Is this because of no ventilation?

[Kevin A. Richardson]

For arguements sake, if this is moisture, is this a good example of what happens when the insulation is in contact with the roof sheathing?

Possibly?? I would at least call out the lack of baffles, but would not say that this is moisture just going off the discloration in the rafters.

FYI-I am fairly certain it is moisture because the rafter and sheathing had some visible deterioration.

Be careful when drawing conclusions that you cannot back up. I'm sure you know from your training that verifying suspected moisture is an absolute must.

At the very least, you could say something like this:

"Atypical thermal anomaly noted in a section of the _______ in the attic. The thermal patterns and the discoloration of the rafters are consistent with moisture or possible moisture intrusion. However, the moisture content of the insulation or the wood rafter could not be verified due to insulation that would make mobility hazardous. It is recommend that a QUALIFIED Contractor evaluate further."

But, I try and stay away from calling out possible moisture related issues unless I have verified with a moisture meter or other means.

Terms like "is consistent with", "increase the potential for", or decrease the potential for" are effective ways to describe "uncertainty."

Kevin

[sfalvey]

Hi Kevin,

I was thinking along those terms myself, I certainly would not make such a statement without being able to back it up, however the lack of ventilation goes without saying.

I do like the descriptive paragraph though, thanks.

[John McKenna]

Originally Posted by krichardson

But, I try and stay away from calling out possible moisture related issues unless I have verified with a moisture meter or other means.

Terms like "is consistent with", "increase the potential for", or decrease the potential for" are effective ways to describe "uncertainty."

Kevin

Agreed. It is better to say what you do know and what you do not know.

[Steven S. Ramos]

What I would tell my client in this case is that the highest probability is that this anomaly is a air exfiltration. However, I was not able to confirm that as fact due to the limitations, in accessing, the location. I recommend removal of this section of insulation and temporary flooring installed to provide safe access to the location to visually confirm findings/ and/or perform additional testing and observation.


Summary: you give your client an opinion that is worth something, you tell them the truth, give them some potentials, and tell them it requires additional action.

Good thread.

[David A. Andersen]

I had these this morning. No access. Moisture tested negative with meter. Just have no idea because I can't get to it from here.

No reason to "make something up" or head down a road without supporting evidence. They can monitor it, and if something shows, we know where to look.

After all, no one else could tell them that it exists! It's invisible! At least I tried.

I have my suspicions. The chair area "used to be" a garage. They added on several times to the house. Insulation (that is no longer needed because it is now an interior wall) was likely removed and the camera sees the "difference"!

I tried switching to heat to see if it turned hot. Suspecting an air duct leak. Nothing changed. I suspect cooler air from the basement is getting part way up the wall.

[Michael Larson]

David, Please convince that second pic isn't some type of chair shadow.

Looks like the cool area correlates far to well to the chair to be a coincidence.

[David A. Andersen]

When it's tuned up, it is NOT!

I moved the chair, and did about 5 scans at differant times, playing with the HVAC etc...

Could not get it to change.

Also, the bedroom pic's made me thing that floor registers were deflecting off the bed to the ceiling. Not the case. I think is spent well over 90 min messing with IR on this one and taking "reference pic's" for future use.

I got some great drain clog stuff.

Oops! Can't post pic's from this computer!