I inspected a new House and it had not rained for a couple weeks.
I told the client that detecting moisture penetration once everything
has dried up, does not work very well with the IR camera.
It rained very hard the night before. When I showed up, we found
6 different moisture penetration areas in walls, ceiling and floors.
This was a new house and none of the moisture could be seen
with the naked eye. I was so glad it rained.
Oh… my… 
Says a 1000 words! Thats a powerful tool and a great show of professionalism to your client.
Were you surprised when you saw the moisture penetration?
I bet the client was relieved they chose your inspection firm.
I don’t have IR equipment yet, but it’s in the books for this year.
Great work~
Out of curiosity John.
When you document places like that, you really can’t push it to a recommended contractor as they may not see the problem to correct.
So do you also tell them how to repair and where it is coming from?
Sure you can assume window, but what if it is from the window above that and the IR does not catch that fact.?
Bet there was some “Peel and Stick” that didn’t get peeled and stuck correctly at the top of those windows…:mrgreen:
Here is a sample of what I recommend with this type of moisture issue.
Moisture problems can be conducive to fungi-mold, decay and wood destroying insects that are not always visible.
Recommend a mold inspection by a licensed mold inspector and all materials that have been exposed to
moisture be removed and replaced during repairs, by a qualified Professional. Applying caulk and painting over
wet areas should not be considered proper repairs. Recommend evaluation and repairs, as needed, by a
qualified Professional
This leak was coming from improper flashing in the roof-wall intersection above the MB.
I just report that it’s leaking.
The contractor can hire me if he wants or he can just tear it all apart.
When pics are included in the report, detailed explanations become unnecessary…
A builder worth his salt will investigate and correct quick enough, and the ones who aren’t, you can’t convince with 1000 words…
ok, fair enough.
Just wanted to know how commited to exact cause ,the verbage is.
Wet yes , but as we all know ,water can travel left , right and even bypass floors to get the next one or travel from the roof to the basement with no signs of moisture in between.
Bob,
Any documentation or photos of these occurrences as you described?
David, how specific do you get, relative to the leak origination, for the contractor?
Funny man
Wasn’t my intention but if you’re happy on my account, I’m happy.
Really would like a reply/proof. thanx
I’m off to see the “Wizard/paying client” and will return.
I’d be interrested, too, in understanding this:
Come on Bob.
I was hired to find a leak that several roofing companies could not find.
It originated where a flat roof over a breezeway joined a brick wall
on the second story. When the gutters backed up, the water would
build up on the flat roof and run down behind the bricks and show up
on the bottom floor (not the second story unit). The leak occurred at
various locations and at different times all over the apartment complex.
Some days it would leak at one place and on other days it would leak
in another place.
The mystery was that it always showed up on the bottom floor and
no one could figure out why it happened in some many places, but never
in a predictable pattern.
The back up in the gutter system was the trigger and that happened
in changing degrees, depending on how the tree droppings went
into the gutters.
When people would go up on the flat roof (after the rain was over),
they could never see the “water build up” issue because the water had
already drained off.
I’m not going to tell you how I fixed it. 
John they fix cats and dogs it is better to repair things;)
Linus if you have any real plumbing experiance , you know that a water leak can travel in the wall and not show itself till several floors below, and not always directly below.
If you do not understand that, you have no understanding of plumbing.
What is so hard to figure.
My question was a sincere question and I am sorry if everytime someone just does not get it ,they attack the question.
Fungus infection and damage can develop a root-like structure ( called a rhizomorph) that can conduct water. A leak is no longer required if the rhizomorph enters a home. These type of moisture drafting root-like structures can draft water to walls 20 – 30 feet. Or more.
Do a Google search on ( rhizomorph in homes. )
Best
Ron
Larry, I provide enough information for them to find it, mark it with painters tape etc.
If I know the source, I report it. If not, I will recommend potential sources for them to look. I do not extend my investigation further than that. I let them know what I can do to further locate the problem, but they get to hire me for that. Now if it is my clients home, they need to know everything and I go so far as to remove the siding etc…
Also, I find stuff there the client is not paying for an IR scan. I report the moisture/defect, but they get to pay for further information as well.
10-4, thank…about what I do as well.