Where hidden damage lives
- Behind drywall in wall cavities
- Under cabinets
- Inside wall and ceiling insulation
- Under flooring (subfloor moisture)
- HVAC components
- Attic spaces
- Crawl spaces
- Inside plumbing chases
- Behind built-ins
Why it gets missed
Carrier inspection
- Field adjuster surface-only
- Time-pressured
- No tool for hidden investigation
- Not their incentive to find
Policyholder awareness
- "If I can't see it, is it there?"
- Don't know to check
- No tools
Mitigation shortcuts
- Drying without cavity check
- Surface cleaning only
- No post-work testing
How to detect
Non-destructive
- Moisture meter (pin and pinless)
- Thermal imaging
- Borescope inspection
- Air sampling
Destructive (last resort)
- Small inspection cuts
- Cabinet pulls for access
- Limited wall openings
When to investigate
- Water event of any significant
- Post-storm (especially if any interior damage)
- Mold or musty odor
- Wall or ceiling staining
- After any significant water or fire event
Claim implications
- Submit discovered scope as part of original claim
- Supplemental filing within 18 months
- Expert reports documenting the damage
- Full remediation scope