Overview of Building Envelope and Building Inspection Services

Inspecting a building for existing and potential problems such as cracks, moisture accumulation, HVAC faults, and structural weaknesses forms an important part of any preventative and corrective inspection system.

A building envelope is the physical part of a building the separates the controlled indoor environment of the building from the external environment. It supports the structure of the building and also plays an integral role in the flow of energy and materials such as air and water. Components such as the floor, door, windows, roof, and walls comprise the total building envelope.

Physical inspection methods have been conventionally used to inspect building envelopes, but they present certain drawbacks such as being expensive and time consuming. More importantly, their accuracy is often surrounded by uncertainty.

On the other hand, inspection techniques such as the infrared building envelope performance survey provide verifiable, accurate data enabling property owners and facility managers to take definitive action against potential problems. These building inspection services can read and record the thermal performance of wall and window assemblies on a building.

For instance, if there is a suspected leak in an internal pipe running through the wall, there is no need to pull apart the wall to identify the leak source. Looking through an infrared camera can help a thermographer locate the source of leaks, or other problems such as loose electrical connections.

The best part about this inspection service is that it can be carried out at various stages such as:

• This inspection method can check if a newly constructed building meets the desired specifications. Home owners are advised to opt for an infrared building inspection when acquiring new property
• This inspection system can also be used as an integral part of your building’s energy conservation program to check for loop holes.
• After a repair or reconstruction job, infrared building inspection can help tell the difference between a good job and a shoddy job.

There are several aspects that are contained in an infrared building envelope performance survey. These include: air filtration, ex-filtration, insulation issues, HVAC problems, moisture accumulation into the wall assembly and so on.

There are several advantages to be experienced by opting for infrared building inspection services at a glance:

• Infrared thermography testing is classified as non-invasive or non-destructive testing (NDT), which means that during the course of testing, there is no need to disrupt the regular operations and activities that occur in your building.
• It is much cheaper and less time-consuming as compared to physical inspection methods. From a multi-million square foot facility to a studio apartment, it can be used in all types of spaces. Thus, these building inspection services are both economical and efficient.

I have many years of experience in infrared and ultrasonic testing solutions. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge about infrared building inspection services for new construction. My articles will help you learn more about alternative to building inspection services.

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