I get where you're coming from—there's only so much trust you can put in a meter when it comes to hidden moisture. In my experience, erring on the side of caution with drywall is usually the safer bet, especially considering how insidious mold can be once it takes hold. Did you happen to use a thermal camera too, or just the moisture meter? Sometimes those can help spot cold spots from lingering dampness behind walls, though they're not always foolproof either. Curious how much the whole repair ended up running you after all that.
there's only so much trust you can put in a meter when it comes to hidden moisture.
I hear you, but honestly, I’ve had decent luck with moisture meters—at least the higher-end ones. They’re not perfect, but neither is ripping out perfectly good drywall just in case. I usually combine a meter with a few small test holes and a flashlight before committing to bigger demo. It’s saved me from unnecessary repairs more than once. That being said, mold is no joke... just not sure going full scorched earth is always necessary unless readings are high or there’s visible damage.
I usually combine a meter with a few small test holes and a flashlight before committing to bigger demo.
I get where you’re coming from. I’ve had similar experiences—sometimes the meter says it’s dry, but you open up a wall and find a surprise. Still, like you said, “neither is ripping out perfectly good drywall just in case.” I usually err on the side of caution, especially if tenants are involved. Have you ever had a situation where you trusted the meter and regretted it later? I always worry about missing something that turns into a bigger headache down the line. Mold can be sneaky, but overdoing demo gets expensive fast.
Meters are great until they aren’t, right? I’ve had a “dry” reading before, only to find a soggy mess behind the wall—felt like the meter was trolling me. I usually poke a small hole and sniff around (literally). If it smells funky, I go further. Mold’s no joke, but demo bills can make you cry too. It’s always a gamble... sometimes you win, sometimes you get drywall dust in your hair for nothing.
Meters are great until they aren’t, right? I’ve had a “dry” reading before, only to find a soggy mess behind the wall—felt like the meter was trolling me.
That’s exactly why I’m always skeptical of those meters too. I once had a “false negative” and ended up with a bigger mess than if I’d just trusted my gut. Ever tried using one of those infrared cameras? They’re pricey, but I borrowed one once and it actually spotted a cold patch behind my baseboard where water was pooling—saved me from tearing up half the wall. Curious if anyone here’s found a reliable method that doesn’t involve playing drywall roulette every time?
