What is the difference between Moisture Intrusion and Water Damage?
Many homes and buildings have moisture intrusion problems for a long time without knowing it. Once a moisture problem is noticeable to the naked eye it has become water damage and can be expensive to repair.
Unseen leaks can hide behind ceilings, walls or flooring for some time before becoming visible on the interior surface. These moisture Intrusions are developing mold, rotting framing members and generally degrading the building materials long before they are visible on the outer surface.
A drywall ceiling or wall can hide moisture for a very long time before showing through to the finished surface as a stain or eventually collapsing. In the meantime the insulation is losing its R value and potentially growing fungus in the paper backing. The drywall is degrading, losing strength and also growing fungus. Framing members will degrade much more slowly but can also fail and will grow fungus. The electric wiring and fixtures can develop even more serious problems and cause immediate danger by shorting out or starting a fire. In some flooring materials moisture intrusions will usually show up sooner as we will notice a musty smell from carpeting or see warping of hardwood floors. Vinyl and tile floors can hide moisture problems longer, like the wall and ceiling surfaces.
Infrared thermal imaging can locate Moisture Intrusion problems behind the surface without destructive testing. A Infrared camera can "see" the thermal signature of water and damaged insulation areas through the walls and ceilings. A Trained Certified Thermographer can determine problem areas in most building materials and locate the source of the problem so that it can be prevented from recurring and properly repaired.
Thermal scanning can also be invaluable in determining the success of repair and dry out procedures. We can make sure all moisture was eliminated and insulation was replaced even after the repairs are completed.
Don't let hidden moisture become a mold or major water damage repair!
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