We detect and document structural and thermal deficiencies in CMU walls

This is what we see with an infrared camera...

BlockWallScanIR™ method is accurate, non-destructive and inexpensive.

Structural Inspections with Infrared

Infrared thermography is the best way to see the grouted cells, insulation and air-leakage in the entire CMU wall section. Infrared testing can be performed at any time during the construction process, without delaying or interrupting any other trades or affecting the progress of the building. 

You might think that the only way that one can know whether the grouted cells, bond beams, insulation and other components of a CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit) wall are properly placed, is to open the wall with hammer or drill, where the grout or insulation is supposed to be and see if it is there.

But, this destructive testing is inadequate because this sample size is much too small (often less than one ten thousandth of a percent). Also, the tiny sample does not show where blockages (to the proper filling of insulation) and/or too much grout exist. The only other effective options are to X-ray the walls or tear them down, which are both extremely expensive. An Infrared building survey can find trapped moisture, missing insulation or missing grout in CMU walls.  Infrared thermography provides full coverage inspection of the wall section,  quickly and economically.

Structural and thermal problems in a CMU building are common. If the wall receives a trauma like a hurricane force wind, earthquake or tornado and customers or workers inside the building are hurt, the legal ramifications can be devastating. A forensic examination of a block wall laid on the ground post-event will most likely reveal some thermal and structural deficiencies. The building owner, architect, structural engineer, general contractor and masonry contractor can and probably will be held accountable if and when these deficiencies are documented.

Two major benefits arise from having a BlockWallScanIR™ Survey for your project:

• When deficiencies are found, a report can be generated so that corrections can be made with surgical precision.
• The owner gets what he paid for and designers can ‘literally’ see that their specifications have been followed.

Infrared Imaging Services reports contain the infrared images and visual images indexed to the plans of your building!

Images are marked with red arrows to indicate where grout is missing.
Infrared Imaging Services will confirm the quality of your grout job!

Infrared Imaging Services is a member in good standing of United Infrared