Port Posted July 13, 2007 Report Share Posted July 13, 2007 Hi, I'm new to the business, so please allow me to ask what may be a dumb question. When I am checking a bathroom floor, for example, with a moisture meter, is the best method to check an area away from the toilet, tub, shower first to establish a baseline reading, and then put the meter at the base of the toilet, on the floor around the tub, etc., or should I just check the possible trouble spots first? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon Whitmore Posted July 13, 2007 Report Share Posted July 13, 2007 I do not even break out the moisture meter unless I already have concerns in the area. I will then check the area of concern and move out from there to "pattern" the area to see whether or not I am getting a false reading. I believe urine has metals in it and will set off a meter even when there is no moisture left in the urine stained area. At least or me, the moisture meter is only for back up of concerns I already have (personal opinion only on this as I am sure others use them all the time). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicago Posted July 13, 2007 Report Share Posted July 13, 2007 Great minds think a like as I actually asked that very question on another board today. I was wondering about pipe sweat affecting readings in walls. Also was curious if most guys always take readings in the attic on rafters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurt Posted July 13, 2007 Report Share Posted July 13, 2007 I always go right to the spots; around the toilet, the base of a wall in finished bsmt's., the carpet tack strip in finished bsmt's., etc. I use a Protimeter SM, and there is no "baseline"; it reads moisture, or it doesn't. One thing; if you are using the non-invasive type, standing water doesn't set it off. I tested stuff when I initially got my device; I'd pour a bunch of water on the floor, put vinyl flooring over it, then use the meter. It wouldn't read anything. After a half hour, w/the water soaked into the substrate & "spread out", it read the moisture. Anyone else tried this, or had similar experience? What's most important is understanding the anomalies. Metal will set these things off; what you think might be moisture under the tile might be a metal fastener, metal corner bead, expanded metal lath, etc. Since there can be metal just about anywhere, it takes a while to figure this out. It isn't hard, but there is a little art mixed in the science. Anything that looks like a leak gets checked. I don't randomly check moisture in rafters or other structural members unless there's something really strange or obvious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicago Posted July 13, 2007 Report Share Posted July 13, 2007 Good answer. I do know some guys are looking for levels over 15% content in attics as a way to backup concerns over inadequate ventilation but was not sure how common of a practice this was,or how accurate an indication. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randynavarro Posted July 13, 2007 Report Share Posted July 13, 2007 There are some ceramic tiles and granite / stone floors that can peg the meter depending on their mineral content. Don't know which ones, but I find them occasionally. So, yes, I take a baseline reading as far as possible from the fixtures before checking the base of toilets, base of tub walls etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Port Posted July 13, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 13, 2007 Thanks, guys. I'm sure experience will help a lot. Too bad my kid is older and doesn't miss the toilet anymore, so I can't test the theory of urine containing metals. I always wanted to put up a sign for him and his friends that said "We aim to please, so we'd be pleased if you aimed" signed, The Management Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicago Posted July 13, 2007 Report Share Posted July 13, 2007 Test it after a party. I am sure a few of the guests will make good participents in your goal of further education. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottpat Posted July 13, 2007 Report Share Posted July 13, 2007 I had an EIFS inspection last week and my meters were acting really screwy. After testing several areas that would be just about impossible for moisture to get into, I went inside and removed a light switch cover place. To my surprise the entire home had a Mylar type reflective barrier wrap between the substrate and the studs. The Mylar played havoc with my moisture meters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicago Posted July 13, 2007 Report Share Posted July 13, 2007 These problems occur more with non-evasive meters I assume. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottpat Posted July 13, 2007 Report Share Posted July 13, 2007 Originally posted by chicago These problems occur more with non-evasive meters I assume. Yes and no. You can still have false positive readings with an invasive meter if it contacts any conductive material in the wall. It's most common with the non-invasive or pinless meters. I always double and triple check my moisture readings, many times with a second or in some cases a third meter. Yes, I have several moisture meters and they all have their own special use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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