Sample log layout
| Room | Reading frequency | What to record | Note anything unusual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finished basement main room | Weekly | Temperature and relative humidity | Musty smell, damp carpet edges |
| Basement storage or mechanical room | Weekly | Temperature and relative humidity | Water near water heater or sump |
| Wine room | Weekly, and after any cooling unit service | Temperature, humidity and unit setting | Condensation on walls or glass |
| Primary bath or steam shower area | Weekly, a few hours after use | Humidity in the adjacent closet | Odor or peeling paint |
| Guest suite or outbuilding | At each walk-through | Temperature and humidity | Signs the HVAC or dehumidifier is off |
| Outdoors (reference) | Same day | Humidity from a local weather report | Storms or long rainy stretches |
Reading the trend
- IfA basement room stays higher than the rest of the house week after weekLook for seepage, a plumbing leak or poor air circulation; consider a dehumidifier while you investigate.
- IfHumidity spikes after storms or sprinkler runsWater is likely entering from outside; check grading, window wells and downspouts.
- IfA wine room climbs above its settingHave the cooling unit and its drain inspected.
- IfA closet next to a shower reads high after useMoisture may be getting through the wall; check the shower's waterproofing and ventilation.
- IfAn empty guest suite reads highConfirm the HVAC is running and check for an unseen leak.
Getting reliable readings
- Use digital hygrometers that show both temperature and humidity.
- Place them away from vents, windows and exterior doors.
- Compare two meters side by side occasionally; inexpensive units can drift.
- Record readings at roughly the same time of day.
- Keep the log with the house records so a contractor can see the history.
Common questions
How many hygrometers does a large house need?
One for each room you are most concerned about is a good start: the main basement space, any wine room, the mechanical room and a closed-up guest suite. Add one in a central upstairs hallway as a reference for the rest of the house.
What if readings are fine but the room still smells musty?
Room air can read normal while a wall cavity, carpet pad or cabinet base stays wet. A musty smell with normal humidity points to a localized source, and moisture readings on the materials themselves are the next step.
Should I share the log with a contractor?
Yes. A few months of readings, especially ones that show spikes after storms or irrigation, help a contractor connect the moisture to its cause and size the problem more accurately.
General information for Cherry Hills Village, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.