Water

Water can damage just about anything that it comes into contact with, which is why having it dried out is so necessary. Time is ticking as soon as water touches any susceptible materials including those in the walls, floors and ceilings. This is true for not only dirty water, but even clean water.

Water that is not properly dried leads to a variety of problems. Some of the potential consequences of not drying water in your home include:

1. Mold growth: If water is not properly dried, it can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. These fungi can cause health problems and damage the structure of your home.
2. Structural damage: Water that is not properly dried can cause damage to the structure of your home, including rot, warping, and other forms of deterioration.
3. Pest infestations: Standing water can attract pests, such as mosquitoes and other insects, which can be a nuisance and may pose health risks.
4. Electrical hazards: Water and electricity do not mix, and standing water can create an electrical hazard in your home.

Since you cannot see or feel if the deeper parts of certain materials are dry from the surface, professionals will use a Moisture Meter to measure how much water is in materials.

What is a Moisture meter?

Moisture meters are one of the tools used to help track the progress of a dry out after a water-based emergency. Professionals use them to test the moisture content inside of materials. In fact if you have called a company for water based emergencies and they do not use these, its best to get a different company ASAP. Below you will find out how they work, and what kinds there are, and how they are used.

How do Moisture Meters work?

There are two main categories of moisture meters that differ in their method of detecting water.

1. Pin-type moisture meters: These moisture meters use small metal pins that are inserted into the material being tested. The resistance between the pins is then measured to determine the moisture content of the material. One variant of these are hammer probes which are used to penetrate deep into the surface of whatever you are trying to get a moisture measurement for. This is helpful particularly when it comes to flooring or wood.
2. Pin-less moisture meters: These moisture meters use electromagnetic fields to measure the moisture content of a material without making any physical contact with it. This is particularly helpful when dealing with items that would be damaged if the probes are

Using a Moisture Meter to prevent further Water Damage

Pin-type moisture meter:

1. Begin by selecting the appropriate settings for the material being tested. Most moisture meters have adjustable settings for different materials and situations.
2. Insert the pins of the moisture meter into the material being tested, making sure that the pins are fully seated in the material.
3. Hold the moisture meter steady and wait for the reading to stabilize. The reading will typically be displayed as a percentage, indicating the moisture content of the material.
4. Remove the pins from the material and turn off the moisture meter.

Pin-less moisture meters:

1. Press the ON/OFF button to power up. The LED for the last used scale will light.
2. To change the scale, press the the Scale Select button until the LED opposite the required scale lights.
3. Hold your moisture meter directly on the material being tested ensuring both conductive rubber electrodes are fully in contact with the surface.
4. The meter should be held by the rubber grips when taking readings. (Do not slide the meter across the surface while taking the measurement)
5. Record the reading, lift and repeat.

Things to Note

1. Your moisture meter will need to be calibrated every once in a while to insure accurate measurements.
2. You will need to consult your instruction manual to see what settings and modes are available for your model. You may also need to read the meter differently depending on what materials and mode it is in.

When it comes to Water Damage – Don’t Delay

You can purchase a moisture meter if you suspect there is a water leak in your home, but it’s usually best left up to the professionals. Water can very quickly damage your home. Calling local Emergency Services that specialize in Water Damage such as CIS Restoration. This saves you a lot of trouble in future. At CIS Restoration we use the right equipment for each situation. We have access to charts detailing what moisture readings are considered safely and acceptably dry. This ensures that we leave your home with a clean bill of health.