I spent $300 on a fancy moisture meter and it was a total waste for most jobs

Everyone talks about needing a high end pinless meter to check subfloors. I bought the Wagner Orion 950 about a year ago, thinking it would save me from callbacks. The truth is, for 90% of the houses I work in around Phoenix, a simple visual check and knowing the building's history is enough. That meter gives you a number, but then you have to interpret it, and the readings can jump all over the place on the same slab. I spent more time second guessing myself than I ever did before. On a big commercial job with a concrete pour, sure, it has a use. But for residential remodels? It just added stress and cost. Has anyone else found that simpler methods work better for moisture checks on standard installs?

3 comments

3 Comments

caleb_walker62mo ago

Wait, you spent three hundred bucks on that thing? That's a whole different level of commitment. I can't believe the readings jump around so much on the same slab, that sounds like a nightmare to deal with. It makes total sense that just looking at the place and knowing its story gets you further most days. Do you ever use it now, or is it just collecting dust in the truck?

karent752mo ago

Oh it's a very expensive paperweight now. The thing has a better view of my truck bed than I do.

the_derek1mo ago

Oh man, that Orion 950 has cost me more in confusion than I care to admit. I swear I've chased more ghost moisture readings across the same slab than I have real problems in the last six months. It's like the thing wants to play tricks on you, especially when you're already running behind on a Friday afternoon. Mine sits in a drawer now, mostly to remind myself that $300 can buy a lot of lunches instead of extra anxiety. Honestly, I trust a plastic bag taped to the floor for 24 hours more than I trust that blinking green light anymore.