I hear you on not wanting to go overboard, but honestly, I’ve seen mold pop up in spots you’d never expect, even when things “look” dry. Sometimes a moisture meter doesn’t catch everything behind insulation or in corners. Curious—do you use any specific tools to check for hidden dampness, or just rely on visual and smell? I’ve found thermal cameras can be a game changer, but they’re not cheap.
Thermal cameras are great, but yeah, they’re pricey and not always practical for homeowners. I usually stick with a high-quality moisture meter and check every suspect spot—baseboards, behind trim, under sinks. Sometimes you just have to pull back insulation or drywall if you’re really worried. Smell can help, but by the time you notice it, the problem’s already there. If you want to be thorough, a combo of tools and a bit of demo is the safest bet.
If you want to be thorough, a combo of tools and a bit of demo is the safest bet.
That’s spot on. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve found hidden leaks only after pulling off baseboards or cutting a small inspection hole. Moisture meters are great, but sometimes the water travels in weird ways behind walls and you just can’t see it until you open things up. I always tell folks—trust your gut if something feels off, even if the tools say it’s dry. Better safe than sorry, right?
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve learned the hard way that tearing into walls every time you suspect a leak can rack up costs fast—especially if you manage multiple units.
Sure, instincts matter, but I’d rather start with a good moisture meter and only open things up if there’s real evidence. Otherwise, you end up with a lot of unnecessary repairs and unhappy tenants. Sometimes less is more, you know?“I always tell folks—trust your gut if something feels off, even if the tools say it’s dry.”
I get what you’re saying, but in my experience, waiting for “real evidence” can backfire. Had a small leak once that the meter didn’t catch—ended up with mold behind the drywall and a much bigger bill. Sometimes trusting your gut saves money and headaches down the line.
