Our Inspection Protocol

We are proactive in the remediation process of building envelopes. It is our belief that with a very thorough inspection protocol and with the use of proper moisture testing equipment, and in some cases, intrusive evaluation, it is possible to determine the extent of moisture damage in specific areas of building envelopes and properly remediate those specific areas rather than removing the entire exterior cladding thus saving our clients a significant amount of costs.

We also assist homeowners and building owners who are interested in purchasing a warranty for their exterior plaster claddings once remediation has been completed to a protocol that is required for obtaining said warranty.

Our Testing Protocol for Exterior Claddings

1. Determine type of exterior cladding installed on dwelling/commercial building and document in the inspection report;
2. Photograph all elevations with plaster cladding including detail photos of areas of concern;
3. Inspect all components such as kickout flashings, roof flashings, deck flashings, chimney flashings, window and door head flashings, sealant joints and any other components unique to dwelling/building, and document whether properly installed and functioning, or not installed, improperly installed and failing, or need maintenance and/or remediation;
4. Inspect all penetrations such as light fixtures, utility penetrations and any other penetrations unique to dwelling/building;
5. Moisture probe below kickout flashings, roof flashings, deck flashings and chimney flashings;
6. Moisture probe under windows, inspect window construction, and inspect for wood rot, if applicable;
7. Document any cracks and/or separations in the field including reveals, expansion joints, control joints and floor line joints;
8. Inspect terminations and document whether properly terminated or improperly terminated to other finishes or terminated below grade;
9. Inspect chimney components and chimney cap, when accessible, and document condition;
10. Photograph and document all areas of concern, areas of moisture probing and readings obtained, document findings in the inspection report and recommendations for maintenance and/or remediation;
11. Document any areas where the substrate appeared to be soft upon probing;
12. Document any areas that need further evaluation upon remediation or areas that need intrusive evaluation to determine extent of damage and necessary remediation;
13. Seal all probe holes with sealant that best matches finish coat, and touch-up with finish coat, if available.