05/20/2025
🚨Why Monitoring Moisture Matters – Don’t Wait to Dry It Out🚨
Most people don’t realize just how fast mold can begin growing after a water loss. According to IICRC S500 guidelines, mold growth can begin in as little as 24–48 hours when wet materials are left untreated—especially in warm, humid environments.
👉 It’s not just about visible water damage—it’s about tracking the moisture content of materials beneath the surface: drywall, subflooring, framing, cabinetry. Materials may feel dry to the touch but still be holding enough internal moisture to allow microbial growth to begin.
If the affected materials remain wet and the temperature in the structure stays between 68°F and 86°F, you’re in the microbial “danger zone.”
Once that growth begins, the claim moves from a straightforward water mitigation job to a more expensive remediation project—and possibly even coverage complications.
📏 That’s why professional contractors and mitigation teams monitor and record drying progress daily, using moisture meters and thermal imaging. And it's why our office always asks the hard
questions when reviewing a claim:
âś… Were the materials actually dry when the equipment was pulled?
âś… Did the vendor follow IICRC drying standards?
âś… Were daily readings logged and justified?
Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, or adjuster: moisture doesn’t wait. Neither should you.
If you’re unsure whether your loss was properly mitigated—or want help building a claim that can stand up to scrutiny—Only Plans Claims & Consulting LLC is here to help.
Send a message to learn more