Moisture Mapping: 3 Reasons To Create A Moisture Map

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for superb moisture detection services.

Moisture mapping is a key component in starting a restoration project.

Anytime there is water damage or a mold issue in a property, restoration professionals will start by creating a moisture map to help identify and inspect the source of water and how much damage is present in the property. Restoration efforts can begin once the source and the amount of moisture are identified. 

The professionals at SERVPRO of Union, Towns, Fannin & Gilmer Counties also create moisture maps to help them develop a plan of action. The plan that the professionals at SERVPRO create will identify the damages and provide an accurate estimate for how long restoration efforts will take and what is needed to get a property back to normal again.

This blog post will discuss more on moisture mapping and list three reasons why restorations professionals create moisture maps before starting the restoration project. 

What is a moisture map?

A moisture map is a diagram or image that shows the location and extent of moisture in a structure. It is created by taking readings with a moisture meter and then plotting these readings on a drawing or map of the structure.

Three reasons to create a moisture map

There are three main reasons why it is essential to create a moisture map:

1. It can help identify hidden moisture sources.
2. It can help prioritize drying more severely damaged locations.
3. It can help document the drying process for insurance purposes.

By creating an elaborate moisture map, certified restoration professionals can ensure that every step is taken to restore your home or business to its preloss condition.

Tools needed for moisture mapping

It is essential to have the right tools when creating a moisture map. Standard tools include a moisture meter and thermal imaging technology to take readings. A drawing or image software to plot the data will also be necessary.

There are many different types of moisture meters on the market, so selecting one suited for the specific application is essential. For example, some meters are designed for reading wet drywall, while others are specialized and are for hard surfaces like concrete.

Accurate measurements are crucial when creating a moisture map because errors in data collection will lead to errors in the final map. For this reason, it is important not to disturb the area being measured so that there is no inaccurate data.

It is also important to ensure that the moisture meter is in good condition and has not been exposed to extreme temperatures or strong sunlight; the exposure to high heat affects a moisture meter's readings. 

Once a restoration professional has plotted all of their data points on a moisture map, they may identify sources and patterns that can help prioritize restoration efforts and prevent future issues with the same areas of the structure.

Wrapping up

We hope you enjoyed learning about the importance of getting a moisture map created before starting the water damage restoration process. Creating a moisture map can be challenging because you must use the moisture meter in close contact with the surface being measured, which means getting close to the sources of moisture issues. 

Reach out to SERVPRO of Union, Towns, Fannin & Gilmer Counties when you have moisture damage in your property. Our professionals are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). We are also a preferred restoration vendor among many insurance companies. 

If you have any questions about our moisture mapping services, please feel free to contact us at any time! We are happy to serve the residents and business owners in the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding areas.