Understanding Wood Moisture Content
Moisture Mapping is a crucial aspect of wood management and preservation. One important factor assessed during mapping is the moisture content within the wood. Wood moisture content refers to the amount of water present within the wood fibres, typically expressed as a percentage of the wood’s oven-dry weight.
Can Wood Contain Over 100% Moisture Content?
It is possible for wood to contain over 100% moisture content, known as the fibre saturation point. At this point, all the available binding sites for water molecules in the wood cell walls are saturated, and additional water is stored in the cell lumens.
When wood exceeds its fibre saturation point, it is said to be in a “free water” state. In this state, the wood becomes more susceptible to decay and biological degradation. It is, therefore, essential to monitor and control moisture content to maintain the integrity and durability of wood structures.