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Walls can be bone dry, and mold can still be present. Moisture meters only detect ACTIVE moisture. Once a water damaged wall grows mold, and then dries out, the mold remains dormant until it gets more water to start growing again. Also, don't bother checking high on walls unless your looking for roof leaks. Water runs down a wall, and only soaks up from the floor for a few feet. Thats where to sample a wall for active moisture.
@@tinkymcginnis That is a great question!... There are different ways. 1. Check the tack strip if carpet is present, or the back side of base trim. Tack strip and unprotected trim (back) is extremely vulnerable to mold growth from water damage. If it is moldy, chances are the wall behind it is too. 2. Take any very sharp pointed metal tool like a knife and slowly push the tip of it into the sheetrock in a suspected area along the top edge of any base trim present. Water damaged sheetrock hardens like a rock after it dries out. Your sharp too will not penetrate nearly as easy, if at all, compared to dry/unaffected sheetrock. The pointed end of a utility knife works best, just be careful not to apply a dangerous amount of pressure that would risk slippage or breakage of the blade. 3. Tap the sheetrock with your fingernail to feel for the same density changes that occur once the sheetrock is saturated and then dries out. If you find hardened sheetrock, you should remove the trim and a small section of sheetrock behind the trim to see if mold is present on the back side. (It may have been professionally dried after a previous water loss)
What's the best way to check for mold in HVAC unit besides actually seeing the mold. I use an air quality meter that says it detects organic growth only problem is the company I work for doesn't allow me to use that to determine mold growth. Any suggestions as far as mold detection equipment?
I’d like to see a follow up video of what’s behind the area of wall in the bathroom that tested high for moisture! Did you ever cut into it and check it out? If so, please share results! It would be very valuable to see the process all the way through. ☺️ Thanks for the video!
Great video! I just ordered the pinless moisture meter from Klein tools on Amazon to use when touring homes to potentially purchase . Hoping it helps me get a better understanding of what issues I could be getting into if I purchase a house.
Thank you so much for doing this video. I’ve had my toxin before and its hell. The pipe burst the other day and the moisture reader is red in about a 6 inch circle. Anything to worry about? I do feel sick again 😕
I just got this tool here in UK, and have been testing it around my brick and mortar house, prior to testing a clients property. This property was build in 1960s, with bricks and a damp proof membrane which runs all around the outside of the house above the ground level. We also have air bricks ventilating under the wooden sub floor. No visual mould or smell in our house, no paint or plaster bubbles on walls..... But according to the tester all my ground floor masonary walls are over range! Also perhaps less surprisingly, thr drywall plasterboard around the shower is also over range and then starts to drop as you go up the wall to the ceiling 😮 So im a bit skeptical about the readings it is giving me. Perhaps it is correct, but with good ventilation we don't seem to have a problem with mould building up anywhere even in winter time when it's cold and damp. Still makes me more worried about what we can't see inside the walls!
Makes sense that mold readings are higher on the lower portions of the plaster and drywall in the shower. Water would collect there more due to gravity.
The trouble is that metal behind the drywall will do the same. I tried mine on my father's walls and it went off at the corners where metal corner proectors are. It makes sense since it's checking conductivity.
Air sampling can turn out a false negative if the mold is in an air tight area. Because of its inaccuracy it’s not even recommended. That said, air sampling can detect mold in hidden places that are not air tight. You wouldn’t know unless you are a pro yourself. At least you know with moisture or swab testing.
@@nanasloves you could perform an air test checking for mold spores in the air. Or you could just cut a small section of the moist drywall. There are mold remedial companies also.
You can buy mold test kits that will tell you exactly what type of mold it is. Be aware, there are mold spores in the air at all times in areas with humidity. When you buy a test kit they suggest you place one inside AND outside to view any sizable differences. Do some research and don't panic. Science is helpful, panic is not.
Why are you not also sticking the pin type in the same wall to compare the two? Sure would be nice to see if they come up with the same reading... to compare. Seems like a good opportunity to compare in real time was missed.
If you live in a high humidity area like South Florida, I read that moisture levels of walls are higher than in other areas. Is this true and are meters adjustable to geographical location?
I respect the fact that he mentioned early that the moisture meter doesn't detect mold itself! how much screen time would be avoided if this efficient style of communication was more common. For that reason I'm gonna subscribe sir.
As ridiculous as this sounds I'd use both types or moisture meters just better accuracy,also the pins are so small people aren't going to notice the pin holes.
@@mihailmihaylov3631 it…..does. Ya, it does. As long as a food source is present as well…but mold can even grow on dust. So you’ll get mold in the dust even on non porous surfaces.
I must be blind and deaf. I only saw a grown man with a polo shirt on, and the video didn't even show anything below chest-level. Maybe I should check myself back into the nuthouse if I'm having such intense auditory and visual hallucinations 🤪🤣🤣
Join the Caliber8 Tribe to get a free ebook on 10 simple ways to beautify your home plus more home improvement and diy tips- join.caliber8.com
Get the Ultimate Utility Bag use coupon code Tools- www.caliber8.com/product/caliber8-ultimate-utility-bag/
Walls can be bone dry, and mold can still be present. Moisture meters only detect ACTIVE moisture. Once a water damaged wall grows mold, and then dries out, the mold remains dormant until it gets more water to start growing again. Also, don't bother checking high on walls unless your looking for roof leaks. Water runs down a wall, and only soaks up from the floor for a few feet. Thats where to sample a wall for active moisture.
Good tip.
So how else would you check to confirm mold in dry areas, particularly hidden behind walls??
@@tinkymcginnis That is a great question!... There are different ways. 1. Check the tack strip if carpet is present, or the back side of base trim. Tack strip and unprotected trim (back) is extremely vulnerable to mold growth from water damage. If it is moldy, chances are the wall behind it is too. 2. Take any very sharp pointed metal tool like a knife and slowly push the tip of it into the sheetrock in a suspected area along the top edge of any base trim present. Water damaged sheetrock hardens like a rock after it dries out. Your sharp too will not penetrate nearly as easy, if at all, compared to dry/unaffected sheetrock. The pointed end of a utility knife works best, just be careful not to apply a dangerous amount of pressure that would risk slippage or breakage of the blade. 3. Tap the sheetrock with your fingernail to feel for the same density changes that occur once the sheetrock is saturated and then dries out. If you find hardened sheetrock, you should remove the trim and a small section of sheetrock behind the trim to see if mold is present on the back side. (It may have been professionally dried after a previous water loss)
@@tinkymcginnis Maybe checking during a good rainstorm ? Assuming the affected areas should alert the moisture meter a bit more during those times.
What's the best way to check for mold in HVAC unit besides actually seeing the mold. I use an air quality meter that says it detects organic growth only problem is the company I work for doesn't allow me to use that to determine mold growth. Any suggestions as far as mold detection equipment?
I’d like to see a follow up video of what’s behind the area of wall in the bathroom that tested high for moisture! Did you ever cut into it and check it out? If so, please share results! It would be very valuable to see the process all the way through. ☺️ Thanks for the video!
Thanks, not my property but it would be interesting to see. Glad it helped.
Great video! I just ordered the pinless moisture meter from Klein tools on Amazon to use when touring homes to potentially purchase . Hoping it helps me get a better understanding of what issues I could be getting into if I purchase a house.
Wise move. Glad it helped.
Good tool to help prevent mold if you catch it before it develops.
Yes, very useful. Appreciate the feedback.
Thank you so much for doing this video. I’ve had my toxin before and its hell.
The pipe burst the other day and the moisture reader is red in about a 6 inch circle.
Anything to worry about? I do feel sick again 😕
Go see your doctor immediately to check for mold poisoning. If it’s positive, call a mold remediation specialist now.
Great presentation. A+! Thorough and clear. Thanks.
Thank you. Glad it helped.
Thanks for the demonstration
Glad it helped.
I just got this tool here in UK, and have been testing it around my brick and mortar house, prior to testing a clients property. This property was build in 1960s, with bricks and a damp proof membrane which runs all around the outside of the house above the ground level. We also have air bricks ventilating under the wooden sub floor. No visual mould or smell in our house, no paint or plaster bubbles on walls..... But according to the tester all my ground floor masonary walls are over range! Also perhaps less surprisingly, thr drywall plasterboard around the shower is also over range and then starts to drop as you go up the wall to the ceiling 😮 So im a bit skeptical about the readings it is giving me. Perhaps it is correct, but with good ventilation we don't seem to have a problem with mould building up anywhere even in winter time when it's cold and damp. Still makes me more worried about what we can't see inside the walls!
Makes sense that mold readings are higher on the lower portions of the plaster and drywall in the shower. Water would collect there more due to gravity.
Keep up the amazing work my brother
The trouble is that metal behind the drywall will do the same. I tried mine on my father's walls and it went off at the corners where metal corner proectors are. It makes sense since it's checking conductivity.
Good observation, thanks.
WHERE TO BUY THIS MACHINE. PLEASE SHARING AGAIN. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT VIDEO!
Home Depot.
Thanks mate, a very valuable demonstration indeed!
Glad it helped.
Thank you for your helpful video. Is air sampling a better way of testing? How do you know if a professional is doing a thorough job of testing?
Air sampling can turn out a false negative if the mold is in an air tight area. Because of its inaccuracy it’s not even recommended. That said, air sampling can detect mold in hidden places that are not air tight. You wouldn’t know unless you are a pro yourself. At least you know with moisture or swab testing.
Very detailed video. Thanks
Glad it helped.
I like the video! What if the area has dried out but the mold is still there?
It has to be removed or it will continue to spread.
@@Caliber8Tools Right, but how do you find it?
@@nanasloves you could perform an air test checking for mold spores in the air. Or you could just cut a small section of the moist drywall. There are mold remedial companies also.
You can buy mold test kits that will tell you exactly what type of mold it is. Be aware, there are mold spores in the air at all times in areas with humidity. When you buy a test kit they suggest you place one inside AND outside to view any sizable differences. Do some research and don't panic. Science is helpful, panic is not.
Excellent explanation
Glad it helped.
Thank you for sharing. Learned a great deal.
Glad it helped.
Great info & exactly what I needed to show my client! Thank you 🙏🏽
Glad it helped.
Why are you not also sticking the pin type in the same wall to compare the two? Sure would be nice to see if they come up with the same reading... to compare. Seems like a good opportunity to compare in real time was missed.
U aced the description and tutorial my guy
Thank you. Glad it helped.
Could it be a pipe? I understand if your meter goes over metal it throws reading off
Yes, that is true especially with pinless meters. Pin type meters help avoid those issues.
If you live in a high humidity area like South Florida, I read that moisture levels of walls are higher than in other areas. Is this true and are meters adjustable to geographical location?
Yes it is true, but high humidity doesn’t affect the accuracy of a moisture reading.
Great video! Exactly what I needed to learn, 😊
Glad it helped
This is a great video! Thanks!
Glad it helped.
when you detect moisture, It also could be termites
Good point.
I respect the fact that he mentioned early that the moisture meter doesn't detect mold itself! how much screen time would be avoided if this efficient style of communication was more common. For that reason I'm gonna subscribe sir.
Appreciate the feedback.
What if you have the sensor over a copper water line that’s behind the sheet rock? False positive.
Possibly.
Does this work for a couch?
It may detect excess moisture which is a precursor to mold, but it won’t detect mold directly.
Gas water heater is supposed to be above floor 18"
In some states it doesn't matter there's no regulation.
What about underneath wood floor?
You can use it on those too.
As ridiculous as this sounds I'd use both types or moisture meters just better accuracy,also the pins are so small people aren't going to notice the pin holes.
Good point.
How can I get an insurance company to use a moisture meter when inspecting?
That should be a part of their inspection protocol.
@@Caliber8Tools Allstate refused to do one for me
@@YEAcreatives Allstate is the WORST insurance company around...
Moisture, does not meaning immediately mold
@@mihailmihaylov3631 it…..does. Ya, it does. As long as a food source is present as well…but mold can even grow on dust. So you’ll get mold in the dust even on non porous surfaces.
Actually he hit metal where drywall was
Oh really. Ok.
is it possible the water incident dried up......but there is still mold inside?
Yes. It’s called dry mold.
@@Caliber8Tools great video! How do you remove dry mold? Any video links on that?
Hard to stay focused when her shorts hug her like a second skin. Us men are very visually wired.
I must be blind and deaf. I only saw a grown man with a polo shirt on, and the video didn't even show anything below chest-level. Maybe I should check myself back into the nuthouse if I'm having such intense auditory and visual hallucinations 🤪🤣🤣