MOISTURE PENETRATION INSPECTIONS

All homes have moisture. Moisture can originate from any number of sources... cooking, showering, heating / cooling and even breathing. Even though you need some moisture in your home to breathe, too much moisture in your home can cause significant problems. Excessive moisture in a home can lead to fungus, mold and/or pest problems.

Of all the damage we find in San Francisco homes, fungus damage (Dryrot) is by far the most common. Dryrot is a form of fungus. The term "Dryrot" is something of a misnomer as the fungus requires elevated moisture (28-30%) in order to infect wood and to grow. Once established, the fungi can remain active in timber with moisture content over 30%. The fungus sends out rhizomorphs that conduct water to the body of the organism. Diseased wood must be removed beyond the visible evidence, and the area treated with a suitable fungicide. But first, the origin of the moisture must be determined and remediated.

Unwanted moisture can be from a variety of sources. Roof leaks, gutters, exterior flashing, doors, windows, leaking pipes, plumbing fixtures, toilets and showers to name but a few.

A moisture penetration inspection involves inspecting your home for excessive moisture conditions from both the interior and exterior of the structure. We perform a visual inspection using our years of experience, as well as utilizing the latest in thermal imaging technology. A non invasive, radio frequency moisture meter is used to check moisture content and to further evaluate areas of interest.

Wellington can perform a Moisture Penetration Inspection of your entire home or of one specific area of concern to determine the origin of a leak. Using a thermal imager, the removal of wall and ceiling covers is usually not required. Prior to taking corrective action, thermal imaging can confirm the presence of moisture and/or damage without destructive testing.