You may have fixed the leak, and everything seems dry, but still, moisture is present in the walls and putting your home at risk. Nearly half of homes in the US have mold, and the longer it sits, the deeper it spreads into the foundation of your property, increasing health risks and costing you more money. Mold and microbial growth are major problems in buildings and homes. It can damage both the structure of the building and the health of the occupants.
Using moisture meters, you can find the places where microbes might grow before mold has a chance to appear. The appropriate treatment of the moisture and humidity issues can safeguard the health of the building and its occupants. Here is a detailed analysis of how moisture meters prevent mold growth.
Also read: 8 Common Causes of Household Water Leaks and Water Damage
At What Humidity Level Does Mold Grow?
Mold needs water and food. Mold grows best when the air humidity is above 75% RH for a long time. Long-term cold or excessive building moisture might cause this high RH. This is why professionals combine humidity monitoring with moisture meters and data loggers to detect hidden mold risk.
Mold type and danger depend on what it grows on. Testing for dampness can identify problem areas, but more tests are needed to identify the type of mold growth and its meaning. Moisture meters can help you discover why mold is growing and prevent future growth. For example, drywall should read below 15% MC, while wood should be below 20% to reduce mold risk.
Also read: How LGR Dehumidifiers Prevent Secondary Damage
How Moisture Meters Work
You can get moisture meters in two primary varieties: pin-type and pinless.
- When measuring a material’s resistance, pin-type meters insert two metal probes. The resistance of the electrical current between the pins is measured. An increase in moisture content results in a decrease in resistance readings because water conducts electricity.
- Pinless meters scan materials with sensors that do not penetrate them. They assess moisture through surface contact and depth, excellent for rapidly assessing vast areas without destroying finishes.
Both types give information on a relative scale or as a percentage (%MC or moisture content). By comparing wet areas to the dry control zones, Seattle water damage restoration experts can determine whether the building is restored to safe levels.
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Locating Hidden Moisture Before Mold Grows
After surface water is removed, moisture often remains deep in structural components. Trapped water behind baseboards, in wall cavities, under tile, or in subfloors creates a perfect environment for mold. Moisture meters prevent mold growth by helping professionals identify these wet zones early.
During an inspection, professionals scan the entire affected area, including floors, drywall, studs, ceilings, and insulation. If the humidity stays above 75% RH for more than 24 to 48 hours, mold can start to grow. That’s why finding moisture early is so important.
Recently, when our team did an inspection, they found 22% moisture behind a kitchen wall, even though the drywall looked dry. We set up targeted drying quickly to prevent mold from growing.
Also read: Why You Must Replace Sewage-Damaged Drywall And How to Do It
Can a Moisture Meter Detect Mold?
Moisture meters prevent mold growth by accurately finding pockets of moisture. You can use a pinless moisture meter to inspect the surface of the area and find places where moisture is high.
If the MC reading in the wood is more than 20%, you might want to look for mold growth in those spots. Mold can start growing when the MC is above 20%.
Mold is bad because it ruins food, damages fabric, and causes allergies. When a living space includes too much unventilated humidity, mold grows. Mold grows where the leaves are left to rot. When fabric is kept in damp areas, it develops a musty odor due to the growth of mold.
Mold that grows inside a home also releases chemicals and spores into the air, which is a bigger problem. Over time, this kind of growth can be bad for people’s health.
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Conclusion
Moisture meters prevent mold growth, and that starts with accurate readings. Moisture meters allow technicians to find, monitor, and dry wet areas before mold becomes a problem. They guide the drying process, protect building materials, and provide clear documentation for homeowners and insurers.
If you have experienced water damage, don’t assume it’s dry just because it looks dry. Call the experts at Green Planet Restoration for emergency water damage restoration right away.
Green Planet Restoration is ready with a certified crew with 20 years of experience to arrive on-site within 45 mins of your call. We are equipped with the advanced detection tools and professional moisture meters to prevent mold before it starts. We will take care of everything, even the insurance paperwork.
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