Bought a $200 moisture meter for a big tile job and it caught a disaster

Had a 1500 square foot tile install over a concrete slab last month. The slab looked bone dry, but I ran my new meter over it anyway. It spiked in a corner, showing 98% RH. Dug a small test hole and found a slow leak from a pipe. The GC had to fix it before we could even start. Anyone else have a meter they trust for concrete?

3 comments

3 Comments

sarahbailey1mo ago

My old Tramex meter saved a job like that once, honestly.

hall.nina1mo ago

Oh totally, I read a whole forum thread about Tramex meters finding hidden moisture in walls that other tools missed. It was in some old house where the plaster looked fine but was basically soaked behind the paint. Those older models seem to have a real reputation for being tough and reliable. Makes you wonder how many problems get missed with cheaper gear.

the_elizabeth1mo ago

Saw a contractor on a jobsite video swear by his Wagner meter. Said it never lies about concrete. Good thing you checked.