How do i to tell if a wall in my house is rotting inside? Mositure has been getting n for years. Who to call?

Question

We moved into a house 2 yeas ago that had rotten bay window sills. We had replacement windows put in, but we just discovered that water is still getting in as we noticed water coming down the wall under the window on the inside. There is no overhang, so water beats the sill. My question is if this has been happening for years, I'm afraid the wall inside is rotten. Is there a way to know? Who do I call to check and fix?

Answer 1

Certainly there are companies with a device that measures moisture. Here in Central FL I replaced 11,000 sq. ft. of drywall a year ago in a commercial building, that had hurricane flooding. The device is like a meat thermometer they used, in that the probe is stuck into the dry wall at various heights and locations and can show the percentage of moisture that exists.

Beyond testing and tearing out drywall etc. You certainly should check for the source of the leaking, and fix it. You might, by now, check to see if the roofing above is intact. You might consider gutters and down drains. You might consider decent awnings.

In any case,,,Years,,,suggests some repairs should be made in more than one location, and in adding new windows, you, or the contractor, at the time, should have made suggestions at the very least.

Rev. Steven

Answer 2

Go behind a picture or something that will hide a small hole and tap in a nail(8 penny) to a stud. You will know right away if there is rot because it will not secure well. Try different spots, lower the better. Or you could pull the base off and check there with a nail or metal pointed object.