Hi, I have a room in my house on the 2nd floor which has started to get a damp carpet next to the outside wall. There's no visible leak and it's definitely not coming from above. The outside wall next to the damp area isn't protected with any overhand or anything like that as we have a flat roof, so there does seem to be some water running down it when it rains. We had a big storm a few weeks ago which got the carpet pretty wet, but otherwise it's just some dampness.
At first we thought it might be a broken pipe, but it seems to only happen when it rains.
The ceiling of the room below the room with the damp carpet doesn't show any signs of water damage or the leak at all.
Where might the water be coming in from and what can we do?
Check the gutter. It may be backing up and running over the back and into the wall. Or coming loose and water is running behind it. If you can get into the attic area above this check along the eave where this room is located. It most likely will shed some light on this issue. Also check the siding and window trims. Leaks can occur as caulk fails and water get into the wall cavity. But my guess is the gutter is the problem.
Posts: 840 | Location: New Jersey | Registered: 31 January 2006
I'm not sure where you live but if possible, get in touch with a certified Thermographer. He/she will be able to use this newer technology (Infrared Thermal Imaging) to help you quickly and accurately identify the location of the moisture intrusion.
Improprely flashed windows are an all-too-often source of wall leaks. Thermography is a great tool to find wet spots in a wall, but may be expensive. A home inspector or environmental inspector may be able to track down the leak with a moisture meter. Another possibility is to drill a few small holes below the window. Insert a dowel and if it comes out wet an huour or so later, you probably need to open the wall to verify the window problem, & have it flashed properly.
In case you are in the NJ, eastern PA, NYC area, I am a Certified Building Science Thermographer. I agree with the above suggestions for using this technology. Its very powerful. Email me at rjk@ehsi.com Otherwise, if you have windows or wall penentrations nearby (e.g., air conditioners, electrical cables) check for proper seals and flashing.
