Sample Moisture Testing Report

Moisture Testing Report

John Cementitious

Property Address:

12345 Stucco Clad Street

Maple Grove MN 55555

Structure Tech Home Inspections

Antonio Cedillo

4205 Raleigh Avenue South

Saint Louis Park, MN 55416

www.StructureTech1.com

612-387-8074


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Date: 4/24/2017

Property:

12345 Stucco Clad Street

Maple Grove MN 55555

Time: 01:00 PM

Customer:

John Cementitious

Overview

Real Estate Professional:

The purpose of this moisture testing inspection was to determine if moisture intrusion has occurred at the exterior wall

cladding. Your moisture analysis is intended to be the first step in protecting your home. The knowledge you gain from this

analysis is the percentage of moisture in your home and exactly where that moisture is located. We do not offer an opinion

about the structural integrity of your home. In some cases, the removal of stucco or siding from wet areas may be required to

check the structural integrity of your home. In this case, a contractor should be consulted.

All moisture readings recorded in this report are the numbers displayed by the moisture meter used, set to the scale for

wood. The sheathing on this building may not be wood or a wood product. All moisture readings in this report indicate the

percentage of weight of the tested material due to water, assuming the material is a wood product. While the readings in this

report may not accurately reflect the moisture content by weight of this sheathing, all readings over 20% should still be

considered to be unacceptably wet and requiring attention. Moisture readings and substrate condition can be affected by a

number of things which are beyond our control including, but not limited to: recent weather conditions, type of substrate or

framing material, location within the substrate or framing the probes contacted, unknown materials contacted such as wire

mesh or metal flashing. We make every effort to provide the most accurate readings possible; however it is possible that

readings taken in the same area on a different day will not be the same. Contact with unknown materials such as wire mesh

or flashing can result in a false high reading.

Because our inspection is limited to probe testing or surface scanning, it is up to the homeowner to verify any high readings

by having those areas opened up for a visual inspection of possible moisture related damage.

This report is limited to the specific locations listed. We tested those areas which have a high probability for moisture

intrusion and are reasonably accessible for testing. This report makes no judgment for any areas not tested and reported.

Suggestions for repairs are based on our experience and industry practices and are intended to provide you with a general

idea of what type of repairs may be necessary. You will need to consult with your builder or repair person and your City

Building Code Official to devise an actual repair strategy for your house. We can not be responsible for the success or failure

of your repairs. If any part of this report is not understandable to you it is your responsibility to contact us for clarification.

General Property Information

Style Of Building:

Single Family

Number of Stories:

One

Home Faces:

East

Year Built:

1992

Square Feet:

4500

Weather:

Partly Cloudy

Temperature:

60 Degrees

Last Precipitation:

3, Days

Exterior Wall Cladding:

Traditional Stucco, Stone / Adhered Concrete

Masonry Veneer

Substrate:

Unknown

Lowest Level:

Full Basement

Window Material:

Vinyl

Window Type:

Casement, Fixed

12345 Stucco Clad Street Page 2 of 18


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1. Stucco

What is stucco?

There are two types of commonly used stucco. They are traditional, Portland cement stucco and synthetic stucco, also known as EIFS or Exterior Insulation

and Finishing System. Sometimes we see a combination of these systems into a hybrid stucco system, sometimes referred to as a Hardcoat system.

Stucco has been used for hundreds of years and was applied to concrete or masonry surfaces, which are not susceptible to water damage. Wood frame

houses are at risk for damage when moisture enters behind the stucco.

Traditional stucco is applied by using wire mesh, which is attached to the home. Stucco at this stage resembles cement and is applied by using a trowel.

One or two colored finish coats are then applied over the stucco base.

Synthetic stucco, also known as EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finishing System) has been in use in the United States since the 1960’s. The most common

type of EIFS is called PB EIFS. PB stands for polymer based. Dryvit is one popular name brand EIFS system.

PB stucco is made up of three layers: Insulation, base coat, and finish coat. The insulation is made of expanded polystyrene about ¾ to 1” thick. The base

coat is applied over a layer of fiberglass mesh that strengthens the coating. The finish coat is applied last and contains the color.

Hybrid systems may utilize various combinations of both EIFS and traditional systems.

What causes problems with stucco?

When joints and breaches in the stucco allow moisture to leak in, there is no way for this moisture to escape due to the sealant qualities of stucco. Easily

remedied problems such as missing or poorly installed caulking or missing flashing will often be the cause of moisture entering your home. Windows are

also a major source of moisture penetration, due to gaps or cracks in construction.

Because stucco was designed to keep moisture out, moisture that does penetrate the wall can present a substantial risk because it can take months to

dissipate. Often moisture will continue to leak behind the stucco before the existing moisture has had a chance to dry out. When structural wood is exposed

continuously to moisture it will rot.

Testing Method

The moisture testing performed on the stucco wall covering at this building was an invasive moisture test performed from the exterior. This test was

conducted by drilling 3/16" holes in the siding, inserting a pin-probe moisture meter to take a moisture reading of the substrate, then filling the holes with a

caulk of matching color.

The penetrating probe has an effective range from 0 to 40%. Readings of 40% or greater register as either 40% or 99% depending on the meter used for

your analysis. This is the number that will be recorded on your report.

A Delmhorst Moisture Check Moisture Meter set to the wood scale was used. All readings are adjusted for temperature. Since wood materials are

considered to be saturated at about 40%, all readings of 40% or higher should be considered as saturated.

Occasionally the penetrating probe may contact the wire mesh behind the stucco, or other metal objects. This can cause a false reading of 40 or 99%. We

make every effort to double-check all high readings. Any readings in this range indicate a potential high moisture area and possible structural damage. It

may be necessary to remove the stucco or interior wall covering to examine these areas more closely.

6% - 15%: Moisture reading currently acceptable.

16% - 19%: Elevated moisture reading or possible substrate damage.

20% - 39% Moisture high enough for mold or wood rot if sustained, or substrate damage.

99%: Wood is saturated at 40% moisture content; these readings are reported as 99.

S: Soft wall sheathing detected. This typically indicates damaged sheathing.

KEY

X: No wall sheathing detected. This typically indicates damaged sheathing.

Any circled areas showed large areas with elevated moisture levels. All sheathing probed was firm unless noted otherwise.

Items

1.0 Elevation

Acceptable Moisture Readings

There were no elevated moisture readings, and the wall sheathing was firm at all of the areas tested below.



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1.1 Elevation


(1) The moisture readings in red were at 20% or higher indicating active leaking and possible structural damage. These

areas should be opened up for further evaluation.

(2) Kickout flashings were installed and appeared to be functioning as intended.



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1.2 Elevation


(1) There were no elevated moisture readings, and the wall sheathing was firm at all of the areas tested below.




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1.3 Elevation





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1.4 Elevation






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1.5 Elevation





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1.6 Elevation





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1.7 Elevation





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1.8 Elevation





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1.9 Elevation





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1.10 Elevation





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1.11 Elevation

One or more high moisture readings

The moisture readings in red were at 20% or higher indicating active leaking and possible structural damage. These

areas should be opened up for further evaluation.

The moisture readings in orange were between 16% and 19%, which indicates elevated moisture readings but without

signs of structural damage. The cause of the elevated moisture levels should be identified and corrected.



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1.12 Elevation






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Sample Moisture Testing Report

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