Measuring, not guessing
Hands and eyes are poor judges of moisture. A wall can feel dry and still hold water in the paper, the studs or the plate. A log with the same locations, the same instrument and a consistent time of day gives you a trend, and trends are what tell you whether drying is working.
Meters differ, and readings are relative. The most useful reading is one compared with a similar unaffected surface in the same house, which acts as your dry reference.
Template to copy
- Location
- North wall, base
- Material
- Drywall
- Dry reference
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Location
- North wall, one foot up
- Material
- Drywall
- Dry reference
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Location
- Bottom plate
- Material
- Wood
- Dry reference
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Location
- Slab near sump
- Material
- Concrete
- Dry reference
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Location
- Closet floor
- Material
- Subfloor
- Dry reference
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Location
- Room air
- Material
- Temp and humidity
- Dry reference
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
Fill one row per location per day. Record the reading unit your meter shows.
How to take readings
- Choose fixed spots.Mark each location lightly with pencil so you can return to the same place.
- Take a dry reference.Read a similar surface in a room that was never wet, such as an upstairs wall.
- Read at the same time of day.Morning readings are easier to compare because overnight conditions are steady.
- Record air conditions.Note temperature and relative humidity in the room, as they drive drying speed.
- Look for a trend.Falling numbers are good. Flat numbers over two days mean something is holding water.
Reading the log
- IfReadings fall steadily toward the dry referenceThenDrying is on track; keep equipment running.
- IfReadings drop then flatten while highThenMoisture may be trapped; open the cavity or add airflow.
- IfReadings riseThenWater is still entering, or humidity is too high; look for a leak.
- IfReadings match the dry reference for a dayThenEquipment can usually come off after a final check.
One more thing to keep in mind
Do not forget the air. When humidity in the room stays high while the dehumidifier runs, the equipment may be undersized, the room may not be sealed, or water may still be entering. Compare readings from a dry upstairs room with the basement each day, and treat a widening gap between them as a clue that drying is lagging and that someone should look behind finishes.
Common questions
Which meter should I buy?
A pin or pinless meter suited to wood and drywall is enough for a home log. Read the manual about material settings.
What if I have no dry reference?
Use readings from a dry wall elsewhere in the house, or the manufacturer's stated normal range as a rough guide.
General information for Wheat Ridge, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.