The moisture meter is one of our most important inspection tools in the restoration business. We can answer lots of important questions! We have to ask, How wet are the materials we need to dry? What is considered “dry” in this environment? Where is the water located? At what point will this area be “dry”?
There are many kinds of tools to determine moisture and to answer these questions. We have thermo-hygrometers, data loggers, and various kinds of calculators. But there are two main types of moisture meters.
A moisture meter is either “penetrating” or “non-penetrating.”
The “penetrating” meter will be “insulated” or “non-insulated,” and can come with or without the MC meter sensor. (The MC meter sensor provides or does not provide actual numeric levels of moisture indications.)
There is a vast variety of lengths and styles of probes for the penetrating type. The non-penetrating moisture meter is conductive and compacitant, usually made of wood, concrete, and utilizes I.R. (radiometric) thermometers and thermal image cameras.
So, what does this tool do?
Simply put: It is the simplest way to find out what is wet, how wet it is, what is dry, and how dry it is!
You use this very precise tool to set a sort-of baseline for “wetness” and “dryness.” The most reliable method begins by sampling materials and textiles from the affected area, via the meter’s probes. You then sample the environment too, and you’ve got “standards.”
For different materials, you can expect different average baselines. While we know “standard” environmental figures for the support of microbial and mold growth, testing with our inspection tools helps us be as accurate and sure as possible. Carpet is one thing. Wood attics are entirely different.
Once the moisture readings reach our dryness goals, we are dry!
We test along the way, throughout our work, to ensure the safest and cleanest possible outcome. Unless we find other areas of concern, we should be in the clear!
ProCare Restoration takes safety and total restoration very seriously. While we want to work in the least harmful and risky methods we can, we also want to leave you and your family with a comfortable, secure home. That is our #1 goal!
Check out our other recent blog on winterproofing your home for some simple tips on living smarter.
