Background measurements provide comparison information from conditions outside the specific area or event being evaluated.
What this means at your property
A moisture assessment may compare an affected wood component with similar material in an apparently unaffected area. A comparison is useful only when the material, instrument settings and circumstances are understood; unrelated readings can give a misleading impression of progress.
What should be included with a comparison reading?
Record the location, material, date, instrument and measurement scale. Ask why that comparison area was selected and whether changing weather, occupancy or equipment operation could affect the interpretation.