For years I’ve struggled with finding sources of leaks. Ceiling leaks are not bad…just go up in attic during a rain and usually can find them. Leaks in wall cavities /( windows , etc ) are the ones that really challenge me. I have one client that I can not find the source…they get a little water in the lower level ( unfinished basement walkout) on the East side of house, when there is a hard horizontal driven rain. The siding is Fiber Cement , blind nailed, with 40lb felt paper under it. I used the grace stick on products around the windows and a good 12″ overlap on the felt. There is no sign upstairs on the finished wall above the lower level. It look like there is water in the cavity and then when it makes it way down to the floor deck, it runs across the plywood, til it finds a plumbing hole and then drips to the basement floor. Does anyone have any experience with those non-intrusive moisture detectors? Or any other tips? Thanks for reading!
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Thermal imaging is said to help with something like you're after. I've never tried it but on some of the site they show finding damp areas.
I just checked on the Web for info on Thermal Imaging..that might be the most thouroug? The devices are expensive, but in this case, I think I'll call one of those home inpsector companies and see what they'd charge to scan that side of the house. thanks for the suggestions!
You might be able to use a Tramex wall scanner... $1400+/- but it's designed to do exactly what you're talking about.