There are many techniques for measuring moisture
Non-destructive testing methods used in moisture measurement include visual inspection and surface moisture measurement. However, these methods do not provide completely conclusive results, as surface measurements alone cannot determine where excess moisture is located. Moisture is naturally present on top of the insulation in wet areas, but there is no excess moisture beneath the insulation. If surface moisture measurement gives reason to suspect that there is excess moisture in the structure, other methods are often employed. It is important to note that the material also affects the measurement results, and therefore the experience and expertise of a professional inspector play a crucial role when interpreting the results and considering possible next steps.
If necessary, structural moisture measurements can be performed. Structural and destructive moisture measurement methods include core sample testing, borehole testing, and pin-hole testing. The core sample method and borehole testing can be used to measure the moisture content of concrete. The probe method is used to examine the moisture content of wooden components. Non-destructive measurement methods are most commonly used on construction sites, but are sometimes also used in other locations. It is important to note that borehole measurements in wet areas always damage the waterproofing, so they should not be performed without compelling reasons.
When is moisture measurement necessary?
Moisture measurements do not need to be taken regularly, but it is common to perform them when buying or selling an apartment or property. If a resident suspects moisture damage, a moisture measurement is often warranted. It is also a good idea to conduct a measurement after water damage to ensure that excess moisture has been removed. In such cases, non-invasive methods are typically used. As for water and moisture damage, they are relatively common. Water or moisture damage can be caused by, for example:
- water trapped in the cavities of a hollow-core slab
- moisture in the subfloor or basement walls
- roof leak
- a leak caused by a dishwasher or washing machine
- water leak caused by other building services
Call us or fill out the form to get immediate advice from an expert, and we’ll schedule a time for our technicians to visit your location.
If you've just experienced water damage and aren't sure what to do, you can read more about it from our blog.
Read more below about common issues and the need for moisture testing
How do I prepare for moisture testing in a wet area?
It is recommended to limit the use of wet areas for at least 48 hours before taking measurements. Water should not come into contact with the surfaces to be measured during this time, so as not to skew the measurement results. If possible, the surfaces to be measured should be allowed to dry for as long as possible. The longer the surfaces are allowed to dry, the more accurate the measurement results will be.
Measurement of surface moisture in floor mats
Smelly vinyl flooring is a common sign of moisture beneath the flooring. This may be caused by water damage or by covering the concrete too soon. The adhesive backing and the vinyl flooring itself begin to slowly break down due to excessive moisture, which often causes the flooring to develop an odor. Moisture levels under the floor mat can be examined using a slit test, in which a slit is made in the floor mat with a knife and the moisture is measured immediately beneath the covering as a relative humidity reading. This is an accurate method, but the selection of measurement points is important. Surface moisture measurement can be used to first assess the room as a whole, and then more precise results can be obtained from the most critical areas using the incision method.
Potential moisture damage to the frame members
On construction sites, structural timber or other wooden components may be exposed to rain and harsh weather conditions. Other types of moisture damage can also cause wooden components to get wet on the construction site. Measuring the moisture content of the structural timber ensures that it is sufficiently dry to continue construction work.
Moisture Measurement in Real Estate Transactions
Homebuyers are interested in the condition of your home’s wet areas. We inspect the functionality and condition of these areas. The moisture survey for a home sale is conducted using a surface moisture meter, meaning a non-destructive method. We also check for loose tiles, i.e., tiles that are poorly secured. Measurements are typically taken in all wet areas of the home, including bathrooms, saunas, and toilets. Additionally, we check for any water damage under the kitchen sink cabinet.
For the measurement, the shower or sauna should not be used for at least 1–2 days prior to the measurement. If possible, it is advisable to avoid using wet areas for an even longer period, such as the previously mentioned 48 hours, to ensure that the measurement results are as accurate as possible. Surface moisture measurement is an indicative method, but in the best case, it can confirm that wet areas are functioning properly. You can read more about moisture measurement in the context of a home purchase from our blog.
Measurements of wet areas in a housing complex
We also provide measurement services for housing associations that wish to assess the condition of all wet areas in their buildings. Often, bathrooms in housing complexes have been renovated at different times across the apartments. During the inspection, we assess the condition of wet areas using surface moisture measurements, take photographs of the condition of the wet areas, and inspect the floor tiles. Some bathrooms may be in excellent condition, while others may still have their original bathroom structures. Based on the measurement report, it is easy to plan the housing complex’s repair needs, and the measurement is, of course, more cost-effective per resident when it is done all at once for the entire housing complex.
Moisture measurements at the construction site
Construction sites have their own specific needs when it comes to various moisture surveys and measurements. You can read more about our services for construction sites on our dedicated service page here.