Moisture Meter

[Joe Mathieu]

I am new to this business and I have most of the tools I need for HI. However, I was wondering whether or not I should purchase a moisture meter and if anyone could recommend any that seems to work the best in most situations. I would appreciate any advice or info on this topic. --Joe M.

[Douglas Cossar]

Originally Posted by jmathieu

I am new to this business and I have most of the tools I need for HI. However, I was wondering whether or not I should purchase a moisture meter and if anyone could recommend any that seems to work the best in most situations. I would appreciate any advice or info on this topic. --Joe M.

Protimeter mini Got mine at Pro Lab

Enjoy

[James H. Bushart]

Delmhorst BD-2100, for me.

[Linas I. Dapkus]

Originally Posted by jbushart

Delmhorst BD-2100, for me.

Ditto. I got the EIFS probes. Also use a Protimeter non-invasive. And a BCam

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

If you go for the Protimeter Surveymaster, you'll have both a pin-type meter and search meter in one. I have one and use both features on many inspections. It's lasted 5 years now with no problems.

Search meters don't give accurate levels of moisture but will find moisture behind tiles and under vinyl.

Pin type meters will give a more accurate reading of actual moisture content, depending on the brand. Some come with calibration tables and are fairly accurate in variety of materials and wood species.

Which you buy depends on what type of homes you'll be inspecting. We're not often required to know accurate moisture levels, so setting a baseline in materials you know have normal moisture levels will allow you to make comparisons with similar material in different areas and identify areas with significantly higher moisture levels.

If I had to choose between a search meter and a pin meter I'd choose the search type. People seem to really like the Tramex, but I think inspectors tend to like what they're used to unless it's obviously bad. I think the Wagner is less money.

The Tramex will actually record readings and display them later, which might be a good feature if you were doing a methodized search over a large, uniform area. Most of what we do only requires checking small areas, at least for most of us.

Having a moisture meter is crucial to providing quality inspections.

[jkogel]

Originally Posted by kshepard

Having a moisture meter is crucial to providing quality inspections.

Yes, I sometimes use my Surveymaster meter to demonstrate an absence of moisture, where repairs were carried out but the buyer is doubtful. On a finished surface, pinless is the only way to go.

John Kogel
www.allsafehome.ca

[dplummer]

I have a couple different types. My favorite is the GE Protimeter Plus. It has penetrating & non penetrating , Relative Humidity,Deep wall probe, surface temp, it can be used for detecting Hygroscopic Salts or in Condensator mode for confirming surface condensation.All readings can be saved & down loaded to a PC. Comes all in one case. About $1,100.00 Canadian.

Doug

[Kenton H. Shepard, CMI]

Originally Posted by jkogel

On a finished surface, pinless is the only way to go.

That brings up a point. Just because it's got pins doesn't mean you have to push them. Pin meters can even be used to confirm moisture in concrete. How deep will they read compared to meters with the search feature? I don't know. I'm going to contact Chris Ranwell at protimeter and see if I can find out.

[ROBERT W. NEWLAND, JR.]

Originally Posted by dcossar

Protimeter mini Got mine at Pro Lab

Enjoy

Same here.

[ROBERT W. NEWLAND, JR.]

Here's a couple of links: http://www.professionalequipment.com...oisture-meter/
http://www.toolexperts.com/product.p...2dcff3f384826a

[Cassandra Moore]

Originally Posted by kshepard

That brings up a point. Just because it's got pins doesn't mean you have to push them. Pin meters can even be used to confirm moisture in concrete. How deep will they read compared to meters with the search feature? I don't know. I'm going to contact Chris Ranwell at protimeter and see if I can find out.

In regards to moisture meters being used in concrete, I would suggest following the links below for some very helpful information.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete_moisture_meters
https://www.wwwagner.com/permission.php


At the second link you can watch a webinar that shows that moisture meters can be a very dangerous way to measure moisture in concrete. According to this information, most moisture meters can only read what’s going on within the first inch of the concrete slab. This lack of proper information can lead to flooring failures.

[Keith Swift, PhD.]

Same as Kenton: Protimeter.

[Vern Mitchinson]

I have been using the CT808 from http://www.electrophysics.on.ca/e_index.htm and it comes with calibration directions and plate and directions for setting on different materials. Iwould purchase the CT828 at http://www.electrophysics.on.ca/e_index.htm

I use it on every inspection where a basement exists and that is every house.

[Justin Watts]

I wonder what percentage of home inspectors are using thermal cams? And if they are using them, are they charging for their use???????????? I know this is another topic, but I think they are far more superior than any moisture meter.

[whandley]

I don't think to many inspectors here in California are using them. I don't even see the environmental consultants using them on a regular basis...

In 23 years of inspection service, I've never had a client ask me about thermal imaging services... Not once!