Curious thoughts on what might be going on
Two bathrooms and a closet, small stains on ceiling. Tested positive for moisture a times , but not all the time. Tested positive but an inch away did not test positive. Thermal image did not show any anomaly. Curious how other’s might report this? I am thinking report signs of moisture and test shows possible moisture, could be latent moisture from showers or something else. Monitor and evaluate further if more signs of moisture become apparent.
Several questions come to mind, including, what’s your climate, is the space below attic space, if so, is the attic space insulated, is the bath fan vented to the attic or the outdoor?
Your test equipment is showing Low moisture.
From the manual.
LOW Indicator: Illuminates when the moisture content is below a certain threshold, typically
indicating dry or acceptable levels for most applications.
Colorado, very dry. Bottom floor of 3 level apt building. Possibly below other bathrooms.
Thank you for pointing that out and getting me to research and think about it in a different way. Meter also shows in the 7 to 15% WME range, From a quick google search- Drywall is considered safe at 5–12% Wood Moisture Equivalent (WME), with over 17% indicating saturation and a high risk of mold, likely requiring replacement. Readings of 13–16% may be manageable if the drywall is not warped or damaged. Generally, WME readings above 16-20% indicate a serious moisture problem requiring further investigation. I did get a couple higher readings. Thinking share the findings of higher readings and recommend monitoring? No real damage to the ceiling besides some small spots. Would you agree?
I am a little curious, as an inspector and letting others know you are better than others, whey did you have to refer to AI to let you know of moisture levels. Are you new to the business. If so I understand but be careful using AI. When you acquire your moisture detection equipment those numbers for specific components should be already in the manuals. I have been at it too long I guess, and it concerns me that newbies refer to AI (maybe not yourself all the time) a lot and to see their websites indicating they are the best and have all the credentials for Internachi on website but have to use AI all the time. Just spouting fumes, I am 71, have been inspector since 1989, worked construction prior so I guess I am old school. Sorry for the spouting off but be careful using AI. Learn some wisdom and become a trained observer. Will.
First, use the tool correctly.
From the manual:
Carefully push the measurement pins into the material you wish to test. Ensure both pins penetrate the surface to a sufficient depth for good contact.
(now you are putting holes in people’s ceiling. Now what? It is a tricky world)
You also have to be careful where you test, moisture meters will pick up high readings from any metal items behind the drywall… Nails, screws, metal corner bead etc.
I would not share this information because it appears there is nothing in my opinion to share.
The small spots in your photo appears to be surface stains from my desk.
You might want to look for a pin less type meter, so you don’t cause any damage to finished materials.
relatively new, I am careful when I use AI, thx.
thank you. I thought possibly surface staining, as I have that in my bathroom also. But, wanted to investigate a little further. Didn’t know about how a moisture meter can pick up metal behind drywall, somehow missed that in my education, thx for sharing.
Water stains near a bathroom vent typically indicates there is no exhaust pipe connected or the pipe goes up above the insulation causing condensation in a cold attic to drain back down the pipe.
Not to worry, he doesn’t insert the pins. The readings are erroneous.
What does AI say? Maybe you can upload a photo to the chat tds thing?
I did that. The sky is falling!
Chat GPT is frantically wrong yet again, imagine that.
Moisture intrusion confirmed. Elevated moisture levels were measured at the ceiling/wall interface using a moisture meter, and visible staining is present. These findings indicate an active or recent leak condition. The source is likely above this area (e.g., roof, plumbing, or mechanical). Immediate evaluation and repair by a qualified contractor is recommended to prevent further damage and potential microbial growth.
there is nothing to report from those pictures Edwin…You might want to invest in a higher quality pinless moisture meter for indoor work and spend some time learning how to use it, moisture meters take some practice to to become competent with,…
Thank you for the helpful response. Amazing how some people just want to beat down on a person.
thx, I have spent a lot of time experimenting with the meter on samples of wood and drywall with different amounts of water on the samples for different amounts of time. If Mr. Cawhern reads this, the pins record different levels of moisture without being fully embedded in the surface. My results seemed odd, which is why I reached out. The fact that metal behind the drywall affects the reading could be one reason for the odd results. What pineless meter would you recommend?
I am here. Twice you have been referred to the operations manual by members. Twice you appear to have referenced other material to base your assumptions.
I am not against you. I want you to do it correctly. If I saw those photos in an inspection report with the pins not embedded, I would dismiss the finding immediately. Furthermore, what location did you use for the baseline?
Yes operational. Yes good draw. Standard size. No timers. One thought I had was they aren’t used enough and moisture builds up. Interior bathrooms on bottom floor of 3 story condo complex. I hear stories of how 15-20 people lived in my house before we bought it, we had moisture/water damage in the bathrooms.
