If you are a home inspector and require a new moisture meter, you probably know that finding a good option for yourself can be difficult.
There are so many brands out there that claim to be the best, and you need one that will last and give accurate readings.
It is important to choose the right one so that you can do your job the best you can. You wouldn’t want to do an inspection only to find out that the meter was wrong and there was more moisture than you thought.
So, we narrowed down the list and looked at a few different options so that you can pick the best moisture meter for home inspectors for you without delay.
With all these great features making this meter the top pick, the only thing that this product can’t do is deliver itself.
3 Moisture Meters For Home Inspectors Reviews
1. FLIR MR55 Moisture Meter For Home Inspectors – Overall Option Review
This moisture meter is our top pick and it comes with the features that make it great.
FLIR MR55 has wireless connectivity and the ability to be upgraded through its USB port, and it also comes with the FLIR app technology so that the meter can be read easily.
These features make this a great moisture meter option for home inspectors.
FLIR Mobile
This allows you to clearly view the results and input them into the app so that you can view them anywhere you go, even when you don’t have the meter on you.
Measures Ambient Temperatures
With this moisture meter, you can take accurate measurements quickly that automatically compensate for ambient temperatures. This allows you to get the most accurate reading possible and accounts for relative humidity as well.
Pin Moisture Measurement
This moisture meter provides accurate readings from pinpoint measurements done with pin probes attached at the top of the meter.
The electrode pins are replaceable when needed and are used by simply pressing the probes against the wall or carpet that you are measuring.
Upgrade Available
This moisture meter comes with the ability to upgrade through its USB port located in the battery compartment. This allows you to upgrade the meter’s technology and help the library and the app work better even as the meter ages.
Main Features
- Measure ambient temperature and relative humidity
- Built-in library of 11 material groups, including: timbers, drywall, concrete, plaster, brick, and more
- Measurements automatically compensate for ambient temperature
- Backlit LCD display
- Features replaceable electrode pins, standard AA batteries
- Wireless Connectivity – Use Bluetooth to view readings from a mobile device.
- Upgrade firmware as needed via micro USB port located in battery compartment
- Wirelessly connect to FLIR tools mobile to view readings Remotely
- Accurate measurements
- Takes into account ambient temperatures
- Updates available with the USB port
- Works with FLIR app for readings
- On the lower end of the price range
- App use is not as useful as some customers would like it to be
2. GE Protimeter BLD2001 Moisture Meter For Home Inspectors Review
GE Protimeter BLD2001 moisture meter is an inexpensive model that is durable and designed specifically for wood floor installation.
This allows the meter to be especially useful for those in that industry and it comes with pin probes for readings, a 6 to 30 percent LED scale and has the information for moisture readings printed right on the label for easy viewing while working.
LED Display
The LED display shows the instant moisture content results on its 6 to 30 percent LED scale. The three-color coded display will show the moisture information as wet, at risk, or dry. The bright LED lighting is easy to see clearly.
ASTM Approved Test
This meter is an ASTM approved probe test that allows you to use to in a professional setting as a lawfully approved method of measuring the moisture.
24 Months Warranty
This moisture meter comes with a 24-month warranty that covers mechanical and manufacturing defects.
The warranty does not cover any accidents that happen due to user error or misuse, so it is recommended to be careful with your moisture meter so it lasts as long as possible.
Main Features
- Low cost, highly durable moisture meter designed specifically for the wood floor installation industry
- Pin type moisture meter that displays instant moisture content results on its 6 to 30 percent LED scale
- The three color coded LED scale gives the operator instant information regarding “Dry”, “At Risk” or “Wet” conditions
- It is important that hardwood finish materials are in moisture equilibrium with the local indoor environment
- Can also be used to make quick reference readings on concrete sub floors
- It is a requirement that concrete be tested with an ASTM-approved test such as the F2170 in situ humidity probe test
- 24 months warranty on mechanical or manufacturing defects
- Does not include wearing part or accessories
- Accurate pin probe measurements
- LED display with 6 to 30 scale
- ASTM approved test for concrete requirements
- Comes with 24-month warranty
- Few customer reviews to check on before purchase
- Is on the higher end of the price range
3. Extech MO280-KH2 Moisture Meter For Home Inspectors Review
Extech MO280-KH2 moisture meter is unlike the others because it is not a pin probe meter, but a laser meter.
This product uses laser technology to pinpoint the area of moisture without using pin probes and aids in the identification of moisture, HVAC, electrical and hot water issues and is great for home inspections.
Pin-less Moisture Detection
This is done by instead using a laser meter reading.
Infrared Thermometer
This moisture meter model comes equipped with an infrared thermometer that provides a non-contact surface measurement that ranges from -4 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit with a built-in laser to improve aim and identify the target area.
Comes With Storage Case
With all the different components that come with this meter, you will need a case to hold everything together when you go to a job site.
This meter happens to come with its own solid black carrying case that keeps everything you need altogether for easy access in a simple and sleek black design.
Main Features
- Aids in identification of moisture, HVAC, electrical and hot water system issues
- MO280 – Pinless Moisture Meter
- Displays %moisture from 0 to 99%
- Measurement depth to 0.75″ (22mm) below the surface
- IR260 – 12:1 Compact InfraRed Thermometer with Laser Pointer
- Temperature range: -4 to 752°F (-20 to 400°C)
- Programmable visual and audible high/low alarm, adjustable emissivity
- 39240 – Waterproof Stainless Steel Stem Thermometer
- Temperature range: -40 to 392°F (-40 to 200°C)
- Max/Min, Data Hold and Auto Power Off functions
- Supplied in an attractive storage case
- Pin-less, laser, moisture detection that’s non-invasive
- Infrared thermometer for non-contact surface measurements
- Can detect hot water issues effectively
- Comes with storage case for all components
- Is on the higher end of the price range
Buyer’s Guide
When looking for a good moisture meter for home inspections, you can look at the FLIR MR55 model and see the different specifications that make it a great option for you.
With the innovative features and modern technology involved in the process, this meter can make your inspections faster and easier than before.
The FLIR MR55 also has the ability to tune the meter to different test materials by adjusting the library of eleven material groups.
This also allows you to make a more accurate adjustment for the material that you are reading without having to get a different meter that works for that specific case.
In the long run, this also saves you money by having multiple uses for one meter instead of buying multiple for different cases.
With the new technology, there could be a fear that the next generations that come after this model will be far more upgraded and have better technology than the MR55.
Though this model is our top pick, there might be some more questions that you may have about this moisture meter that you would like answered before you decide on making a purchase.
FAQs
So, we took a look at some of the most frequently asked questions and decided to answer a few of the most asked.
What are the dimensions of the pins on this model?
The size of the pins are 10 millimeters in length. The pins are reusable, and replaceable as needed, and can be found in a variety of sizes when ready to be replaced if you choose to get a shorter size that the pins that originally come with the meter.
Is this meter capable of taking “pin-less” or “non-penetrating” readings?
No, this moisture meter does not have a non-invasive reading method available, however, there are other options that do allow for non-invasive readings. This model uses pin probes to get a moisture reading and can not be used without them.
How do I find out exactly what is and isn’t under the manufacturer’s warranty?
You can go to the FLIR website to get all that information. The website has a page specifically for the warranty information where you will go and type in your product information so that you can get all the information that you need on your moisture meter.
This meter runs on batteries, so are they included? If not, what kind do I need for it?
Yes, this meter model does come with batteries with the purchase price so you will not need to buy them yourself.
The batteries that you will need to make this meter run are 2 AA batteries, so when it comes time to replace the meter’s batteries, those are the ones that you will need to purchase.
How heavy is the meter itself?
This meter model is extremely lightweight in comparison to many other brands. The total weight of the meter is only 6.4 ounces, which makes it extremely lightweight and portable so that you can take it with you to different job sites with ease.
Which app do I need to download to use the reading sharing technology on my smart device?
The app that you will need to look for and download is the FLIR Tools app. This will allow you to use the app sharing to upload your moisture reading to the app so that others can see it immediately, and you can see your results on a smart device.
Conclusion
There are many different brands and models of moisture meters on the market, but not all of them are created equal.
Finding the perfect one for the home inspection jobs that you do can be difficult with all of the choices claiming to be the best option for you.
Whether you are looking for a lightweight, compact option that you can easily carry with you to a job, or you are looking for a heavy-duty option that comes with a carrying case for all its components, you can find an option that may work great for you from this article.
When it comes to your job, you don’t want to take shortcuts or skimp out on products that can make your work better. So, get any of these great options on this list and you will have everything you need.