Is rain water getting into walls - thermal camera?

3 years ago

I'm about to finalize the purchase of a new construction townhouse and throughout the building process I have been concerned about water intrusion. After I move in, I'm wondering if there's a way to tell if rain water is making it into the walls from the outside (before it gets to the point of dripping / rippling the paint)?

Context/history:

Even after the walls were up and roof was on, there were numerous occasions where there were puddles/pools of water on the floor (wood sub-floor).
I had a mold inspection done and in fact all 4 places they swabbed came back positive so the developer had to go through the remediation process.
Even after remediation, I was still periodically finding water in the house - some of it might be explainable since the home was still being finished but I'm skeptical that it was the reason for all of it.

The mold inspector had a tool (I think it was a thermal camera) that she pointed towards the ceiling and it told her whether there was water there -- I think because wet spots would show up cooler than their surrounding, but I'm not sure.

Is that the best way to tell if rainwater is making it in through the exterior and soaking the insulation (before it's visible in drips or rippling paint). If so, can anyone recommend their favorite thermal camera to buy?

[Note: I just want to be able to monitor after some heavy rainstorms - if I get a reading that suggests water intrusion then I would hire a professional company to come verify.]

Thanks!

Featured Answer

A Mat

3 years ago

Moisture Meters can be inexpensive, I use one for firewood.

Have you considered purchasing a Moisture Meter, since you are concerned about moisture. A thermal camera measures heat.

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Comments (7)

PRO
Charles Ross Homes
3 years ago
Yes, an IR camera can be useful for detecting moisture problems. Unless you're planning to hang out your shingle as a thermographer, I suggest you get one that works with your smart phone like the FLIR One Pro or the FLIR Pro LT. It's good quality, very portable and it won't break the bank.
Karin Magnuson thanked Charles Ross Homes
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cpartist
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I suggest you make sure the problem is solved before you give your builder his final payment Have it reinspected and make sure HE solves the issues
Karin Magnuson thanked cpartist
bpath
3 years ago
@cpartist just an aside, folks are asking about you at the KT.
Karin Magnuson thanked bpath
Stax
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
IR Camera detecting moisture leaks
Karin Magnuson thanked Stax
cat_ky
3 years ago
I would have it done quickly, and if still water coming in, then I would run fast, and look for another place to buy. It doesnt have to be the roof, if its on a lower floor, it could be a window or even windows on the upper floor, that were not installed right. It could be windows on the main floor too, if that is where you are seeing water. Your house may not be built as good as you want it to be and may not be worth the money you are paying. The time to find out, is before you purchase, rather than after.
Karin Magnuson thanked cat_ky
Karin Magnuson
Original Author
3 years ago
Wow, thanks everyone! I really appreciate getting such wonderful responses to these crazy questions I post!
- @A Mat - I hadn't thought about a moisture meter, but I just Googled it and found this page which was helpful to explain it
- @Charles Ross Homes thanks for those specific recommendations and advice, I really appreciate the guidance from someone more experienced than I am!
- @Stax thanks, a great article! It's interesting that all 3 of the cameras they link to are discontinued but I have now a good tip from Charles Ross Homes.
- @cpartist and @cat_ky I hired a private architect to sort of monitor/review what the developer is doing since I don't trust them as far as I can throw them (despite them being known as a national, high end luxury developer) and the architect and I are reasonably comfortable that they've addressed the issues (many of which were windows that hadn't been fully cranked closed or weatherstripping under the doors to the terrace/deck that had already been gunked up by construction debris and have since been replaced). I go to the site after every rainstorm to inspect and since they put the sheet-rock up, I haven't seen any water (though of course it would/could be hiding in the insulation). I guess the "good" news is that because they are this big national developer they have a pretty comprehensive 12-month warranty where they will fix essentially any problems I find. (Which is why I want to be monitoring for water in the walls during that first year).