Moisture Mapping, What is it and Why Does It Matter?

11/13/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage

Moisture Mapping, what is it and why does it matter when you have a water damage emergency? In a water loss situation, it not just the water that is seen that can cause significant damage to a property and its contents, but also the unseen water, that is not visible to the naked eye that can cause serious damage. Moisture mapping is the detailed process to identify all areas of water migration, using specialty tools to detect the moisture content of building materials, so they can be dried properly.

Improper drying due to unseen and undetected water can cause mold as well as rot if the materials stay wet for an extended period of time. This is often most evident in a situation such as a bathroom or kitchen where a water damage occurs. A supply line to the toilet or a water line to an ice maker breaks and flows onto the tile or vinyl flooring. It is quickly detected by the homeowner. They are able to stop the water flow and proceed to get the water up with towels and a shop vacuum. Due to their lack of understanding the migration pattern of water and moisture mapping, they think the job is done. Within a few days or weeks they notice a musty smell or observe discoloration on the flooring. It is then they call for a mold assessment. During the initial water loss, moisture mapping was crucial to detect water that had migrated behind baseboards, under flooring, inside wall cavities, behind cabinet kick plates or had migrated into the crawl space. Water damage Restoration professionals use moisture meters, penetrating and non-penetrating to detect water migration into these areas. Then they are to use the proper equipment, according to industry standards to effectively dry the structure and prevent the secondary damage caused by improper drying.

If you have a water damage emergency, don’t do it yourself. Call SERVPRO of South Durham and Orange County at 919-596-1242.