huangyhg

test method for wood plank roof
i have an older manufacturing facility with a wood plank decking roof covered with a layer of gravel and tar and metal sheathing on top. the insurance company has asked for an analysis of the decking to determine if any needs to be replaced due to moisture content or deterioration. is there a proven method to test for such damage, without completely tearing the roof apart and taking samples?

you can do a couple of things...
1. you can try infrared thermography; however, the metal sheathing (that's unusual..why is it there?) will give you a problem. you might have to do it from underneath.
2. check the moisture content of the wood using a portable moisture meter, calibrated for wood. if the moisture content does not exceed 15 percent (theoretically, 19 percent is the point at which wood destroying organisms can prevail), then you do not likely have a moisture deterioration issue.
3. probe for "pucky" areas of wood. using an ice pick or similar device, see if you have inordinately soft spots in the wood. if you find them, determine their cause through sampling and testing.

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