Moisture meters can be pretty handy for an initial check, but they're not foolproof—especially if insulation or hidden areas are involved. I've had cases where the meter showed normal levels, but once we opened things up, it was a different story. If you're suspicious, it's usually worth the hassle to take a quick look inside. Better safe than sorry... mold remediation isn't cheap or fun to deal with.
"If you're suspicious, it's usually worth the hassle to take a quick look inside. Better safe than sorry... mold remediation isn't cheap or fun to deal with."
I get your point, but opening up walls or ceilings every time there's suspicion can quickly become costly too. From experience, I've found that combining moisture meter readings with a thorough visual inspection and checking for musty odors can often pinpoint issues without immediately resorting to invasive measures. It's about balancing caution with practicality—especially when you're working within a tight budget.
- Good points, moisture meters are helpful but they're not foolproof. Seen plenty of cases where readings looked fine but once we peeled back shingles, plywood underneath was soaked.
- Mold's sneaky too—had a customer who ignored minor stains after a storm, thought it was nothing. Fast forward a few months, and the attic insulation was a moldy mess... cost them thousands more than if they'd just checked earlier.
- Agree you can't tear open every wall or roof section at first suspicion, but sometimes the visual and smell tests won't catch hidden issues until damage is already significant.
- Curious though, anyone ever tried thermal imaging cameras to pinpoint moisture spots after storms? Heard mixed reviews on accuracy vs. cost...
I wondered about thermal imaging too and looked into renting one after our last storm. Seems they're decent at spotting temperature differences from moisture, but accuracy really depends on conditions and skill. Might still need a pro to interpret results properly...
"accuracy really depends on conditions and skill. Might still need a pro to interpret results properly..."
Yeah, agreed—thermal imaging can be hit or miss. Seen cases where homeowners misread cold spots as water damage when it was just poor insulation. Handy tool, but definitely not foolproof without experience.
