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I��CMT t�� CMT Interpreting Moisture Levels Further Investigation Wood/Fiberboard/OSB(Stale 1) Further Investigation is needed to determine the cause of the actual damage in order to understand the extent 19%is the moisture level construttion lumber must have when removed from the drying kilns.After and smpe of repairs.Further investigation is also performed to collect proof of damages in order to settle a daim consVuction has been completed,the wood frame of the home will continue to dry and stay dry if not and[o verify the accuracy of the report This is done by removing a piece or plug of the exterior siding to inspect exposed to moisture intrusion. the structure behind the dadding.Once ezposed,we conduct a"fo�ensic inspection"to identify and document the , cause and extent of the damage.Every effort is made to limit any damage created during the investigation. 6-15%: Normal dry readings in sound firm wood or fiberboard shea[hing. We do not recommend the practice of cutting inspection holes in the interior walls of the home to discover 15d9%: Readings in this renge show slight moisture invusion,a small leak or limited exposure with the damage.Due to the way that homes are construc[ed,an interior cut may not reveal damage that an exterior cut ability to dry would expose,Only exterior cuts will reveal the cause of the moisture intrusion,and repairs will typically be required from the exterior to correct the cause.Interior wall cuts will breach the vapor barrier,allowing trapped 20-26%: Moisture at this level is a sign of moderate moisture intrusion occurring through a larger leak or mold spores,if present,to be released into the home.Interior cuts should only be made as a tast resort. as a result of limited ability to dry quickly.Identifying how moisture is entering the wall and stopping the intrusion can prevent damage to your home.Cirded blue areas show moderate moisture intrusion.At this Repairs or Maintenance level,maintenance procedures rypically remedy the issues. There is no such thing as a maintenance-free home,Homes need to be caulked and in some cases Flashed to help prevent moisture intrusion.While caulk should not be used as the primary stop-gap for moisture,it is often the �27-40%: Areas with moisture levels greater than 27%over periods of time have or eventually will have easiest way to stop water intrusion after the home is built.A professional caulk job should give long lasting results �moisture damage.Circled orange areas show where higher levels of moisture were found and where with minimal maintenance.Depending on the type of siding,flashing can often be installed without major repairs. . structural damage is highly possible OR UKELY. Minnesota 10-Year Warrenty None:The sheathing in areas where moisture intrusion has been occurring over time is iikely to have If your home is under 10 years of age or has been remodeled within the last 10 years,you may have the right to sustained structural damage.Deteriorated sheathing not strong or firm enough to probe causes the test request that the damage be repaired by the 6uilder or the builder's insurance mmpany. Repairs for moisture probes to easily punch through to the wall cavity behind.With no material to probe,the moistwe reading damage can be very expensive and may have devastating effects to the value of your home.If moisture issues wiil be noted as 0.In areas where a stud or other material is located behind the deteriorated sheathing,a were found during this test,we recommend consultation with legal counsel to determine your rights for a claim moisture reading will be taken in the stud or the wall cavity and noted as,for example,12/None.Cirded against o[her parties.CMT will gladly provide a lis[of a[torney firms practicing in the specialty of construction red areas show where the inspector has assessed the areas ro have structural damage. defect law who are familiar with home moisture intrusion. Gypsum Board/Sheetrock(Scale 3) Be aware thot there are many legol deadlines you must meet when jiling moisture intrusion daims agoinst o[her 0.1-0.6%: Normal dry readings. parties. '0.7-1.5%:Readings in this range mean moderate moisture intrusion is occurring.Identifying how mois[ure is entering and sropping the intrusion is necessary to prevent damage.Cirded blue areas show signs of slight ro moderate moisture intrusion. �� 1.6-50%:Areas with moist�re levels greater than 1.6%have or eventually will have moisture damage. Cirded orange areas show where higher levels of moisture were found. None: Areas where moisture intrusion has been occurring over time are likely to have sustained structural damage.Deteriorated sheathing not strong or firm enough to probe causes the test prohes to easily punch through to the�avity behind.With no material[o probe,the reading will be noted as 0.Cirded red areas show where the inspector has assessed the areas to have s[ructural damage. Weather Consideretions Meteorological mnditions affect moisture measurements in various ways,all of which are factored into our assessments.After a rain,leaks in[o the wall system will lend higher moisture readings.These higher readings if given the opportunity to dry before the next rain will change to lower readings.During drought conditions,it becomes necessary to rely primarily on the damage assessment and visual observations[o determine points of intrusion.Colder weather also tends to result in slightly drier readings[han in the warmer months.High humidity levels do not typically affect moisture readings unless long term high humidity levels are maintained.