Why moisture meters are essential for homeowners & contractors

Moisture meters are electronic devices, either digital or analog which can detect moisture levels in a variety of building material type substrates.

Moisture meters are generally available in two or more main classes: penetrating and non-pentrating.  The penetrating type of moisture meters make small holes in the material substrates or test areas.  In the case of finished surfaces such as gypsum board or wood trim or millwork, testing in inconspicuous angles or areas may help, but in general testing will damage the substrate to a limited extent.

By comparison common non penetrating moisture meters can detect substrate moisture to a relatively accurate extent without damaging or penetrating the finished material. Non-penetrating moisture meters are available to a lesser extent and significantly more expensive than penetrating moisture meters.

Moisture meters are similar but different to other electronic testing devices such as electrical voltage meters and multimeters, air humidity meters, infrared laser thermometers, et cetera.