Moisture tests identify water damage in a home’s structure. Construction wood has a moisture content of 19%, and humidity above this can cause warping or shrinking. Tests include external and internal probes, x-ray scanning, infrared photography, and spotting scopes.
A moisture test measures the amount of water in a home’s structure and helps identify water damage within the home’s structure. Typically, construction wood has a moisture content of 19 percent. Humidity above this level can cause the wood to warp or shrink after installation. When the wood dries out, the humidity level stabilizes between 13 and 13%. Moisture testing is typically conducted on an exterior wall and consists of a moisture meter and probe.
Usually, a visual examination of the home will reveal potential areas of water damage. Once an area is suspected of excessive humidity, a humidity test is conducted. There are several methods for measuring the water content in a structure.
An external probe test begins when an inspector drills two holes in the fitting. He inserts the test probes into the holes until they contact the sheath and takes a measurement. So he fills the holes with putty afterwards. The external probe test is beneficial because the inspector can make a damage assessment to the sheath while performing the moisture test.
A humidity test using the indoor probe method is usually done when a home is inaccessible to the outdoor probe method. An internal probe test accesses the sheath by penetrating the drywall and vapor barrier through two small holes. The probes are inserted into the holes and the sheath is measured. The holes are then filled with filler.
Another way to detect moisture in a structure is through x-ray scanning. This method is usually applicable for vinyl or wood and is usually used to locate potential areas of moisture. A scanner is used to determine the density of the material within the wall. It is only a preliminary test, usually followed by a probe test to measure the moisture content.
Infrared photography is another tool home inspectors use to determine the amount of moisture in your home. Identify areas within the walls, roof or ceiling that have a different temperature than the surrounding areas. A temperature difference in the structure can indicate the presence of moisture, but is not always accurate. It doesn’t even determine the actual moisture content.
A spotting scope is another tool inspectors use to check for humidity. Provides a small viewing area to examine the interior wall cavity to determine the extent of water damage. Signs of rot are followed up with probe testing.
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