Setting up the log on day one
- Get the reading points.Ask the technician to mark or photograph each spot they measure. Small pieces of painter's tape with a number work well.
- Note the reference spot.Write down where the dry comparison reading was taken and what it read.
- Count the equipment.Record how many dehumidifiers and air movers are in each room, and photograph them.
- Record the outdoor conditions.A quick note of outdoor temperature and whether it rained helps explain day-to-day changes.
Log layout
| Date | Point | Material | Reading | Reference | Equipment in room | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 1 | Drywall, low | 2 air movers, 1 dehumidifier | Wet to about knee height | ||
| Day 1 | 2 | Subfloor at doorway | Same room | Carpet lifted | ||
| Day 2 | 1 | Drywall, low | 2 air movers, 1 dehumidifier | |||
| Day 2 | 2 | Subfloor at doorway | Same room |
Daily checks that take five minutes
When the log is finished
Once every reading point is at or near its reference value, ask for a final set of readings and photos before the equipment leaves. Keep your log with the contractor's report and the claim file. If repairs come later, the next contractor will want to know that the materials they are covering were dry when they were closed in.
This log is not a substitute for professional measurements; household meters vary in accuracy. Its value is in tracking what was done and when, and in giving you a clear reason to ask questions.
In a commercial building or a multi-unit property, keep one log per suite or unit rather than a single combined sheet. Separate logs make it simple to show each tenant, owner or insurer the drying history for their own space, and they prevent confusion when one area finishes days ahead of another. A shared folder with dated photos of each day's sheet is usually enough.
General information for Aurora, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.