My basement is finished and there are signs that I have leaks or some mold.
The smell is not very strong but I can feel it for the first few seconds when I enter the basement, after that it instantly disappears in the sense that I can not smell it anymore.
I am planning to rent a infrared thermal camera to see if this can help with locating the problem.
Is such a camera effective in these situations ?
PS: I have also seen some DIY or consumer grade cameras which can be attached to an android phone in order to get the infrared picture. Has anyone tested these ? Any links to what you tested would be much appreciated
Here is one such a camera http://obtain.thermal.com/product-p/uw-aaa.htm
Best Answer
I doubt it. I'd assume that any water which has made its way far enough into your house, to wet the backside of drywall, would have already acclimated. It's hard enough to find gaping holes in the exterior of a building by scanning a panel of drywall.
Thermal cameras are used to find heat gain, standing inside, or heat loss, standing outside. Suggested reading: Where do I need to drain the footing drain when I waterproof a basement from the outside? You need to somehow drain or shed rain water away from the house. See any cracks in the foundation?