**Moisture Mapping: What is it?**
Moisture mapping is a crucial aspect of wood preservation and management. It involves assessing the moisture content of wood, which significantly influences its properties and performance. Accurate moisture measurements are essential for optimizing wood drying, minimizing decay, and preventing structural damage.
### Understanding Wood Moisture Content
Wood moisture content (WMC) refers to the amount of water present within the wood’s structure. WMC is usually expressed as a percentage of the wood’s oven-dry weight. The oven-dry weight is the weight of the wood after all moisture has been removed.
### Can Wood Contain Over 100% Moisture Content?
It is crucial to note that the maximum moisture content of wood cannot exceed 100%. By definition, wood moisture content represents the percentage of water in relation to the wood’s oven-dry weight. Therefore, even when wood is saturated, the maximum WMC remains 100%.
### Conclusion
Moisture mapping plays a vital role in understanding and managing wood properties and performance. By accurately measuring wood moisture content, professionals can optimize wood drying processes, minimize the risk of decay, and ensure structural integrity.