Exterior Building Inspections Houston, Texas
Exterior Building Inspections Houston, Texas

Water intrusions can damage exterior building cladding, interior drywall and other support structures within wall systems. Building Diagnostics Group performs exterior building inspections to help clients in Houston, Texas, and across the nation, identify areas of moisture and active leaks in multi-family, commercial, industrial and institutional buildings and provides insight as to the overall condition of buildings.

Building Diagnostics Group (BDG) is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Our expertise in thermal infrared imagery, or infrared thermography, as well as infrared building science and water testing procedures, are invaluable to architects, property developers, insurance companies and others.

Knowing as much as possible about a building envelope gives prospective buyers and investors the critical information they need to identify costly hidden damage or to validate a sound investment, making exterior building inspections extremely cost-effective in the decision-making process.

About Infrared Thermography (IR)

Infrared thermography (IR) is the use of specialized equipment (infrared cameras, also known as thermal imaging devices) to measure the thermal energy emitted from an object. Thermal energy is light that is not visible because its wavelength is too long to be detected by the human eye.

Due to the temperature differences between wet building materials and adjacent dry materials, infrared thermography is the only diagnostic tool that instantly detects whether water has penetrated a building envelope.

BDG Inspection Services

BDG offers inspection services in a variety of different roles. We often work with engineering firms during the due diligence process of an acquisition. We are typically the first to inspect a building’s exterior, providing insight about its condition and the need, if any, for additional services to complete the due diligence evaluation. And many commercial and multi-family properties contract us to perform annual inspections to proactively protect their investments.

Our services include:

Case Study

Robert Scherer, President of BDG, presented and published a white paper on “Infrared Thermography for Exterior Cladding Systems” based on an inspection in Jacksonville, Florida, during which our highly specialized technicians discovered more than $1.8 million dollars in hidden sheathing damage in 18 of 25 multi-family apartment buildings.

The apartment complex had recently undergone a complete exterior paint and sealant renovation and appeared to be in above average condition. Although the renovations made the buildings appear new, our inspection found that this was not the case. Our final report gave our client, the prospective buyer of the complex, the ability to successfully negotiate repairs prior to closing the deal.

Of course, it is rare for any building to be in perfect condition, and hidden deficiencies can often be found in newer properties, such as unfinished roofing membranes; missing flashing or counterflashing; installation of the wrong HVAC equipment; improperly attached or insulated pipes; improperly installed electrical outlets and switches; and reversed or leaking plumbing fixtures, among others.

BDG routinely performs exterior building inspections in Houston, Texas and throughout the United States for large investment firms and other stakeholders. To receive a quote or get more information about our capabilities, please contact us at (888) 317-4568 to discuss your needs.