Exterior Cladding Surveys

Concerned with the structural integrity of your prospective building acquisition? Infrared thermography for evaluating exterior cladding systems is the most beneficial service we offer for large investment firms. Our team can rapidly evaluate a building’s exterior wall system for water intrusions that may have damaged the exterior sheathing and/or structural components.

Infrared imaging allows us to evaluate the condition of the exterior cladding systems by mapping areas of moisture entrapment and delamination due to environmental stress. Exterior cladding surveys are extremely cost effective; we can perform thorough and accurate surveys on large properties in days, not weeks. Typically, we are capable of evaluating 20 to 30 low-rise apartment buildings in just a few days on site. This service will either identify costly hidden damage or validate a sound investment. Our experience in this specialized service is second to none! And unlike sounding and other testing methods, surveys are all typically non-destructive and will not disturb the building’s occupants. 

Robert Scherer, President of BDG, presented and published a white paper at the 2006 InfraMation Conference on Infrared Thermography for Exterior Cladding Systems. This paper was written and based on an inspection performed in the Jacksonville, FL area. During that inspection we found over $1.8 million dollars in hidden sheathing damage in 18 of 25 multi-family apartment buildings. Visually the complex appeared to be in above average condition. In fact, it had just recently undergone a complete exterior paint and sealant renovation. This made the buildings appear as new visually, but during our survey we found that not to be the case. Our final report gave our client the ability to successfully negotiate the repairs prior to closing on the transaction. We routinely perform these services throughout the United States for many large investment firms.

Infrared thermography can be used for many different cladding systems. From single coat stucco systems, to Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS), to siding, infrared thermography can effectively indentify potential hidden defects. Many times this service will identify the first signs of a potentially larger problem since water intrusion from the exterior can take years to show up on the interior. By then, most of the extensive damage is done. For more information about our EIFS services, click here.

We offer our services in several different roles. We often work with engineering firms during the due diligence process of an acquisition. We are typically the first to inspect the exterior of a property, providing insight as to the overall condition and the need, if any, for additional services to complete the due diligence of a property. We are also used in litigation and insurance claims to either provide details as to the extent of the claim or provide bid specification for remedial actions. Many commercial and multi-family properties contract with us to perform annual inspections to proactively protect their investment. The cost for us to perform our annual services is far less than a large scale water damage restoration project. More importantly, an annual inspection will help reduce your long term building maintenance costs and reduce liability. To download a Preventative Maintenance Brochure, click here. 

For more information about all of our exterior building diagnostic services, contact our office today.