People don’t think too much about the moisture levels in their walls. However, higher moisture levels are a serious problem and might lead to consequences if not addressed on time. From mould growth to structural issues, excess moisture can significantly threaten your home. However, there is an instrument that you could use to check the dampness of the wall before it gets too late.
If used correctly, a moisture meter can inform you about any possible dampness issues before they arise and spoil your walls. Let’s look at this article to learn more about this tool and ways to prevent wall damage through moisture below:
What is a Moisture Meter?
A moisture meter is a compact hand-held tool applied to detect the moisture level in building products. It instantly displays moisture content within walls, flooring, ceilings, etc. Moisture meters are produced in two predominant types:
- Pin Meters: Pin moisture meters have slender metal pins inserted into the test material. The pins check the electrical resistance, which helps to suggest the amount of moisture inside.
- Pinless Meters: Pinless moisture meters rely on electromagnetic sensors to read the surface moisture content.
Both moisture meter styles are simple to use, gently damage surfaces, and give real-time digital readings of the moisture content so you can easily spot problem spots.
Finding Hidden Moisture Before it Becomes a Problem
Even a minor moisture problem can cause significant issues if not resolved. Here are some of the typical ways that excess moisture poses risks to the health of your home:
- Mould Growth: Mould spores reproduce in moist settings and can create severe respiratory complications. A moisture meter assists in finding excess moisture before mould growth establishes.
- Wall Damage: Trapped moisture undermines structures with time. It can compromise wall framing and even foundation stability. Early detection avoids the expense of structural repairs.
- Paint Failure: Moisture seeps between paint and wall surfaces, leading to bubbling, cracking, peeling and discolouration. Determining moisture allows you to correct problems before repainting.
- Pest Infestations: Rodents and insects are drawn to moisture. Locating and repairing leaks or humidity problems deters pests from infestation without using exterminators.
- Musty Smells: Excess water allows bacteria to grow, causing musty smells. Stopping the water at the source destroys musty smells.
Spotting Trouble Spots
A moisture meter can pinpoint specific trouble spots so you’ll know where to target your moisture reduction efforts:
- Locate Leaks: Measure walls and ceilings to identify plumbing leaks or roof damage allowing water in. Roof waterproofing is essential to prevent leaks that can weaken your home’s structure.
- Evaluate Ventilation: Inspect spaces susceptible to humidity accumulation, such as bathrooms and basements, to determine whether ventilation must be enhanced.
- Check Water Damage: Before rebuilding, test walls and floors near leaks to determine whether moisture has penetrated. This is time- and cost-saving.
- Monitor Repairs: Re-survey affected areas once leak repairs are done to verify that moisture has lowered significantly enough to allow rebuilding.
With a moisture meter, detecting moisture problems is never a game of guesswork. You can pinpoint the precise site of the issues.
Conclusion
Don’t wait for you to notice bubbling paint, mouldy drywall or a dropped ceiling before you fix moisture problems. Get ahead of trouble now with a simple-to-use, low-cost moisture meter. Insulate your most valuable investment – your home now!
