Which tools for moisture testing?

[Matt T. Batson]

Hello, somewhat new inspector here...

I am looking at different instruments for moisture measurement, but there are many choices at many different prices and I would like to spend wisely.

Should I get one that scans across a surface, or one with probes, or both?

I guess with EIFS testing, you need one with a probe at least 3 inches long...

What have your experiences been with this and what would you recommend?

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by Matt T. Batson

Hello, somewhat new inspector here...

I am looking at different instruments for moisture measurement, but there are many choices at many different prices and I would like to spend wisely.

Should I get one that scans across a surface, or one with probes, or both?

I guess with EIFS testing, you need one with a probe at least 3 inches long...

What have your experiences been with this and what would you recommend?

You will get many replies , but from watching this topic a long time , I can tell you that Surveymaster Protometer seems to get the best all around reviews.

More than one is needed if you wish to be all encompassing.

[Andrew MacDonald]

Originally Posted by relliott

You will get many replies , but from watching this topic a long time , I can tell you that Surveymaster Protometer seems to get the best all around reviews.

More than one is needed if you wish to be all encompassing.

Sorry Bob,
Just had to do it... it's Protimeter.
Ben Gromicko says the same thing on his video.

[Bob Elliott]

Originally Posted by amacdonald

Sorry Bob,
Just had to do it... it's Protimeter.
Ben Gromicko says the same thing on his video.

Thanks, just slap the babbling idiot.

[Greg Bell]

Believe it or not I concur with Robert. I have one and it has severed me very well.

[Matt T. Batson]

thanks for the advice, looks like I'll be getting that one.

[James F. McKee]

myself i use the protimeter aquant...does the job and leaves no holes for customer complaints....jmo....jim

[Matt T. Batson]

I was thinking I would need to be able to do both a non-invasive detection of moisture behind the wall AND then do a poke test to see the water content...

What do you think?

[Douglas Cossar]

Originally Posted by jmckee

myself i use the protimeter aquant...does the job and leaves no holes for customer complaints....jmo....jim

Me too

Cheers

[jkogel]

Originally Posted by dcossar

Me too

Cheers

Good point. I got the dual purpose SurveyMaster, but never take the cap off the pins.

John Kogel
www.allsafehome.ca

[bdoles2]

Originally Posted by jmckee

myself i use the protimeter aquant...does the job and leaves no holes for customer complaints....jmo....jim

Same here...works well!

[ROBERT W. NEWLAND, JR.]

I use the Protimeter Mini and it works very well (I'm very discreet with my holes). It's the only one I've ever used so I can't compare with the others.

[Matt T. Batson]

ummm, what about this thread?

http://www.nachi.org/forum/f16/stucco-moisture-content-32303/

Sounds kinda like without going into the wall, you cannot get a definitive answer because of many variables...
Just so ya know, stucco is a real common dealeo here in florida.

[ldapkus]

I have this along with a GE Protimeter non-invasive meter. The BCam also works well.

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Originally Posted by jkogel

Good point. I got the dual purpose SurveyMaster, but never take the cap off the pins.

John Kogel
www.allsafehome.ca

I use both features... a lot. Now that I'm used to having both I wouldn't be happy without both. The pin meters will give fairly accurate readings and the search feature will look behid tile and vinyl.