Remember that car you loved? The one that felt like it was made just for you?
Everything was where it needed to be, and it just worked — reliable, comfortable, and maybe even a few extra features like heated seats that made the drive even better.
The best moisture meter for home inspectors is just like that car.
It’s not just another tool; it’s something you count on to make your job easier and more efficient. For home inspectors, a moisture meter goes beyond simply identifying potential moisture problems. It helps make the entire inspection process smoother and less stressful.
The best moisture meter for home inspectors comes with smart features that take the hassle out of inspections, making what could be a tedious task feel more manageable. Like the little touches in your favorite car, a well-designed moisture meter makes all the difference.
Features of the Best Moisture Meters for Home Inspections
Picking out a moisture meter that you’ll love is like choosing a vehicle you’ll grow attached to -- you identify the must-have attributes and shop around until you find one that’s the perfect fit.
For a moisture meter that makes conducting a home inspection easier, make sure it has these key features:
- Invasive and non-invasive capabilities
- A thermo hygrometer
- Extension probes
- A simple interface
- Reliability
- Repeatability
- Durability
- A manufacturer's warranty
1. Invasive & Non-Invasive Capabilities
A comprehensive home moisture survey not only seeks out moisture issues, but also measures the exact extent of moisture content in building materials. To do both, you’ll need meters that have the functionality of both pin-type and pinless moisture meters.
With the probes of a pin-type meter, you’re able to determine actual moisture content. The non-invasive radio waves of a pinless moisture meter help you seek out moisture presence in a space without surface disturbance or being affected by surface moisture. With both meters on-hand, you’ll have no trouble completing a thorough inspection.
Pro Tip: When selecting a pinless moisture meter, make sure it’s unaffected by surface moisture. Designed to determine moisture presence within a depth of measurement, surface-level moisture can skew readings.
An all-in-one meter bridges the gap between pin-type and pinless moisture meters, putting both meter types in your hand.
2. A Thermo Hygrometer
Providing both temperature and humidity measurements, a moisture meter with a thermo-hygrometer helps you get a broader perspective on moisture within a space.
During the initial stages of a home inspection, a thermo-hygrometer’s readings can give key indicators that a space may have a moisture issue. Your survey then becomes more refined, letting you spend time exploring areas that actually need more investigation.
3. Extension Probes
During a home moisture inspection, everywhere is fair game for testing. But some spots are tough to access. With extension probes, those hard-to-reach spots -- such as the back area of a floor-level kitchen cabinet -- aren’t so hard to test.
With a cable plugged into your moisture meter, extension probes give you a few extra feet of reach to take measurements while keeping the meter in front of you to record findings. With the additional length added to your meter, extension probes save your back and knees from crawling into cramped spaces.
4. Simple Interface
Your moisture meter should make your job easier. You shouldn’t have trouble operating it or feel like you need to have the owner’s manual on-hand.
With a simple interface, taking readings or making adjustments in the field is a seamless process. You shouldn’t have to waste time on basic functions, such as switching modes or navigating menus.
5. Reliability
There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of a job and having the tool you’re using go on the fritz. Without a dependable moisture meter that does its duty on-demand, it’s nearly impossible to efficiently and confidently complete an inspection.
The easiest way to avoid the struggles of an unreliable meter is to invest in a good one -- yes, that means spending more money. Though expensive, a premium moisture meter gives you dependability.
As for their discounted counterparts -- cheap moisture meters are just that: cheap. Inexpensively made, they’re more prone to malfunctions and inaccurate results.
6. Repeatability
Thorough moisture surveys involve taking multiple measurements of the same material -- think of it as a scientist verifying his original findings.
Whether you’re looking for the best moisture meter for walls or best moisture meter for concrete, your tool should provide you with consistent readings. If it’s not, there’s likely something wrong with it.
7. Durability
Home moisture inspections aren’t always a walk in the park. Sometimes, they require getting up on a ladder or working over a hard surface. The occasional drop or hard bump shouldn’t mean an abrupt end to your meter’s useful life.
With a durable moisture meter, using the tool won’t feel like you’re handling a precious antique -- most accidents are a non-event.
8. A Warranty
Being that the best moisture meters for building inspections often represent an investment of a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, a warranty ensures that the unforeseen -- such as a manufacturer’s defect -- isn’t a financial burden.
If nothing else, a warranty gives peace of mind. A moisture meter manufacturer’s 2-year warranty is a good starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Moisture Meter For Home InspectorsHere are some of the most frequently asked questions about the best moisture meter for home inspectors: How Do I Determine If A Moisture Meter's Readings Are Accurate?To verify the accuracy of a moisture meter's readings, you can conduct several tests. First, compare the meter’s readings against a known moisture content reference, such as a calibrated moisture meter or samples with documented moisture levels. Additionally, performing multiple readings on the same material can help identify inconsistencies. Regularly calibrating the meter according to the manufacturer’s instructions is also important for maintaining its accuracy. Finally, reading user reviews and expert opinions can provide insights into the reliability of specific models. Are There Specific Certifications Or Standards That The Best Moisture Meters Should Meet?Yes, some specific certifications and standards can indicate the quality and reliability of moisture meters. Look for products that meet industry standards such as those set by the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) or the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission). These certifications can assure users that the moisture meters have undergone rigorous testing and comply with safety and performance guidelines. Additionally, some manufacturers may provide third-party validation or quality assurance labels, which can further validate the product's credibility in the market. |
The Best Moisture Meters For Home Inspectors One That Works With You
Like that vehicle you compare all others to, the best moisture meters for home inspectors check all the boxes for functionality and dependability.
With the right features, there’s no reason your moisture meter won’t become your favorite piece of professional equipment for home inspections -- one you’ll be glad to own.
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This article was originally published in August of 2021 and was recently updated to reflect current industry standards.