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IR Cameras: Inspecting for Air Leaks by Nick Gromicko     Infrared (IR) cameras are quickly becoming an indispensable tool for building inspectors.  Reading the thermal images produced by an infrared camera during an inspection allows for quick and accurate identification of defects that may not always be immediately apparent to the naked eye.  Infrared imaging is especially useful when looking for air leaks, including insulation defects, during an energy audit because it allows the inspector to actually view the apparent temperatures in a given area.    By purposely controlling the temperature and air pressure in the interior of a house, air...

Communicate early. Establishing open lines of communication early is the most effective way to ensure the specifications listed in the previous point are adhered to consistently. When communicating with architects, be sure to include details on the following specifications: concrete ratios and mix; concrete finishes; curing compounds; and sub-slab vapor retarders. Additionally, ask for third-party certification for concrete testing (see related sidebar), as well as allowances or deductive alternates to be in bid for moisture mitigation if needed. When working with flooring contractors, confirm in advance they either have testing included in their contract or let them know third-party testing is...

Would you rather pay $2,500 to pre-test your building’s concrete slab for moisture, or spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to replace the flooring when it starts blistering and peeling away? “Unfortunately, many developers, architects, and contractors skip the testing and take their chances,” says Lee Eliseian, founder and CEO of Independent Floor Testing & Inspection (IFTI) in Concord, Calif. “Only after suffering through a flooring or coating failure do they adopt the practice of pre-installation moisture testing.”  IFTI conducts interior concrete slab moisture tests prior to the installation of floor coverings or coatings. “We do an analysis and report on...