b'TechnicalKett HB300: A new category of portable, handheld, instant moisture measurement devices from Kett US are now available for construction contractors.MOISTURE METERS ESSENTIAL TO ROOFING CONTRACTORS TOOLKITAfter a disaster involving water intrusion, moisture meters are crucial to assess and document the damage prior to replacement or restorationF or roofing contractors dealing with any disaster wherenew tools are now helping to speed restoration and improve water intrusion plays a role, such as heavy rainstorms,building quality and can be either purchased or leased. hurricanes, or fire (due to suppression efforts), moistureSo, today the typical roofing contractors toolkit needs an meters are necessary to assess the extent of the waterupdate. For initial assessment and throughout the building damage quickly and efficiently. This is vital to distinguishor renovation process, contractors involved in work where between salvageable and unsalvageable materials in orderwater intrusion is a problem will need a reliable, portable, to cost-effectively expedite needed construction. instant moisture meter along with other equipment to dry Excess water in roofing materials after a disaster canand remove water.lead to mold growth and material rot long after the initialSince not all water damage is visible to the naked incident. The ability to provide sufficient documentationeye, using a moisture meter can help roofing contractors to prove existing water damage can also be stipulated fordetermine exactly just how much of a structure has been insurance claims or possible FEMA registration. exposed to water, so they can save what is dry and safe, Although the roofing industry has access to moistureand rebuild only what is necessary, says John Bogart. meters,tosomeextent,thesetoolstypicallyrequireBogart, an expert in moisture and composition analysis, is calibration, sampling, and specialized personnel. In addition,also Managing Director of Kett US, a manufacturer of a full they are not very portable or flexible in measuring a varietyrange of moisture and organic composition analyzers. of materials on the jobsite. Storms and HurricanesFortunately, a new category of portable, handheld, instantA powerful, slow-moving hurricane can dump up to two moisture measurement devices are now available for roofingfeet of rain in a short time. A category 4 hurricane can reach contractors that can be used on a wide range of materialswind speeds up to 155 mph with storm surge up to 18 feet, with no special training. These point-and-measure units canaccording to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale. This can be used at the jobsite wherever moisture is a problem. These 30 www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer'