Moisture Mapping What It Is and How to Check for Moisture Under Your House

Moisture Mapping is a process of identifying areas of high moisture content within a structure. It’s essential for preventing moisture-related issues like mold growth and structural damage.

There are various methods available for moisture detection, including:

Non-Destructive Methods

• Infrared Thermography: Utilizes an infrared camera to detect temperature differences that indicate moisture.
• Capacitive Moisture Meters: Measure the electrical capacitance of a material to determine moisture content.
• Microwave Moisture Sensors: Employ microwaves to penetrate materials and measure moisture levels.

Destructive Methods

• Moisture Probes: Inserted into materials to directly measure moisture content.
• Core Sampling: Removing small samples of material for laboratory analysis.

How to Check for Moisture Under Your House

To check for moisture under your house, follow these steps:

1. Inspect the Foundation: Look for cracks, efflorescence (white, crystalline deposits), or discoloration that may indicate moisture intrusion.
2. Examine the Crawl Space: If you have a crawl space, enter it and check for signs of moisture, such as puddles, damp soil, or mold growth.
3. Measure Moisture Content: Use a moisture meter to measure the moisture content of floor joists, subflooring, and other wooden elements.

If you detect high moisture levels, consider consulting a professional moisture inspector to determine the source and recommend corrective actions.