Building Envelope Inspections – Which Way Do We Go?
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Building Envelope Inspections – Which Way Do We Go?
Tip written by: Infraspection Institute
Infrared inspections of building envelopes have many uses. Of paramount importance is a logical inspection route that covers all subject areas and provides report data that can be easily followed.
Infrared inspections of building envelopes may be performed to detect evidence of thermal deficiencies and/or latent moisture. Typically, infrared inspections cover the exterior walls, windows, doors, and ceilings or roof of the structure. Depending upon the reason for the inspection, the inspection may be performed from either an interior or exterior vantage point. Regardless of vantage point, complete coverage of all subject surfaces is critical to inspection success.
One method of helping to ensure complete coverage is to begin the inspection at a recognizable reference point such as a main doorway or other easily identified feature. From this starting point, the inspection is conducted for all subject surfaces of the building while moving in a clockwise fashion.
Moving in a clockwise fashion allows a thermographer to move in a logical and predetermined fashion around the building. This practice will work equally well when working from either the interior or exterior of the building. When thermal imagery is recorded to video, clockwise routes can help a viewer to better understand recorded data when viewing the video record at a later time.
The topic of infrared inspections of building envelopes is covered in all Infraspection Institute Level I training courses. For more information on thermographer training or to obtain a copy of the Standard for Infrared Inspection of Building Envelopes, contact Infraspection Institute at 609-239-4788 or visit us online at www.infraspection.com.
