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Using Floor Plans to Identify Locations

In a recent Tip of the Week, we suggested using architectural drawings to supplement, or as a substitute for, thermograms for large structures. Structural blueprints can also be used to reference locations when performing infrared inspections of large physical structures.

Within the blueprint set for any large structure are individual floor plans which usually indicate the location of structural columns. Floor plan drawings are customarily laid out with column rows indicated by letters on one axis and numbers on the other. Using a combination of letters and numbers (A1, B1, etc.) to designate columns enables one to universally reference locations within a structure.

Because columns are permanent, their designations will not change over time and will not be affected by changes in structure usage such as floor layout or office location. When utilizing column line drawings to document your infrared inspection, keep the following in mind:

• Prior to the infrared inspection, obtain drawings with sufficient detail
• Verify accuracy of drawings with the subject structure
• Obtain a separate plan for each subject floor

During the inspection, mark the location of exceptions directly on drawings along with thermogram numbers, where appropriate.

Whenever possible, obtain extra sets of drawings to be used as file copies or for field use. When utilized properly, floor plan drawings can serve as valuable reference tools enabling everyone to “speak the same language” when it comes to properly referencing locations.

Infrared inspections of building envelopes is one of the many topics covered in the Level I Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer^® training course. For information on thermographer training or to obtain a copy of the Standard for Infrared Inspection of Building Envelopes, visit us online at www.infraspection.com or call us at 609-239-4788.