Considerations for Specific Building Types

What is an acceptable damp reading?

An acceptable damp reading can vary depending on the building material and type. For wood, an acceptable reading will typically fall between 6% and 12%. For concrete, an acceptable reading will typically fall between 10% and 16%. For brick, an acceptable reading will typically fall between 20% and 30%.

The following factors can affect the acceptable damp reading in a building:

• Age of the building: Older buildings may have higher damp readings due to the natural aging process.
• Type of building: Residential buildings will typically have lower damp readings than commercial buildings.
• Climate: Buildings located in humid climates will typically have higher damp readings.
• Building materials: Different building materials have different moisture absorption rates.
• Construction: Buildings that are poorly constructed or have inadequate ventilation will typically have higher damp readings.