial. If not, change the battery. Set the sen-
sitivity dial to 10, place your hand on the base of the
instrument, making contact with both electrodes, a full-
scale reading of 100 should be obtained, irrespective of
which mode or range is selected. See Figure 1. for
graphic illustration of switches and controls.
Ensure that your new RWS is received in pristine con-
dition, just as it left our factory. Complete and return
warranty registration card to Tramex or the supplier of
your RWS.
Conducting A Moisture Survey
1. Before commencing moisture testing, it is advisable
to familiarise yourself with the RWS, its functions
and principles of operation.
2. It is also advisable, prior to commencing your mois-
ture survey, to familiarise yourself with construction
details and specification, in particular, thickness of
exterior insulation, type and thickness of lamina,
number of layers of lamina and its reinforcing, coat-
ing and covering materials. The composition and
specification of the substrate material is also worth
knowing. This familiarisation will help you to make
the best use and interpretation of the RWS.
R.W.S.
User Guide


R.W.S.
User Guide

3. Check battery strength by pressing down and hold-
ing the BATTERY button (Red switch). (The RWS
needs to be powered on to check battery strength).
The Power On switch is the Black switch located on
the right hand side of grab handle. The reading on
the analog dial should be above Battery Line (70). If
the meter reading is below this, replace the 9 Volt
battery (PP3, 1604, 6F22, 6LF22 or equivalent).
4. If meter does not power up, remove the battery
cover and check if the battery is connected. If not
connect up, making sure that the battery is firmly
positioned within the battery retainer.
(It is important that the battery is firmly positioned
and not free to move, as due to the sensitivity of the
RWS an incorrectly positioned or loose battery
could affect the readings
OPERATION MODES
EIFS MODE
For exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS) and
similar types of construction cladding (non-metalic), or
foam-over roof insulation systems, the RWS is
equipped to detect moisture present in the lamina, insu-
lation or in the substrate behind or under the insulation
and assists in tracing leaks back to source.
ROOF MODE
For built up and single ply roofing and similar type of
construction cladding, the RWS is equipped to detect
elevated moisture within the insulation and thickness of
the roof and assist in tracing leaks back to source and
can also identify areas of inter ply moisture.
The RWS is designed to read through electrically non-
conductive materials that are positioned between the
electrodes and the substrate. For example: a conductive
layer with metal lath or a wet surface could give false
positive readings.

R.W.S.
User Guide

Conducting A Moisture Survey:
IN EIFS Mode
EXTERIOR INSULATION FINISH SYSTEMS AND
SIMILAR TYPE OF BUILDING ENVELOPE
INSULATION AND WATERPROOFING SYSTEMS.
1) Switch ON the RWS.
2) Select Mode: To select EIFS Mode press
MODE switch. When EIFS mode is selected the
YELLOW LED will light.
3) Select Range: press RANGE switch to toggle
from Low Range (Yellow LED) to High Range
(Red LED) or visa versa.
LOWER PENETRATION RANGE
(Yellow LED inset in range switch will light) is
suitable for use on systems incorporating up to
1” (25mm) thickness of insulation.
HIGHER PENETRATION RANGE
(Red LED inset in range switch will light) is for
use on systems with greater than 1” (25mm)
thickness of insulation.
4) Hold the RWS by the grab handle and place it so
that electrode is in full and firm contact with the
surface over a known dry area. Adjust the sen-
sitivity control knob until the needle is just
above zero on the analog meter.
NOTE:
On a laboratory mock up on an area where plywood
Sheathing substrate was less than 15% moisture con-
tent, zero reading corresponded to a setting of 5 on the
sensitivity knob of R.W.S., This was on a 1” expanded
polystyrene (EPS) insulation plus lamina over plywood.
See Fig 3. overleaf. (This setting may vary, depending
on site conditions, specifications and environmental
conditions).

R.W.S.
User Guide

Fig 3. Laboratory Mock-Up
If you are not sure that you are starting over a dry area,
a pin type resistance meter such as the Tramex Compact
or Professional, with insulated deep wall probes may be
useful in confirming an acceptably dry area.
An alternative method is to use the RWS on a seek and
find basis as follows: Place the RWS against the sur-
face, adjust the sensitivity control knob so that the
meter reads, say 50. Then, by moving from area to area
and following in the direction of lowest reading until
the area of lowest reading is found (lowest reading
should indicate a relative dry area). Over this area, zero
the meter reading as described above. You can then
double check with a Compact or a Professional to con-
firm a dry area.
Having calibrated (zeroed) on a dry area, now proceed
with the moisture survey by moving the RWS across the
surface, making sure that electrodes are making full and
firm contact with the surface. Partial contact may result
in reduced readings.
Also ensure that you are holding the RWS firmly by its
handle as the RWS functions more efficiently when it is
hand held while in EIFS mode. If you are setting up a
grid pattern for your survey it is important to under-
stand that the RWS is reading the area directly below
the footprint of the instrument.
Interpretation of Readings
When the RWS has been zeroed correctly on a dry area
and set on the correct range for the EIFS thickness, a
higher than zero reading normally indicates higher
moisture content.

Example: The RWS was calibrated on a laboratory
mock-up shown in Table 1. to indicate approximately
N.A.H.B moisture levels.
Structural Wood: 4” x 2” Stud
Sheathing: 1/2” Plywood
Insulation: 1” Expanded
polystyrene
Lamina: Glass Fibre
Reinforced
Calibration was set on this as follows:
Table 1.
Comparison of RWS and Professional Pin Type
Resistance Meter Readings
It should be noted that calibration of the RWS in EIFS
MODE was based on the averaged results of numerous
on-site and laboratory tests. Therefore readings and
results vary depending on construction detail and from
site to site. The above chart was the result of tests con-
ducted on a simulated wall construction, as described
above and is for guidance purposes only. Readings from
the RWS are qualitative, not quantitative, and should be
used for comparative purposes only.
As EIFS systems, construction sites, environmental and
geographical conditions vary, results and readings will
vary also. It is recommended that when carrying out a
survey the RWS is zeroed on individual walls and any-
where the operator would expect a change in wall mate-
rials, lamina, surface moisture or other conditions that
may effect readings.
R.W.S.
User Guide
 
RWS
Setting of
Sensitivity
5
5
5
5
RWS
Meter
Reading
0
50
90-100
100+
Moisture Content of
Sheathing Taken With
Meter For Wood
% Moisture content
(Professional Meter)
14%
20%
28%
30%

For example, walls or roofs on ocean-side properties
may have higher salt content on the surface and thus
slightly higher readings than inland properties, or sur-
face moisture may dry off more slowly depending on
orientation of the wall or roofs.
The RWS is designed to have the flexibility in
sensitivity adjustment to cope with variances caused by
material and conditional differences from wall to wall.
Tracing Moisture Back To Source
In EIFS Or Similar Construction
Once an area of excess moisture has been established,
the RWS may be used to assist in tracing the moisture
to the source of ingress as follows:
Having found a wet area, turn down the SENSITIVITY
knob until the needle points to approximately half scale
(approx 50).
On this setting, take further readings around the area,
note the highest reading and follow in the direction of
the highest reading. If necessary, decrease sensitivity
until the area of greatest moisture has been located.
Usually the greatest moisture concentration is in the
proximity of the area where the moisture is getting into
the system. A careful visual examination in this area
should be carried out to identify defects or damage in
weatherproofing.
Taking core samples of the EIFS or foamed roof insula-
tion and / or the use of a pin type resistance meter such
as a TRAMEX COMPACT or PROFESSIONAL with
deep wall probes is recommended to substantiate and
quantify the RWS readings.
Fig. 4.
Professional Pin Meter With Deep Wall Probe.
R.W.S.
User Guide
 

Conducting A Moisture Survey:
In Roof Mode
FOR MOISTURE SCANNING AND LEAK TRACING OF BUILT UP
AND SINGLE PLY ROOFING SYSTEMS
Conducting A Roof Survey
1. Switch the RWS ON
2. Select Mode: To select Roof Mode press
MODE switch. When Roof mode is selected the
RED LED will light.
3. Select Range: press RANGE switch to toggle
from Low Range (Yellow LED) to High Range
(Red LED) or visa versa.
LOWER PENETRATION RANGE
(Yellow LED inset in range switch will light) is
suitable for use on smooth or mineral surfaced
roofs.
HIGHER PENETRATION RANGE
(Red LED inset in range switch will light) is
more sensitive and will read through heavier
membranes as well as most dry gravel or ballast
roof coverings. (If satisfactory readings cannot
be achieved through ballast, remove same and
work directly on the surface of the waterproof-
ing material).
Procedure
1. Make a sketch of the roof, indicating openings and
protrusions etc.
2. Select a convenient grid span e.g. 6ft (2 meter). On
the North/South perimeter, mark 1,2,3 etc and on
the East/West perimeter mark A, B, C etc. Transfer
these grid system markings to your roof sketch. See
Fig 5 overleaf.
3. Proceed by moving the RWS along the imaginary
line A and mark locations on the sketch graph paper
and / or roof surface when moisture is indicated by
the RWS.
R.W.S.
User Guide
 

Fig. 5. Roof Grid Sketch
In Fig 5., position A4 is the first point of moisture con-
tact. A telescopic aluminium handle can be attached to
the RWS when carrying out a moisture survey on a hor-
izontal surface to avoid having to bend down when tak-
ing readings.
As the survey continues, a moisture profile will build
up, indicating areas which require attention.
4. On single ply roofing, particular attention must be
paid to laps and seams.
5. Should a precise moisture percentage be required, a
sample can be removed from the site, sealed in a
plastic bag and checked in a laboratory, by weigh-
ing, drying and reweighing, to calculate the exact
amount of moisture present.
6. It is important also to examine the plies of the
waterproofing layers after taking a test cut, as mois-
ture may be present between the plies or within the
fibre of the felt.
7. Areas of elevated moisture can be quantity checked
with a probe type moisture meter such as the
Compact pin type meter with deep wall insulated
probes.
Tracing A Leak And Checking Suspected Trouble
Areas
If, for instance, a leak has been noticed in a built-up-
roof, it may be easy to identify where the water is drip-
ping into the building, but difficult to locate the point of
ingress in the waterproof layer.
Take your RWS to the general area of the roof over the
leak. Switch on to activate the RWS and select the
desired range. Turn the sensitivity knob to 10 and place
the RWS on the roof surface. (If no reading is received,
the insulation directly beneath the instrument is dry).
Take point readings around the area until moisture is
located.
R.W.S.
User Guide
 

This identifies where the elevated moisture is located.
Mark the roof surface with crayon or paint, outlining
the area of wetness. See Fig 6. below
Fig 6. Tracing And Marking A Leak On Your Roof
To trace the leak back to the source, turn down the sen-
sitivity until the meter needle reads approximately half
scale. Take point readings around the area of the leak,
following the strongest signal. It may be necessary to
reduce the sensitivity a number of times until the area
of greatest moisture content is located. Based on the
usual pattern of greatest moisture concentration being
in proximity to the point at which the moisture gets
through into the roof, a visual examination of the area
should be carried out to identify defects or damage to
the roof covering.
Note: The reading on the RWS. is ‘Relative or
Comparative’, indicating a greater or lesser signal. It is
not an indicator of percentage moisture content. As a
guide, approximately 20% moisture in wood fibreboard
directly under 3mm (1/8”) membrane, will give
full-scale deflection on Roof mode on the YELLOW
sensitivity range. Many types of insulation currently
available can contain up to 200% moisture by weight
while others can hold no more that 50%. If the precise
moisture content is required we recommend a sample
core is cut and measured by weigh/dry/weigh method,
or by use of a pin type resistance moisture meter. The
Tramex Compact pin meter could be used to give an
indication of quantative moisture content.
Types Of Roofing Structures And Their More
Common Problems
• Built-up Roofing Systems: Comprising of 3 or 4
layers of roofing felt, with bitumen or asphalt adhe-
sive between each layer.
• Modified Bitumen Systems: This type of material
is usually heat applied as a single layer system or
with a base layer of bituminous felt.
R.W.S.
User Guide
 

• Single Ply Roofing: Usually applied in welded
sheet form, direct to the insulation.
Note: Using the RWS on black EPDM or Butyl rub-
ber roofing may result in false readings due to the
high dielectric constant of this material.
Possible Problems Leading To
Moisture Intrusion Of The Roof System
• Mechanical damage from maintenance personnel.
• Fissures or cracks in the membrane, caused by
building settlement or expansion and contraction.
• Blistering caused by moisture trapped in the roofing
system during construction.
• Problems on the laps and up stands if material is not
fully sealed during construction.
• Problems usually occur from mechanical damage
and maintenance personnel, pinholes, bird damage
and faulty seams during construction.
Moisture Survey Checklist
Recording the following information will assist you in
completing a comprehensive moisture survey:
a) Building Name and Number:
b) Date of Survey:
c) Name of Surveyor:
d) Visual Inspection of all Detail Work and
Flashings around doors, windows, openings etc
e) Visual Inspection of Windows, Doors,
Penetrations, Roof Lights & Openings etc:
f) Visual Inspection of Vents, Chimneys and other
protrusions.
Useful Items Required When Conducting A Survey.
In addition to the RWS the following equipment will
be found useful when carrying out a survey.
1. Core Cutter.
2. Hole Punch.
3. Crayon, Chalk or Spray paint.
4. Tape Measure.
5. Spatula, knife and cold mastic, and patching
material for minor repairs.
6. Plastic bags for sealing core samples.
7. Pin type resistance meter with deep wall
insulated probes.
R.W.S.
User Guide
 

Correct Use Of RWS.
For correct use of your RWS :
• Make sure that the RWS is held firmly by its
built-in plastic grab handle and that your hand is not
in contact with electrode or body sides of the
instrument. (Extension handles, such as telescopic
handles, should not be used while in EIFS Mode, as
these will affect reading and performance of the
RWS and the handle should not be insulated or
isolated from operator’s hand when in use. The tel-
escopic extension handle should only be fitted to the
RWS for use on roofing in Roof Mode.
• Both the electrodes need to be placed in firm contact
with the surface. On narrow areas where full elec-
trode contact is lacking or not possible, it may be
necessary to recalibrate the meter .
• On areas where thickness of insulation or lamina
varies from that at where the RWS was zeroed, read-
ings may be affected. It may be necessary to com-
pensate for these differences in coatings or insula-
tion specifications.
• At temperatures below 40°F (4°C) the RWS may
not function efficiently due to the possibility of
moisture turning to ice.
• Readings at lower temperatures tend to be lower
than those at higher temperatures and vice versa.
Maintenance of RWS.
1. Keep the electrodes clean and dry and regularly
inspect for wear.
2. Clean electrodes with a damp cloth. Do not use sol-
vents to clean the RWS.
3. Remove battery when the RWS is stored for long
periods.
4. The replacement battery should be of good quality
and leak proof.
5. The RWS will automatically power off after 30 min-
utes of inactivity. Avoid leaving the RWS switched
on while not in use.
6. In the event of a malfunction, return to your suppli-
er. The RWS carries a 12-month warranty. Details
and warranty card are supplied with the instrument.
R.W.S.
User Guide
 

Warranty
Tramex warrants that this instrument will be free from
defects for a period of one year from the date of first
purchase.
If a fault develops during the warranty period, Tramex,
at its option, will either repair the defective product
without charge for the parts and labour, or will provide
a replacement in exchange for the defective product
returned to Tramex Ltd.
This warranty shall not apply to any defect, failure or
damage caused by improper use or improper or inade-
quate maintenance and care.
In no event shall Tramex, its agents or distributors be
liable to the customer for any special, indirect, or con-
sequential loss or damage of any type whatsoever
(including, without limitation, loss of business, rev-
enue, profits, data, savings or goodwill), whether occa-
sioned by the act, breach, omission, default, or negli-
gence of Tramex Ltd., whether or not foreseeable, aris-
ing howsoever out of or in connection with the sale of
this product including arising out of breach of contract,
tort, misrepresentation or arising from statute or indem-
nity.
Without prejudice to the above, all other warranties,
representations and conditions whether made orally or
implied by circumstances, custom, contract, equity,
statute or common law are hereby excluded, including
all terms implied by Section 13, 14 and 15 of the Sale
of Goods Act 1893.
Warranty Claims
A defective product should be returned shipping pre
paid, with full description of defect to your supplier or
to Tramex at address shown overleaf.
Product Development
It is the policy of Tramex to continually improve and
update all its products. We therefore reserve the right to
alter the specification or design of this instrument with-
out prior notice.
Safety
This Users guide does not purport to address the safety
concerns, if any, associated with this instrument or its
use. It is the responsibility of the user of this instrument
to establish appropriate safety and health practices and
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations
prior to use.
R.W.S.
User Guide
 

! ! " # " $ % & % $ # ' ( )
R.W.S.
User Guide
 

Tramex Ltd
Shankill Business Centre
Shankill
Co. Dublin
Ireland
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web Site www.tramex.ie
USA Tramex
C/O Black Hawk Sales Inc.
28 Pin Oak Drive
Littleton
CO 80127
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web Site: www.tramexltd.com