How much moisture is OK in walls?
Excess moisture within wall and ceiling assemblies can lead to significant issues, including mold growth, structural damage, and poor indoor air quality. Moisture Mapping services can be used to identify and quantify moisture levels within these assemblies, allowing for appropriate remediation and/or corrective actions to be taken. However, it is important to first establish acceptable moisture levels to guide these efforts.
The amount of moisture that is considered acceptable in a wall depends on several factors, including the type of wall construction, the climate in which the wall is located, and the intended use of the space. In general, however, most experts agree that moisture levels in walls should not exceed 15%.
Additionally, the rate of moisture increase or decrease over time should be less than 5% per 24 hours. This rate of change can indicate a potential moisture problem that should be further investigated.
Higher moisture levels can indicate the presence of a moisture problem, such as a leak or condensation issue. Moisture Mapping services can help to identify the source of the moisture and develop a plan to address it.