Moisture content is a crucial factor in the performance and integrity of wood. It represents the amount of water present in the wood as a percentage of its dry weight. Understanding wood moisture content is essential for various reasons, including:
The answer to this question is yes. Wood can contain more than 100% moisture content under specific conditions. This phenomenon is known as "free water" or "super-saturation." Free water occurs when the wood absorbs water beyond its maximum moisture holding capacity. It typically happens when the wood is immersed in water for extended periods or subjected to high humidity environments.
When wood contains free water, its moisture content exceeds 100%. The excess water occupies the spaces between the cell walls and the spaces inside the cells. This condition can lead to severe problems such as structural damage, mold growth, and decay.
It's important to note that free water is unstable and will eventually dry out over time. Once the wood dries, its moisture content will decrease below 100%. Therefore, while it's possible for wood to contain over 100% moisture content, it's not a permanent state.