Because it’s impossible to see through walls to obtain facts about how the home is performing, it is necessary to move beyond the visual inspection to an invasive inspection. The invasive inspection is moisture probe testing. This requires us to drill two small holes, about one inch apart and roughly the diameter of a pencil. Through these holes we insert a moisture meter to test the moisture content of the substrate (the material on which the stucco lath is mounted, usually OSB or plywood) and test the hardness of the substrate. Soft, missing, and/or moist substrate is a serious concern.  We’re most concerned with testing portions of the home that are above the foundation and/or on a wooden substrate. We typically need to test and map out the most exposed areas on each wall section, such as the lower penetrations/first floor windows, as well as the roof-wall intersections, and any other areas of the construction that are vulnerable based on how the home was originally designed and built. 

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All the moisture readings taken are recorded on full elevation photos of the home in the location that they were taken from, providing a “map” of the moisture found in the home at the time of the inspection. We will then help you understand the relationship between all of the readings. Other useful information is also gathered, such as whether the substrate is soft, if any decay is present, or if the area tested dry and firm. All the holes are then filled with a sealant intended for use with stucco.