Whether you are a contractor that is finishing a basement, remodeling a home or installing a new floor, moisture testing is imperative before any work begins. According to experts in the construction industry, approximately 85 percent of all floor installation failures result from moisture problems. In fact, moisture accounts for more than $1 billion in damages to homes and businesses annually.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Moisture control is fundamental to the proper functioning of any building. Controlling moisture is important to protect occupants from adverse health effects and to protect the building, its mechanical systems and its contents from physical or chemical damage. Yet, moisture problems are so common in buildings, many people consider them inevitable.”
In addition to serious health related problems, if moisture remains undetected it can damage building materials and components. Prolonged moisture and damp conditions can cause numerous problems including:
• Build-up of mold and bacteria which can also attract termites and carpenter ants to building materials
• Decay and deterioration of water-soluble materials
• Warping, swelling and rotting of wooden materials
• Damage to paints and varnishes
• Chemical reactions causing structural fasteners, wiring, metal roofing and conditioning coils to corrode and flooring or roofing adhesives to fail
• Damage to brick and concrete
• Reduced quality and effectiveness of thermal insulation
The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) adds, “Moisture causes problems for building owners, maintenance personnel and occupants. Many common moisture problems can be traced to poor decisions in design, construction or maintenance… However, such problems can be avoided with techniques that are based on a solid understanding of how water behaves in buildings and in accurate moisture and humidity testing.”
Knowledgeable and experienced contractors know that moisture testing is an important part of the construction process. Accurate moisture tests should be performed before the start of any construction project. Moisture that remains within concrete, wood or any other surfaces can be a disaster to any building project. There are many effective tests that are designed to test for moisture on different materials and some methods are also designed to measure the levels of other substances beyond moisture and humidity. Before starting any construction project, contractors should consult with a moisture testing professional that can perform specific testing on the building site.
Advanced Moisture Testing provides high quality moisture testing services for contractors and builders throughout New York and the tristate area. They are certified by the ICRI (International Concrete Repair Institute) and can perform the proper moisture testing for any surface. If you are a builder planning a new construction project or a consumer concerned about the moisture levels in your home or place of business, call Advanced Moisture Testing for a consultation today at 631-567-9269 or 631-567-9314.