Moisture can lead to very serious problems such as mold growth, material deterioration, and even structural weakness.
A moisture meter is a vital tool for a professional home inspector.
You already know that many tools are needed to help you do your job properly. From ladders to goggles to flashlights, these tools ensure your safety and the safety of the homeowner.
But a moisture meter is an absolutely crucial part of your tool belt, and this article is going to tell you…
- Why a home inspector should use a moisture meter
- What readings a home inspector should look for
- What the best moisture meter is for accurate readings
- If homeowners should own moisture meters
So if you want to improve your skills and gain knowledge that will help you excel in your field, keep reading.
Why a Home Inspector NEEDS a Moisture Meter
Moisture problems are a homeowner’s menace. The presence of moisture can cause several different kinds of problems if not addressed – problems that may not be visually obvious. Hidden moisture problems commonly lurk in walls, floors, concrete, bathrooms, by windows, and near dishwashers and sinks.
Just because these moisture problems are out of sight doesn’t mean that they should be out of mind. Invisible moisture problems can lead to mold growth, which can cause unsettling smells and even serious respiratory issues.
Not only can moisture issues result in mold growth, but moisture can also lead to material deterioration and overall structural weakness. This means that a homeowner could be at risk for serious aesthetic troubles as well as safety concerns. However, a moisture meter can determine where moisture issues might exist.
Another reason a home inspector needs a moisture meter is to provide a more accurate understanding of the moisture issues than can be obtained with just visual inspection and observation. Without a moisture meter, a home inspector might be able to determine that a moisture problem exists, but it would be difficult to determine the extent of the problem and the repairs that would be necessary.
If the home inspector, and, therefore, the prospective buyer don’t know the extent of the issue, then it’s difficult to make an informed decision regarding the purchase price or whether or not the home is worth the repairs.
Needless to say, a moisture meter is a tool that home inspectors should not ignore.
What is the Best Moisture Meter for Home inspectors?
An inspector who uses a moisture meter will be able to give homeowners or prospective buyers a more accurate understanding of a home’s moisture issues.
A pinless moisture meter, like the Orion 940 from Wagner Meters, is, without a doubt, the best option for home inspectors.
With a pinless moisture meter, you don’t need to worry about creating unsightly holes throughout the home. On the other hand, with a pin moisture meter, you must insert metal probes into floors and walls in order to measure moisture, and even then, the readings may not be as accurate as a pinless meter, since a pin moisture meter only measures the area surrounding the probes. However, for a specific area requiring a precise, limited measurement, a pin meter such as the Protimeter BLD5365 can be a good option.
Pinless moisture meters are definitely the way to go for home inspectors. Not only is their technology highly advanced and accurate, but they are extremely fast and easy to use. Given all of these great features, pinless moisture meters might even be a great choice for homeowners.
Should Homeowners Have a Moisture Meter?
Homeowners may want to have a moisture meter on hand for all the same reasons home inspectors should.
A moisture meter can help a homeowner detect leaks and moisture in walls before the damage gets too serious or any harmful mold grows. This protects the homeowner’s health, safety, and wallet.
A Final Word
Whether you’re a home inspector or homeowner, a moisture meter is a valuable tool. It safeguards homes from potential damage and keeps everyone safe. Definitely consider a moisture meter for your future home-inspecting endeavors.