When homeowners hear “EIFS inspection,” some assume it involves drilling holes or cutting into the wall to check for moisture. That’s not how a proper inspection should work — and it’s not how we do it.
The Problem With Probe-Based Inspection
Older inspection methods relied on physically penetrating the wall to test for moisture at specific points. The obvious downside: every probe hole is itself a new penetration in the water-resistant barrier, meaning the inspection process could introduce the high risk it’s meant to identify.
How Surface Moisture Scanning Works
Non-intrusive moisture meters read moisture content behind the wall surface using electronic signals, without penetrating the finish. This allows an inspector to scan large areas of wall efficiently, identify elevated moisture readings, and map problem areas without creating new vulnerabilities.
What a Thorough Scan Covers
- All wall penetrations (windows, doors, vents, utility penetrations)
- Roof-wall intersections and flashing details
- Deck ledgers and other structural attachments
- Wall terminations at grade, foundations, and other materials
- General field-of-wall scanning across all elevations
Interpreting the Results
Elevated readings don’t always mean the same thing at every location — interpretation requires understanding of wall assembly, building orientation, and common failure patterns. This is where experience matters as much as the equipment itself.
Certified Inspectors
We conduct inspections using this methodology and prepare formal reports for documentation, real estate transactions, or repair planning. This thorough approach respects the integrity of your wall system throughout the inspection process.
