While the methods we use to gather moisture data are based on science, there’s no one correct interpretation. We try to capture any damage present, without going overboard as much as possible. This is complicated by the fact that we are typically on site days, weeks, or even months after a loss. With each day that passes, materials start to dry, and conditions change. We have to make some guesses about the initial condition of the structure and what has occurred since then.

Below is an example moisture map with most of the parts explained. Trying to communicate a large amount of information about properties that are unique to each owner, which not overloading the contractor who would be performing the work, is a difficult job. The primary goal of our maps is not to be exhaustive of all possible issues at the property, but to indicate areas we suspect damage that should be further investigated during mitigation activities by a competent contractor in accordance with the IICRC S500 standards for water damage mitigation.