What type of equipment is used to detect moisture in my Waukesha, Wisconsin home?

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

Moisture meter

Once a water damage hits your home or commercial property, our crew will come out to evaluate the damage. Water damage restoration requires the use of certain equipment. This may include detection devices, extraction equipment, air moving and dehumidification equipment, as well as safety equipment. Simply having access to the right equipment is only part of the process.

Scoping involves locating the areas of the structure into which water has intruded and defining the extent to which structure and contents have absorbed moisture beyond normal moisture levels. Various devices allow a water damage restoration professional to track moisture within a structure. These devices include the following:

• Moisture sensors
• Thermal imaging cameras 
• Moisture meters 
• Thermo-hygrometers

Moisture Sensors

The moisture sensor is used to detect moisture in carpets and padding. The moisture sensor has sharp probes that penetrate through carpets and pad to determine if water has migrated on the subfloor underneath.

Thermal Imaging Camera

Thermal imaging cameras (also called infrared cameras) are utilized for inspecting and monitoring moisture in building materials.  They can show how water traveled throughout a structure, and many times they can indicate moisture that otherwise may have never been discovered. At the end of the project, they provide excellent documentation or proof that drying was successfully completed. Technically, thermal cameras do not display moisture images, but rather infrared images. 

Moisture Meters 

Moisture meters are utilized to measure the actual moisture content or level of various materials. Some meters are calibrated to measure specific materials; for example, a moisture meter calibrated for drywall will not accurately read moisture content in wood materials. Some meters are adjustable for different types of materials, such as a meter that can be adjusted for both wood and drywall. There are penetrating and non- penetrating moisture meters. 

Thermo-Hygrometers

A thermo-hygrometer (sometimes referred to as hygrometers) measures the relative humidity and temperature of air masses. Some thermo-hygrometers also give the restorer the humidity ratio, vapor pressure, and dew point.

If you have a water damage, call SERVPRO of Pewaukee & Sussex. We are always open and always ready to help!

262.696.6336