There are three main levels of moisture testing in New Zealand homes: thermal imaging, surface moisture meters, and invasive testing that probes inside the wall. Each answers a different question. Here’s how to tell which you need.
What’s the difference between thermal imaging, moisture meters and invasive testing?
Thermal imaging scans large areas for temperature patterns that may indicate damp. A moisture meter measures moisture at a specific point on or just below the surface. Invasive testing drills small holes or removes linings to measure moisture in the framing itself. Each step is more certain but more disruptive.
Side by side
| Thermal imaging | Moisture meter (non-invasive) | Invasive testing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What it measures | Surface temperature | Moisture at a point | Moisture inside framing |
| Confirms moisture? | No — indicates | Yes, at that spot | Yes, in the timber |
| Damage | None | None (pinless) or tiny pin holes | Small holes or removed linings |
| Speed | Fast, whole rooms | Spot by spot | Slow, targeted |
| Typical use | Screening, mapping damp | Confirming, tracking drying | Weathertightness and leaky-building investigations |
| Who does it | Inspectors, restorers | Inspectors, restorers, builders | Building surveyors and specialists |
When thermal imaging is enough as a first step
- You know there’s been a leak and want to see how far it spread.
- You want to guide where drying equipment should go.
- You want a quick screen before deciding on further investigation.
When you need moisture meter readings
- To confirm a suspicious thermal pattern is actually wet.
- To compare wet areas against dry reference areas.
- To check progress during drying and before closing up walls. BRANZ guidance sets 20% maximum moisture content for framing in insulated buildings before linings go on (lower if the lining maker requires it).
See moisture readings explained.
When invasive testing is needed
- Suspected long-term leaks behind cladding.
- Weathertightness concerns or leaky-building investigations.
- Disputes, sales or insurance claims needing firm evidence.
- When surface readings are inconclusive.
Invasive testing should be done by a qualified building surveyor. We don’t do invasive testing, and our check is not a weathertightness report.
A sensible order
- Thermal scan to find where to look.
- Moisture meter to confirm.
- Invasive testing only if needed and done by a specialist.
- Fix the source, then dry.
When you hire our drying equipment, our technician delivers it and does FREE leak detection, thermal imaging and moisture testing on site at delivery, covering steps 1 and 2 for drying purposes.
| Drying Combo | What you get |
|---|---|
| Equipment | Commercial 90 L dehumidifier + two drying fans |
| Testing | FREE: Leak detection, thermal imaging & moisture testing, done on site by our technician at delivery with any drying equipment hire |
| Delivery | Our technician delivers the equipment and does the testing on site; Auckland delivery and pick-up, subject to booking timing and site access |
| Price | $75 + GST per day (3-day minimum) or $400 + GST for 7 days |
See the full offer: FREE leak detection, thermal imaging and moisture testing with any drying equipment hire.
What thermal imaging and moisture testing can’t do
We’d rather be upfront:
- Thermal imaging indicates, it doesn’t prove. The camera reads surface temperature. A cool patch can be damp, but it can also be a draught, missing insulation, a cold-water pipe or shade from the morning sun. Our technician checks suspicious areas with a moisture meter on site before treating them as wet.
- Meters read accessible spots. A moisture meter gives a reading where it touches. It can’t see right through a sealed cavity, and we don’t cut open walls.
- It isn’t a plumbing repair. We can help show where water has spread. Finding and fixing a failed pipe, shower tray or fitting is a job for a licensed plumber.
- We’re drying specialists, not plumbers or inspectors. We aren’t a licensed plumber, a pre-purchase building inspector or an acoustic/tracer-gas leak detection specialist, and we’ll tell you when you need one.
- It isn’t a building report. This check supports your drying setup. It isn’t a pre-purchase inspection, a weathertightness report or a code compliance document. For roof, cladding or structural concerns, talk to a qualified building surveyor or inspector.
Frequently asked questions
Is thermal imaging or a moisture meter more accurate?
They measure different things. A moisture meter confirms moisture at a point; thermal imaging shows patterns over a wide area. Use thermal to find where to test and the meter to confirm.
What is invasive moisture testing?
It involves drilling small holes or removing linings so probes can measure moisture in the framing. It is used for weathertightness and leaky-building investigations by qualified surveyors.
Does non-invasive testing damage my walls?
Thermal imaging and pinless meters leave no marks. Pin meters leave tiny holes.
Does Dry Me Now do invasive testing?
No. Our FREE leak detection, thermal imaging and moisture testing comes with any drying equipment hire and helps guide drying. For invasive testing, use a qualified building surveyor.
What moisture level should framing be before relining?
BRANZ guidance gives a 20% maximum for framing in insulated buildings when linings are fixed, and some lining manufacturers require lower.
Book drying equipment hire with FREE leak detection, thermal imaging & moisture testing
If you’ve had a leak, overflow or flood in Auckland, call Dry Me Now on 021 877 504 or use the enquiry form on our thermal imaging and moisture testing page. Tell us what happened and which rooms are affected, and we’ll confirm availability and delivery. Our technician delivers the machines and does the testing on site.