Defining whether a water loss is from a single intrusion eventor is from chronic moisture is a key element in a buildinginvestigation. EFI Global frequently uses wood decay testing toassist insurance assessment investigations in residential andcommercial structures. Wood decay information can scientificallydefine relative times during which water exposure occurred. Thisallows the investigator and claims adjuster to understand whether awater loss occurred from a recent single event or is a result of achronic water intrusion. 

Evidence for dating a water intrusion event can includeobservations such as rust on metal (nails), the presence of fungalreproductive structures, the lack of moisture on the substrate,mold on mold growth, mold caused by condensation on the undersideof sheathing of an un-insulated roof in the cold season, andcondensation related mold on air conditioning ducts in humidlocations in the cooling season. Although they may be useful cluesin determining water intrusion, these observations are lessconclusive than wood decay evaluation.

Microscopic Analysis