RichNSpect

You might want to get this book: http://www.amazon.com/Dampness-Building ... 370&sr=1-2

WOW! That's pretty cool. Kevin

I frequently find "White" Teflon tape on gas pipe joints, particularly on Water Heater gas supply pipes. Until I'm told otherwise, I will continue to write up the use of White (single density) tape used on gas pipe joints. If I notice that the tape is yellow or a light pink, then I don't write it up. A while back I found this excerpt on one of the Plumbing Forums: When double density PTFE tape first came on the scene it was also white, packed on a white spool and primarily only marketed to professional tradesmen through the plumbing or HVAC supply houses. Most plumbers quickly adopted it because it was quicker and easier to apply and made a much more reliable joint. Shortly thereafter many gas codes were amended to require the use of double density tape on gas joints. Once the codes were changed they began making the double density tape yellow so that the inspectors would have a visual indicator that the correct tape had been used, thus to this day the yellow double density tape is often labeled as "Gas Tape". As the PTFE tape industry evolved into more products they adopted a standardized color code. WHITE- Single density tape to be used as a thread sealant on NPT (National Pipe Taper) threads which are equal to or less than 3/8". YELLOW-Double density "Gas tape" suitable for NPT threads equal to or greater than 1/2" but not more than 2" Red- Triple density tape suitable for NPT threads equal to or greater than 1/2" but not more than 2". (NOTE-The package is a red spool with a red cover ring and plainly labeled 'triple density", but the tape itself appears as a pale pink color). GREEN TAPE- Listed as "OXY/MED tape"-certified oil free to be used on lines conveying oxygen and some specified medical gasses. COPPER TAPE- Contains copper granules and is certified as a mechanical thread lubricant but is not certified as a thread sealant. Kevin

Know the Building Analyst 1 Standard and you will do fine. The field text is more challenging than the written exam. Also get a copy of Residential Energy: http://srmi.biz/Bookstore.Professionals ... m#BABHIHFC Good Luck Kevin

I've never attended that chapter meeting. Both are ASHI chapters, but yes, they are separate. Kevin

John, You will enjoy your experience at MAC-ASHI. I know I have Let's catch up at the next meeting and talk shop. Kevin ps....are you going to Inspection World in Vegas? It's a great experience as well, and hopefully I will see you there.

Yes.

Here is an example: Click to Enlarge 38.37 KB Homeowner even tried to put up a shied to prevent it from happening. Kevin

I always say get the "most" camera you can afford. My first camera was a BCAM SD, and I wanted to sell the thing a week after I got it. I ended up using it for over a year before upgrading. John Snell with Snell Infrared has written a great paper about Infrared Camera prices and performance. I would highly recommend requesting a copy and reading it before making a purchase. You can get it here: http://www.thesnellgroup.com/WhitePapers.aspx The paper is called "Breakthroughs in Infrared Camera Prices and Performance - Building Applications" Hope this helps Kevin

I rely heavily on my websites and word of mouth for residential work. On the commercial side, it really take a lot of effort. Kevin

I currently have a FLIR T400 and I am very pleased with it's performance. I purchased my imager before the big price drops, so I paid just over 20K for mine. That's including software, extra batteries, and a wide angle lens. I could get into specifics about spatial resolution or thermal sensitivity, but most of the new imagers out now have pretty good specs for building work. The minimum resolution I would purchase is 160x120. That should be good for most residential work. However, if you even think you might be interested in getting in Commercial Thermography, then you want to get 320x240 imager. I would also suggest investing in a wide angle lens, it will help tremendously while conducting interior scans. I think one of the best cameras on the market today is the new Fluke TiR32 320x240. http://us.fluke.com/usen/Products/Fluke+TiR32.htm You can get this camera with the additional lenses for around 10K. Simply amazing!! I will be my next camera unless FLIR comes out with something better. Kevin

I have not personally had an issue that I misdiagnosed and took heat for it. However, you bring up a good point. Infrared Thermography is not a "Point-N-Shoot" technology, especially in building applications. Ask any Level III Termographer and they would tend to agree that Building Termography is one of the hardest applications. There are so many variable to take into consideration. For peoples expectations, I try and manage as best I can. I give a short demo at the beginning of the inspection and explain in detail the limitations of the technology. One of the first things I tell my clients is that the camera cannot see through walls! For the most part, my clients that get the additional IR scan have been very impressed and satisfied with the level of service. I don't find thermal anomalies on every inspection, but I do most of the time. I would suggest to anyone who is interested in getting into IR, that they first take a Level I training class or the FLIR Building Thermographer class. Kevin

John, There are many different opinions on how an inspector should use or incorporate Thermography into their business. I have always been under the opinion that the use of the technology goes beyond the standard visual inspection. Therefore, I do not include it in my inspections. I charge an additional fee and have the client sign an addendum to my Pre-Inspection Agreement. All of my IR services are extra and under a separate agreement. Kevin

Couple of points: 1. I had my first IR Camera paid for within the first six months of offering IR services. 2. I have always offered IR as an additional service for residential inspections and have averaged about 10-15 clients a month who get the additional service. 3. I've been able to earn 18-20K p/year in additional revenue just for the additional IR scan with a standard home inspection. 4. I've been able to earn 60-80K p/year in additional revenue from offering IR services in Residential and Commercial Applications. There is nothing wrong with just wanting to use Thermography in residential inspections, but the real money is in commercial applications. However, it has been my experience that once word got out that I was using the technology, a lot of doors started to open up. I did a home inspection for one the owners of a local HVAC company in my area. He was so impressed with the technology, I now have an exclusive agreement with him to work with his techs in installing and troubleshooting radiant floor systems throughout my area. People find you because you have an "expertise" and they need someone to help them find whatever problem they are encountering. I mean, I have been called out on plumbing leak issues, moisture intrusion issues, roof leak issues, etc. In the beginning, it was just offering my clients an additional service to include during the home inspection. It evolved into a lot of additional residential work and eventually I started a new commercial infrared business. However, I cannot express enough the importance of getting the proper training. Kevin Kevin

1) YES! 2) NO! Kevin