Moisture meters

[relliott]

I have a question regarding the use of moisture meters.
For anyone passing by this post,do you use a moisture meter.
If not why?
Also could you please tell me specifically where you place it for your readings other than the rafters of an attic.?
Does this vary with different clues,such as patches in walls?
Do you always check shower walls?

[Dennis R. Goudreau]

Bob , I use moisture meters as you know there are two types the intrusive pin type & non pin type they both are very useful non intrusive especially shower stalls, around the floor of the toliet, any suspect fresh painting area on walls or ceilings kitchen tile area etc, the intrusive pin type usually requires some drilling for cement areas or wallboard repair for the small holes it leaves, I do not use the pin type for hi

[David P. Valley]

http://www.nachi.org/forum/f11/moisture-meters-invasive-non-invasive-13076/

http://www.nachi.org/forum/f22/moisture-meters-13425/

[relliott]

A comment within a comment within a comment.
Dave it was like one of those infinity mirrors.
I am not concerned with brand or model just how often and where they are being used by other members.
Also wondering how often you get tricked by condensation under certain circumstances.
After all those cold pipes inside the walls can sweat too,right?

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by relliott

A comment within a comment within a comment.
Dave it was like one of those infinity mirrors.
I am not concerned with brand or model just how often and where they are being used by other members.
Also wondering how often you get tricked by condensation under certain circumstances.
After all those cold pipes inside the walls can sweat too,right?

Any condensation behind walls shows up in the basement (in Massachusetts, we have 98% basements)

I use the Tramex for shower walls that indicate moisture signs. Just make sure it's dry when you apply it.

[relliott]

Thanks Dave.

[cbrands]

Originally Posted by relliott

I am not concerned with brand or model just how often and where they are being used by other members.

i use mine on nearly every moisture stain/damaged area i can get to.

it's nice to be able to answer when a client asks "is it wet now"

i personally wouldn't leave home without it.

[cmcdonald]

Robert,
other that the aforementioned areas (toilets, shower surrounds, and so on) I use mine typically when moisture stains are present in order to obtain a differential between the "dry" area of the wall and the "wet/damp" area. Excellent question!

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Lots of crawl spaces here. I measure the moisture in floor joists, because >20% moisture in wood cause lead to mold or rot.

[klott]

I use mine anywhere water intrusion is likely and on all stains, I believe if you use it on freshly painted walls, you may get false readings. If the paint is water based latex it will contain moisture until it is fully cured, which depending on various factors can take up to 6 months. If it is oil based, it can trap moisture behind it long after repairs have been made. i consider it one of the most important tools for an inspector. IMO

[john bubber]

Never owned one, don`t need it.

[David A. Andersen]

Never owned one, don`t need it.

You must be a snake with IR Vision!

I bought mine after a Massachusetts Lawyer moved to town and tried to sue me for damage under a toilet that I reported over a year prior!

So good luck you "visual guys"!

[David A. Andersen]

I found five water leaks and six places with missing insulation on a 7k sf house yesterday. No stains!

The day before yesterday I found 60 water leaks on the exterior that were painted over, one uninsulated a/c refrigerant line and an uninsulated interior wall with a hvac return, water heater flue and the wall was 97 degrees behind the thermostat. How accurate can that be?

I won't leave home without my moisture meter and IR thermometer!

[john bubber]

David,

they`re just not for me is all

i do the 'water-test' when needed, running a hose to find entry-points.

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by john bubber

David,

they`re just not for me is all

i do the 'water-test' when needed, running a hose to find entry-points.

John,

I wish you all the luck in the world.

I can't do my inspections w/out moisture meters.

I carry three different styles.