Decker Home Inspection Services

02/29/2024

Just for a lark, I tried out the new Google AI product, Gemini. Evidently, if you stay away from politics, it is pretty good.
Here is a short essay we wrote about Thermal Imaging and Building Science, the subject I will be teaching at the 2024 NACHI Convention.
Unveiling the Hidden: Thermal Imaging in Building Science
Building science encompasses the study and application of physical principles to understand and optimize the performance of buildings. One crucial aspect of this field is the ability to identify and diagnose potential problems within a structure. Traditionally, this has relied on visual inspection, often accompanied by destructive testing methods. However, the advent of thermal imaging has revolutionized the field by offering a non-invasive and efficient way to "see" beyond the surface.
Thermal imaging cameras detect and visualize heat variations, creating a visual representation of temperature differences on a surface. This technology finds numerous applications in building science, offering significant advantages compared to conventional methods:
1. Enhanced Leak Detection: Water leaks, both hidden and visible, can pose a significant threat to a building's structural integrity and occupant health. Thermal imaging excels at identifying moisture intrusion. Wet areas, due to their higher thermal conductivity, will appear cooler in thermal images compared to drier surroundings. This ability allows inspectors to locate leaks in roofs, walls, and even behind finishes like tiles or drywall, pinpointing the source of the problem and facilitating timely repairs [1].
2. Improved Energy Efficiency Assessments: Building energy efficiency plays a critical role in both environmental sustainability and cost-effectiveness. Thermal imaging can identify areas of significant heat loss, such as around poorly sealed windows and doors, insufficient insulation, and thermal bridging (areas where different materials with varying conductivity meet). This visual representation empowers building professionals to prioritize areas for improvement, leading to optimized energy usage and reduced energy bills [2].
3. Early Detection of Structural Defects: Uneven temperature distribution across walls, ceilings, and floors can indicate underlying structural problems. Thermal imaging can help identify potential issues like foundation cracks, faulty insulation, or even hidden electrical faults that might manifest as temperature anomalies. Early detection of these concerns allows for proactive repairs, preventing more extensive and expensive damage later [3].
4. Building Envelope Evaluation: The building envelope acts as a barrier between the conditioned interior and the exterior environment. Thermal imaging can be used to assess the performance of the envelope, revealing areas with insufficient insulation, air leaks, and thermal bridging. This information is crucial for ensuring occupant comfort, minimizing energy consumption, and preventing moisture condensation and associated mold growth [4].
However, it is important to acknowledge that thermal imaging is not a silver bullet. Its effectiveness depends on various factors, including the experience of the operator, the environmental conditions, and the limitations of the technology itself. For instance, temperature variations due to recent weather changes or uneven heating/cooling within the building can affect the interpretation of thermal images. Therefore, a thorough understanding of building science principles and proper training in thermal imaging interpretation are essential for accurate and reliable results.
In conclusion, thermal imaging has emerged as a valuable tool in building science, offering a non-invasive and efficient means to diagnose a range of building problems. From identifying hidden leaks and assessing energy efficiency to detecting structural defects and evaluating the building envelope, this technology plays a crucial role in ensuring the health, safety, and sustainability of our built environment. As the technology continues to evolve and become more accessible, its integration into standard building science practices is likely to become even more widespread, paving the way for improved building performance and occupant well-being.
References:
[1] Center for Architecture, "Visualizing Building Science with Infrared Thermography," https://www.centerforarchitecture.org/.../visualizing.../
[2] Infrared Cameras, Inc., "Building Science Services," https://infraredcameras.com/industries.../building-science
[3] Joseph W. Lstiburek, "PA-1902: How to Look at a House Like a Building Scientist (Part 2: Heat)," https://buildingscience.com/.../pa-1902-how-look-house...
[4] International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants, "Building Envelope Commissioning Guide,"https://iibec.org/wp.../uploads/21-22-IIBEC-The-Guide.pdf

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03/14/2023

For all of you who are confused by the new technology advances in furnaces, here is an article that explains it all.

https://www.deckerhomeservices.com/all-about-furnaces-forced-air/

01/03/2023

It's so nice when customers take the time to post reviews.

"My experience with Decker Home Inspection Services was extremely positive. I highly recommend Will Decker for any inspection in the Chicago area for a house, condo, multi-unit, or commercial property. My wife and I bid on a house on the North Shore and per the standard Illinois real estate contract, we of course needed to complete the home inspection within five business days. This isn't much time to get inspections scheduled, especially if you want to move quickly, get radon results ASAP, and not have to ask your attorney to extend the inspection contingency window for results to come back.

I expected one of my long-time friends in the area would have a strong recommendation for a good inspector. No one was enthusiastic about their home inspection experiences. I was told that many inspectors do a very superficial or cursory evaluation, and don't always have the certifications, training, and experience across all areas you want evaluated, or aren't always up to date with current building codes. I also didn't want to go with the realtor's inspector recommendations, as while I'm sure they are all fine inspectors, I wanted an inspector who I trusted would be fully-objective and independent in evaluating the property. I also wanted someone who would be meticulous, thorough, pro-active, and detail-oriented, especially pertaining to an evaluation of the structural integrity of the home.

I found Decker Home Inspection Services through a Google search since they have some of the best reviews for the North Shore. Will Decker answered immediately when I called, and when I asked if he could help with recommendations for radon testing and a sewer scope, he was very proactive in saying I should schedule those immediately to get the radon results at the same time as his inspection report. I asked if he could help schedule/coordinate these, and he said yes, which I really appreciated, as I also needed to get our mortgage loan process moving quickly as well.

Will's feedback on-site at the time of the inspection as well as the thoroughness of the report he returned to me later that day both exceeded my expectations. I appreciated that he took the time to go over many details around the property and wanted to be thorough. He is extremely knowledgeable about construction methods, building materials, and local building codes. His reports are more detailed than other home inspection reports I've seen. If you want to hire a home inspector who trains other home inspectors, you need not look further. Will is the guy you want to hire for your home inspection."

10/13/2022

I started inspection, investigating and certifying these type of problem buildings (split faced block) for years.

Seems like Ireland is now having a similar problem.

Homeowners are protesting in Dublin’s city centre today.

12/15/2021

It's one thing to get a glowing review from a client, but from another inspector?

"Hi Mr. Decker,

I wanted just to say thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge through education videos provided through the INTERNACHI learning center. I enjoyed the course and learned a lot of common sense applications as well as science. Again, thank you for giving back to the industry.

Best Regards,

Dan K

12/02/2021

This is why Thermal Imaging is essential for home inspections. I would never have seen this without it.

Failed caulk joint at the tile wall / shower pan intersection with water leaking under the pan.

10/15/2021

New article about very common defects that are very dangerous.

Commonly seen household dangers that are easy and inexpensive to fix.

07/15/2021

Good article, written by a friend and that serves as a bookend for my recent article.

Being proactive with the inspections of your building is one of the best ways to ensure your building is up to code. Frank V Gonzalez talks with USA Today about building safety.

07/11/2021

New article.

By William Decker, CRI, CPI, CMI Please Note: I live and work in the Chicagoland area. My comments are based upon that although many of the issues are the same all over the country. Different states and municipalities have different …  

04/30/2021

New article about Split Faced Block houses. Presenting a case study.

I had a client call me the other day. Townhome style house in the northwest side of Chicago. Originally built in 2006. Client stated that house was never finished, structure, roof, interior framing, electric, plumbing done, but no drywall or …  

04/11/2021

Many times, we run into what I like to call "DOOHH! defects, silly things that are wrong, and stupid, on their face but evidently no one saw it before. One thing that these defects point out is that the workers (the guys who actually did the work) were not professional and the general contractor did not take the time (or have the pride in his work) to go through the house and check.

Here are a few of these:

1) Blocked access to the furnace filter. BTW: The furnace filter is NOT for indoor air quality. The furnace filter is to protect the furnaces heat exchanger and A/C coil from dust and pet hair.

2) High efficiency furnaces are designed to draw air from the outside into the furnace to support combustion. The exhaust gasses are then expelled outside the house. This means that there must be two flue vent pipes going to the furnace. Sometimes, this is accomplished by a concentric vent. It looks like a white plastic mushroom. The exhaust gasses are blown out the end and the combustion intake air is taken in from under the edges. This guy decided that the intake opening under the edge should be caulked shut.

3) Most newer, energy efficient water heaters (tankless or power vent) as well as furnaces do not use metal vents or flues. This is because the more efficient the gas fired appliance is, the more moisture (steam) it produces in the exhaust gasses. Because of this, these flues are supposed to be PVC which will not rust or clog.

But many of the older guys, or the new guys who work with little or know training or understanding of what they are actually doing mess this up.