Building Inspection

Realtors, property managers, and even private owners can benefit greatly from being able to accurately measure moisture in building materials such as concrete, wood, and drywall. Our specialized building inspection moisture meters help make testing moisture in structures fast, accurate, and easy.

Building inspections are a key part of the process in the sale of both residential and commercial property. Threats such as mold need to be quickly and reliably identified and remediated before a sale or lease agreement can be completed. How to test for mold and other major issues? With a variety of handheld moisture meters and humidity gauges for building inspection, of course!

Whether you prefer pin, pinless, or 2-in-1 devices, ABQ Industrial is sure to have the best moisture meter to meet your needs.


F.A.Q.

Why should i use a Moisture Meter?

Home Inspectors, Pest Control Operators and EIFS inspectors know that Moisture intrusion is the single most important factor affecting the integrity of building structures. ABQ Industrial offers Moisture Meter packages specifically manufactured to meet the needs of inspectors. Proper use of a Moisture Meter allows the inspector to easily identify the source of Moisture and to locate areas in the building that have been affected by moisture.

How does a Moisture Meter work?

There are two types of Moisture Meters typically used by the home inspector:
1) Pin-type Meters, which utilize the principle of electrical resistance, use wood or other hygroscopic materials as an element in a circuit by driving two pins or electrodes into it.
2) Pinless Meters use radio frequency signals to penetrate the material being tested. There is no pin intrusion into the surface of the material you are checking.

Can i use a Moisture Meter to check for pest infestation?

Yes -- a few Meter readings in key locations of the structure will quickly indicate if the areas are safe or in danger of infestation. We recommend using pin-type Meters for pest control applications as the best way to identify the exact point of infestation behind walls and ceilings. The key to finding hidden Moisture is to use an electrode with insulated contact pins. These pins read only at their un-insulated pin tips, allowing the contractor to drive the pins into material at different depths, noting readings at each level of penetration. A pinless Meter is a good way to identify infested areas, as long as you do not have to penetrate into a hidden material.

At what level of Moisture does infestation or decay occur?

Wood technologists and pest control experts agree that most fungi need at least 20% MC. Readings higher then 20% is susceptible to mold growth and decay. Readings in the 17%-20% are borderline and normally require further testing. On the other hand infestation can occur at much lower levels, especially in humid conditions. Old House Borer and Powderpost Beetles can attack wood that falls in the 12-13% range.

Which type of Moisture Meter works best for EIFS?

To quickly identify wet areas, a pinless Meter is easy to use. Pinless Meters offer the convenience of testing a large area quickly, and help you determine if further testing is required in certain spots.

Pinless Meters read Moisture closest to the source of the magnetic field, in this case, at the surface. Most pin-less Meters read at a depth from 1/2" to 1". Moisture that resides in the substrate or insulation may go undetected without using a deep penetrating electrode. It is also important to remember that any metal or other conductive material behind the EIFS may give false readings.

A pin type Meter, on the other hand, is the best way to identify the exact location of Moisture in the substrate and framing. A pin-type uses two pins that penetrate into the building at the users desired depth. When insulated contact pins are used, only the uncoated tips are exposed to the wood fiber, providing an accurate reading of Moisture content at various levels of penetration. Pin-type Meters are the only instruments that allow the inspector to identify exact location of Moisture at a given point.

Many EIFS inspectors use both types of Meters. They can quickly identify problem areas using a pin-less Meter, and also use a pin-type Meter to identify exact location of Moisture in the wood substrate.

Where does most Moisture intrusion occur in EIFS clad houses?

Most Moisture intrusion occurs around windows, doors and any flashing. In many cases the Moisture intrusion is directly related to poor installation practices.

How can i find Moisture in the substrate or frame of the house.

The most effective way to check for Moisture in the substrate or frame is to us our 21-E electrode with 6" penetration pins. This method allows you to locate Moisture behind the EIFS without it having to be torn away.

How Do I Keep a Delmhorst Meter in Good Working Condition?

Delmhorst Moisture Meters are well known for their ruggedness and ability to withstand years of rough handling. Like any testing instrument, a little care goes a long way toward trouble-free service:
  • Store the Meter in clean, dry place
  • Change batteries and pins as needed
  • Keep the Meter and electrode clean by using any biodegradable cleanser sparingly on external parts only.

If you have any doubt about the working condition of your Meter, send it to Delmhorst. We can repair and re-calibrate your instrument to its original standards and return it to you quickly.

Moisture Meters for Wood




Moisture Meters for Concrete


  • DeFelsko PosiTest CMM Check Standard Concrete

    DeFelsko PosiTest CMM Check Standard Concrete
    Price: $575.00

    Easy-to-read digital display takes the guesswork out of analog scales
    Storage of 200 readings - stored readings can be viewed or downloaded
    Weatherproof, dustproof, and water-resistant - IP65-rated enclosure
  • DeFelsko CMMISKITB PosiTector CMM IS In Situ Concrete Moisture RH Meter, Basic Kit

    DeFelsko CMMISKITB PosiTector CMM IS In Situ Concrete Moisture RH Meter, Basic Kit
    Price: $445.00

    DeFelsko CMMISKITB PosiTector CMM IS In Situ Concrete Moisture RH Meter, Basic Kit: 3 CMM IS probes, 3 Saturated Salt Solutions, 3 Calibration Check Chambers, 3 Caps, Extraction Tool, Tape Measure, Ten A-76/LR-44 coin cell batteries
    Easily collect and report measurements in conformance with ASTM F2170

    Combined sleeve and probe design simplifies the installation process and does not require consumables


  • DeFelsko CMMISKITC PosiTector CMM IS In Situ Concrete Moisture RH Meter, Complete Kit

    DeFelsko CMMISKITC PosiTector CMM IS In Situ Concrete Moisture RH Meter, Complete Kit
    Price: $775.00

    DeFelsko CMMISKITC PosiTector CMM IS In Situ Concrete Moisture RH Meter, Complete Kit: 5 CMM IS probes, 5 Saturated Salt Solutions, 5 Calibration Check Chambers, 5 Caps, Extraction Tool, Tape Measure, Vacuum Tool Attachments, Ten A-76/LR-44 coin cell batteries, Hard shell carrying case
    Easily collect and report measurements in conformance with ASTM F2170

    Combined sleeve and probe design simplifies the installation process and does not require consumables


  • DeFelsko CMMISKITP3-E PosiTector CMM IS In Situ Concrete Moisture RH Meter, Pro Kit

    DeFelsko CMMISKITP3-E PosiTector CMM IS In Situ Concrete Moisture RH Meter, Pro Kit
    Price: $1,970.00

    DeFelsko CMMISKITP3-E PosiTector CMM IS In Situ Concrete Moisture RH Meter, Pro Kit: PosiTector DPM3 Advanced, 5 CMM IS probes, 5 Saturated Salt Solutions, 5 Calibration Check Chambers, 5 Caps, Extraction Tool, Tape Measure, Vacuum Tool Attachments, Ten A-76/LR-44 coin cell batteries, Hard shell carrying case
    Easily collect and report measurements in conformance with ASTM F2170

    Combined sleeve and probe design simplifies the installation process and does not require consumables


  • DeFelsko CMMIS1PK PosiTector CMM IS Expansion Kit, 1 Pack

    DeFelsko CMMIS1PK PosiTector CMM IS Expansion Kit, 1 Pack
    Price: $145.00

    DeFelsko CMMISKITB PosiTector CMM IS Expansion Pack, 1 Pack: 1 CMM IS probe, 1 Saturated Salt Solution, 1 Calibration Check Chamber, 1 Cap, 2 coin cell batteries
    Easily collect and report measurements in conformance with ASTM F2170
  • DeFelsko CMMIS4PK PosiTector CMM IS Expansion Pack, 4 Pack

    DeFelsko CMMIS4PK PosiTector CMM IS Expansion Pack, 4 Pack
    Price: $565.00

    DeFelsko CMMIS4PK PosiTector CMM IS In Situ Concrete Moisture RH Meter, 4 Pack: 4 CMM IS probes, 4 Saturated Salt Solutions, 4 Calibration Check Chambers, 4 Caps, 10 coin cell batteries
    Easily collect and report measurements in conformance with ASTM F2170
  • DeFelsko CMMIS16PK PosiTector CMM IS Expansion Pack, 16 Pack

    DeFelsko CMMIS16PK PosiTector CMM IS Expansion Pack, 16 Pack
    Price: $2,185.00

    DeFelsko CMMIS16PK PosiTector CMM IS In Situ Concrete Moisture RH Meter, 16 Pack: 16 CMM IS probes, 16 Saturated Salt Solutions, 16 Calibration Check Chambers, 16 Caps, 40 coin cell batteries
    Easily collect and report measurements in conformance with ASTM F2170
  • Tramex CME5 Concrete Moisture Encounter Non Destructive Moisture Meter

    Tramex CME5 Concrete Moisture Encounter Non Destructive Moisture Meter
    Price: $625.00

    Tramex CME5 Concrete Moisture Encounter Non Destructive
    Clear easy-to-read analog dial
    Instant and precise readings to a depth of approximately  3/4" into the slab.
    Reproducible and reliable results
  • Tramex CMEX5 Concrete Moisture Encounter X5

    Tramex CMEX5 Concrete Moisture Encounter X5
    Price: $940.00

    Tramex CMEX5 Concrete Moisture Encounter X5
    4 Modes of Measurement
    8 Simple Membrane Keypad Controls
    Display Digital
  • Caisson VI-D4 Concrete Moisture Meter

    Caisson VI-D4 Concrete Moisture Meter
    Price: $299.00

    Concrete Moisture Meter
    Measuring depth of 2 inches (50 mm)
    7 Built-in Factory Calibrations
    Gold Plated Sensors
    5-Year Warranty
  • Tramex CMP Concrete Moisture Probe

    Tramex CMP Concrete Moisture Probe
    Price: $775.00

    Instant and Accurate
    Designed to work in the same drill-hole made for the F2170 test
    Eliminate confusion between in-situ Relative Humidity tests and surface Moisture Content tests
  • Wagner C555 Handheld Concrete Moisture Meter Kit

    Wagner C555 Handheld Concrete Moisture Meter Kit
    Price: $475.00

    Wagner C555 Handheld Concrete Moisture Meter Kit
    ASTM F2659 compliant
    Digital display
    Measures to 0.5-inch depth



Moisture Meters for Drywalls




Moisture Meters for Walls and Roofs