Bio-bricks, moisture content/absorbency?

[apersonnameddan]

I purchased 3 ton of bio-bricks (WoodBrickFuel) last year when I bought the house, but just got around to installing the stove. After a year in a damp basement I was concerned about the moisture content, but when I metered it I measured 0-1% both on outside surfaces and on a freshly broken surface.
I stored them on pallets, in their original package, shrink wrapped but not sealed, and 4-6" from the wall (stacked slate, lots of condensation).
After that reading I stepped outside and checked some wet wood scraps that had been out in the rain and measured 35% so I assume the meter is working somewhat accurately.
Is this >1% reading legit, or does the meter just not read sawdust well?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[spirilis]

It probably doesn't read sawdust well. If the bricks aren't swelling and bulging and falling apart they're dry.

 

[AmbDrvr253]

Agree with above. Trust me, u will know if they absorb any moisture.

 

[apersonnameddan]

The packaging seemed to say that liquid water was bad, but any level of humidity was OK. The bricks are all solid with very few exceptions. Those few were found on the top of the pile where condensation may have dripped.

 

[BrotherBart]

If you can't get into the basement because they have swelled and filled it, they are wet. Otherwise...

 

[spirilis]

If you can't get into the basement because they have swelled and filled it, they are wet. Otherwise...

Sounds like a good horror movie prop. The ever-expanding wood briquette pile...

 

[apersonnameddan]

Not sure how much they expand, but if they doubled it would be pretty tight. If they tripled the tentacles would be climbing upstairs. Do they have tentacles?
I did deliberately put them up on pallets and space them away from the damp wall, but who knows what kind of plot a plumbing problem could set off...

 

[spirilis]

Not sure how much they expand, but if they doubled it would be pretty tight. If they tripled the tentacles would be climbing upstairs. Do they have tentacles?
I did deliberately put them up on pallets and space them away from the damp wall, but who knows what kind of plot a plumbing problem could set off...

Up on pallets is perfect. I don't do that (though my garage is humid it's not notoriously damp) and I've seen maybe 1 or 2 bricks get swolen from condensation or whatnot from touching the concrete floor.