How it develops
Materials that remain damp continue to change: wood swells and cups, drywall softens, adhesives release and organic surfaces become suitable for microbial growth.
Where it hides
Cavities, undersides of subfloor, cabinet kick spaces and insulation are common locations because airflow rarely reaches them.
- Behind baseboards and lower drywall
- Under floating floors and underpad
- Inside exterior wall assemblies
- Within bulkheads and ceiling voids
Monitoring prevents it
Recorded readings during drying show whether every mapped area is improving, rather than only the areas that were easy to reach.
Do not rebuild early
Enclosing damp framing behind new drywall is the most common cause of a second, larger project six months later.