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Required Site Conditions for Infrared Building Envelope Surveys

The requirements listed below are based on current industry standards, including those published by ASTM, IIBEC and Infraspection Institute. Following these requirements will help to ensure optimal conditions and best results.

Required site conditions will vary depending upon the location of the Survey and its purpose.

Survey Objective: Detect Energy Loss or Air Infiltration

Vantage Point: Interior of Building

Clear Line-of-Sight: Since an infrared imager cannot “see through” objects, a direct line-of-sight is required.  Any portions of the surfaces to be surveyed with obstructions, such as cabinets, files, or furniture, cannot be inspected.  Should it be desirable to move furniture or wall hangings, this should be accomplished 3 hours prior to the inspection.

HVAC Status: The HVAC system should be operating under normal daytime conditions.  This includes operating temperature as well as pressure (neutral, negative, or positive).

Inside/Outside Temperature Differential:  For best results, infrared inspections require a minimum inside/outside temperature differential of 10C (18F) for three hours prior to, and during the inspection.

Winds of less than 15 mph

Inspections may be performed during daytime or at night

Survey Objective: Detect Latent Moisture

Vantage Point: Interior of Building

Clear Line-of-Sight: Since an infrared imager cannot “see through” objects, a direct line-of-sight is required.  Any portions of the surfaces to be surveyed with obstructions, such as cabinets, files, or furniture, cannot be inspected.  Should it be desirable to move furniture or wall hangings, this should be accomplished 3 hours prior to the inspection.

HVAC Status: The HVAC system should be operating under normal daytime conditions.  This includes operating temperature as well as pressure (neutral, negative, or positive).

Recent Rain or Active Leaks: The Survey should be conducted when the suspect areas are actively leaking or there has been a recent rain event sufficient to cause subject areas to leak.

Inspections may be performed during daytime or at night.

Survey Objective: Detect Energy Loss or Air Exfiltration

Vantage Point: Exterior of Building

Clear Line-of-Sight: Since an infrared imager cannot “see through” objects, a direct line-of-sight is required.  Portions of the building that are obstructed by trees, vegetation, or snow cannot be inspected.  Whenever possible, vehicles or building materials should be moved prior to the start of the inspection.

Inside/Outside Temperature Differential: For best results infrared inspections require a minimum inside/outside temperature differential of 10C (18F) for three hours prior to, and during the inspection.

Winds of less than 15 mph

Dry Building Surfaces

Inspections may be performed on overcast days or at night.

Survey Objective: Detect Latent Moisture

Vantage Point: Exterior of Building

Clear Line-of-Sight: Since an infrared imager cannot “see through” objects, a direct line-of-sight is required.  Portions of the building that are obstructed by trees, vegetation, or snow cannot be inspected.  Whenever possible, vehicles or building materials should be moved prior to the commencement of the inspection.

Solar Loading: The day of the Survey should be a mostly sunny day in order to provide sufficient solar loading. A general rule of thumb is if the building surface or a nearby similar surface (i.e. parking lot, street or sidewalk) is warm to the touch, sufficient solar loading has occurred.

Winds of less than 15 mph

No precipitation on the day of the Survey

Dry Building Surfaces:  Building surfaces should be dry at sunrise and during the inspection.

Recent Precipitation: If the surface to be inspected is EIFS, appreciable precipitation should be recorded within a week prior to the Survey.  Surfaces consisting of brick, cementitious stucco, concrete, etc. should be inspected within 48 hours of precipitation sufficient to cause building to leak.

Inspections may be performed during evening hours shortly after sunset.