Picture a chef at a five-star restaurant.
This seasoned professional, deeply committed to their craft, has built a reputation for creating exceptional dishes that exceed their competition and keep diners returning. While the chef’s training and years of experience play a huge role, the utensils and cookware they rely on are equally important to their success.
For flood damage restoration professionals having the right tools makes all the difference. Like a chef struggling with a dull knife, faulty equipment can hinder you and hurt the results.
When it comes to moisture inspections, a professional moisture meter is a must-have for getting the job done right.
What Is a Professional Moisture Meter?
To understand what a professional moisture meter is, it’s important to first understand what it isn’t.
A professional moisture meter isn’t one that’s cheaply made and available for $20 at your favorite big-box retailer. Rather, a professional moisture meter is a sophisticated instrument that’s:
- Durable – an accidental drop or unintended impact won’t knock the device out of commission.
- Precise – readings are accurate and repeatable.
- Multifunctional – the meter meets a variety of applications.
- Intuitive – the learning curve is small as the meter works with you.
Professional-grade moisture meters require a much higher up-front investment. However, the return on the initial spend is one that comes back several times. When protected and maintained, a professional moisture meter can last decades and consistently perform.
Professional Moisture Meter: 5 Ways to Help Your Business
At its core, a professional moisture meter is the most important tool for locating and gauging moisture’s presence in any inspection scenario. However, a moisture meter’s usefulness can go beyond taking readings – it allows inspectors to easily complete comprehensive inspections and provide a better customer experience:
- Improved accuracy
- Enhanced reliability
- Streamlined workflow
- Fewer long-term costs
- Improved professional image
1. Improved Accuracy
Whether it’s after a flooding event or during a standard home inspection, accurate moisture meter readings matter.
Designed to take intricate measurements, a calibrated professional moisture meter leaves little question about the location and quantity of moisture within a space or material.
The last thing any flood damage or home inspector wants is to take measurements they’re not confident in. If a moisture meter’s readings seem questionable, they probably are, meriting additional investigation. Confidence in a professional moisture meter’s accuracy extends to creating a final inspection report that customers – and insurers – can count on as being thorough and truly representative.
2. Enhanced Reliability
Regardless of the job at hand, a professional moisture meter is made to work exactly when it’s supposed to. Meters past their prime or poorly manufactured have a greater penchant for malfunctions or failure.
When a meter stops working in the middle of an inspection, that costs time and money as it delays completing the job. Such interruptions can later impact a businesses’ reputation – with enough job disruptions, an inspection or restoration company can become known for being inefficient and ill-prepared.
3. Optimized Workflows
Professional grade moisture meters boast a host of functions all aimed at providing a better user experience and streamlining inspections. Whether it’s taking several types of measurements or integrating with companion apps or software, a professional meter can eliminate many of the hassles common with lower-quality meters.
A multifunctional device, there’s less time wasted jockeying between equipment – you won’t need to carry a moisture meter for drywall, a moisture meter for drywall and wood, or a moisture meter for concrete. In other words, a professional moisture meter lets an inspector do more with one piece of equipment
What’s more, recording and storing readings is a standard function for most professional moisture meters, meaning you won’t have to spend as much time compiling results for a report.
4. Fewer Long-Term Costs
While a professional moisture meter does require a higher up-front investment – as well as regular maintenance (think: replacing pins in pin-type moisture meters or the contact plates in pinless moisture meters), its long-term life and reliability more than make up for the initial expense.
Manufactured to last, a professional moisture meter is durable. Put simply, meters of lesser quality cannot withstand frequent drops or minor impacts and require more frequent replacement. Though lower-quality meters are often cheaper, regular replacement costs add up – enough so that any perceived savings is quickly negated.
Short of becoming lost or damaged beyond repair, the best professional moisture meters can last the span of an entire career.
5. Improved Professional Image
There’s something to be said for having the best equipment in your toolbox.
Not only do top-of-the-line tools give an advantage in investigating for moisture, but they also allow an inspector to put their best foot forward at every job. Professional moisture meters do both.
For customers, hiring a professional that is equipped with the best tools for the job – especially after a flood or water damage event – can bring some peace of mind to their recovery efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Professional Moisture MetersHere are some of the most commonly asked questions about professional moisture meters. What are the best practices for storing a professional moisture meter to extend its lifespan?To extend the lifespan of a professional moisture meter, it's important to store it in a dry, dust-free environment. Moisture meters, especially those with electronic components, are sensitive to extreme temperatures and humidity. Storing the meter in its protective case helps shield it from accidental impacts and environmental stress. It's also a good idea to remove the batteries if the meter won't be used for an extended period, as leaving batteries inside can lead to corrosion. Regularly cleaning the meter’s sensors and components after use will help maintain performance and prevent wear over time. What environmental factors can affect the readings of a professional moisture meter, and how can they be mitigated?Environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and surface contaminants can impact the accuracy of moisture meter readings. High humidity, for example, can cause false readings as it might affect both the material being tested and the meter's sensors. To reduce these effects, using the meter in stable, moderate conditions is preferable. If readings are taken in challenging environments, compensating for external factors through calibration or adjustments can help maintain accuracy. Keeping the meter clean, especially the sensors, will also prevent environmental debris from skewing results. What kind of maintenance is required for professional moisture meters?Maintaining a professional moisture meter involves regular cleaning and occasional component replacement. For pin-type meters, replacing the pins as they wear down will help preserve reading accuracy. In pinless meters, the contact plates should be checked for wear and replaced when necessary. Calibration is also key to maintaining accuracy over time, and it's advisable to check the meter’s calibration periodically. Keeping the device dry and stored properly will help prevent corrosion and damage to sensitive components. Regular maintenance checks will help the meter last longer and continue to perform reliably. |
Professional Moisture Meters Are An Investment That Pays Dividends
For flood damage restoration professionals, having the right tools, equipment, and devices on hand makes all the difference in completing thorough and complete moisture surveys.
When it comes to choosing a moisture measurement tool that becomes an asset to your business, professional moisture meters represent a long-term investment that becomes an asset.
Professional Moisture Meters Are Our Specialty
Check out our catalog of professional moisture meters and their accessories:
This article was originally published in April 2022 and was recently updated to reflect current industry standards.