The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification has released a significant update to its S500 Standard for Professional Water Damage Restoration, now requiring continuous IoT (Internet of Things) moisture monitoring during the active drying phase of all commercial and residential projects.
The new requirement mandates that restoration contractors deploy calibrated wireless moisture sensors at a minimum density of one sensor per 200 square feet of affected area, with readings logged automatically to a cloud-based documentation platform at 15-minute intervals.
"Manual moisture readings taken twice a day are no longer sufficient for complex drying projects," said IICRC Technical Director David Dybdahl. "Continuous monitoring provides the data density needed to optimize drying performance and provides insurers with an irrefutable record of the drying process."
Several manufacturers have introduced IICRC-compliant sensor systems, including Delmhorst, Tramex, and Wagner Meters. Prices range from $45 to $120 per sensor, with cloud subscription costs of $15 to $40 per project.
The standard takes effect for all new projects beginning January 1, 2026, with a 90-day grace period for contractors to acquire compliant equipment.
Source: IICRC. Read the original report.