⚠️ Pre-purchase inspection: Beware of false positives when detecting moisture in concrete ⚠️
- Jean Duguay

- Sep 16
- 1 min read
Did you know that the choice of device used to measure moisture in concrete can radically influence the results obtained? In the context of a pre-purchase inspection, using an unsuitable device can lead to false positives , generating unfounded concerns and, sometimes, hasty financial decisions.
Let's take two concrete examples often encountered in the field:
🔹 FLIR MR77 Designed primarily for hygroscopic materials (gypsum, wood, etc.), this device works by induction and does not provide reliable readings in dense materials like concrete . It can detect the presence of moisture where there is none, simply due to variations in density, mineral salts, or old episodes of moisture that have now dried out.
🔹 TRAMEX CME4 Specially calibrated for the non-destructive detection of moisture in concrete slabs , the CME4 is recognized in the professional and technical community for its accuracy. It provides readings in percentage of relative humidity (comparative) according to scales established for concrete surfaces, greatly reducing the risk of misinterpretation.
👉 Conclusion : Using a device like the FLIR MR77 to assess moisture in concrete during a pre-purchase inspection is like measuring temperature with a ruler: it's simply not the right tool. At GEQ – Bâtiment Conseil , we use proven instruments like the TRAMEX CME4 to ensure the reliability of our diagnoses and avoid generating unnecessary anxiety among buyers.
✅ A good device. ✅ A good reading. ✅ A good diagnosis.





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