TOPIC: Moisture reading by windows

I've been noticing that when I put my moisture meter around window casings it often reads very high.  I move it about 6-8 inches from the casing and it goes down a lot.  On today's home there was no flashing on the windows.  But some other times there are flashings.  Do any of you run into this?  If so how do you write it up?

Where there any stains present around the casing?
What levels of moisture did you have?
Are the windows older, newer?
What was the inside and outside temperatures?
Did the windows have coverings?
What did the outside area of the windows look like?

From the description you gave I do not have enough information to go on.

Maybe a simple exterior caulking maintenance job, could be poorly sealed windows.

I would note that you observed moisture around the window casing and the windows/casing be reviewed for proper caulking/sealing techniques.

No stains.
It was abut 60 outside and a 75 inside.
Windows were from about 1999
Out of 100% I had anywhere from 40-80%  and about 0-20% on oher areas of the wall
Outsides looked fine, caulk ok, no flashing, paint ok

I ended up writting something about possible moisture around windows and to monitor the areas. 
Does outside temp effect moisture readings?

That question leads into the world of thermal imaging and energy audits. Outside of my expertise.

Good one for guts like Dave Anderson, Jay M and other IR testers.

One day I will own a camera after I have years of training.

"Does outside temp effect moisture readings?"

Yes, it does.
However it is latent heat (or moisture) in the air that is the issue.
Air moves past window casings and house framing. As it moves from hot to cold, condensation occurs, leaving the moisture behind. That is what your reading.

Don't just look for leaks associated with holes in the building envelope. It can be just air leakage all the way down to the diffused leakage levels.

Doug, it would help to know where your from.
Fill out your profile when you get the chance.



Air that looks like water leakage.



Air leakage amplified with a blower door.

Dave A

Very nice!!

I may of asked you before but what IR camera(s) do you use and what training have you done since you started?