Thread: multiple home owner

Can anyone comment on the validity of using a moisture meter to take readings on exterior clapboard on a wind-driven, rainy day. What is the likelihood that we will receive false positives? Is it customary to ask that the reading be taken on a dry day?

It wouldn't be my first choice.

What is the purpose for the readings? Wet siding is wet, what more do you expect to find?

Originally Posted by Anne Reilly

Can anyone comment on the validity of using a moisture meter to take readings on exterior clapboard on a wind-driven, rainy day. What is the likelihood that we will receive false positives? Is it customary to ask that the reading be taken on a dry day?

First off, the readings of the moisture were most likely, not false.
The moisture meter did detect moisture.
What you are wanting to know is, can the MM readings be relied on to determine the amount of moisture in the siding. Short answer, No. But someone experienced in using and interpreting the MM may still get useful results even under less than ideal conditions (doubtful).
I would obtain another analysis, if for no other reason than for comparison.

Originally Posted by Anne Reilly

Can anyone comment on the validity of using a moisture meter to take readings on exterior clapboard on a wind-driven, rainy day. What is the likelihood that we will receive false positives? Is it customary to ask that the reading be taken on a dry day?

I would not not rely on those readings, but like another poster asked, what is the purpose of the readings? The moisture in wood siding will change with relative humidity. If someone is trying to determine the moisture level behind the siding then taking readings of the siding would not be a reliable method.