### What is an Acceptable Moisture Level in Wood Framing?
Moisture mapping is the process of determining the moisture content of wood framing members. This information can be used to assess the risk of moisture-related problems, such as mold growth, wood rot, and structural damage. Moisture mapping is typically performed using a moisture meter, which measures the electrical resistance of the wood. The higher the moisture content, the lower the resistance, and vice versa.
Acceptable moisture levels in wood framing vary depending on the species of wood, the location of the framing, and the intended use of the structure. However, general guidelines can be established based on the equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of the wood. The EMC is the moisture content at which the wood is in equilibrium with its surroundings. In most cases, the EMC of wood framing should be between 6% and 12%. Moisture content higher than this can indicate water intrusion, condensation, or other problems and may be conducive to mold growth.