Bad, Bad Testing

[CCR]

Amazing how we're regarded as the "bad guys" . Everything JD said is true. From what I have read on a number of engineering company websites, moisture testing is usually a small part of their business. So I would not be surprised if many tests are not performed altogether, that thoroughly (just my assumption guys).

So it stands to reason everyone thinks these lower numbers "must be right, because XYZ Bigtime Engineering said so." And with that, the qualified independent tester is made to look like an idiot who must have done it wrong, until of course, problems arise.

As far as GCs vs. Homeowners, they look at their projects from different perspectives so it's like apples vs. oranges, except neither wants the extra cost for a mitigation application if it's needed.

Biggest challenge I see is maintaining testing business when 80% of the sites I test don't pass. It boils down to human nature... "why should I call JK to test when he always gives me bad news?"

But the fact is, on-grade restorations (with no vapor barrier) and newer concrete (with or without a "VB"), almost always fail. End of story.

So my recommendation has not changed: Architects everywhere, plan on, and budget for a moisture mitigation applocation on every job. And if it's not needed, everyone will be happy