|
RJM Contracting, owned by Ray and Carol Meyers of Lake Mary, Florida, specializes in inspections to determine hidden termite and moisture damage in many types of structures.
Meyers was contacted to inspect a 113 year-old historical building called the Leu House in Orlando, Florida. Preserved as a historic structure, the city has maintained it for the past 40 years. Throughout the history of his residence, many additions and modifications have occurred. In addition, many termite infestations have occurred which has compromised the structural integrity and weather resistance of the facility.
Historical buildings pose specific challenges because conventional inspection methods can damage the historical integrity of wall coverings, woodwork, siding and other areas of historical interest.
Resistograph Readings
Because this facility is of historical significance, an assessment was necessary to determine the extent – if any – of the termite and moisture damage so that appropriate repairs could be made.
The early investigation consisted of a visual assessment of the existing structural members damaged by termites and decay. Due to the delicate nature of this structure, RJM used a method to inspect for damage within structural wood members and wall voids that produced minimal damage to wall coverings and exterior panels. The method involves the use of a Resist graph. This is a probing and graphing device that demonstrates the integrity of wood within structures without removing or damaging coverings. This was used in interior and exterior walls on the first and second floors, the crawl space and attic.
“We found that a major, load-bearing support beam under the house was nearly hollowed out by termites,” explains Meyers. “And we were able to do this without earing up flooring.”
The joist under a second floor bedroom also showed extensive termite damage. Preserving the ceiling below was very important as was preserving the bedroom floor. Using the Resist graph, Meyers was able to bore a smell hole into the 2x12 floor joist to discover and document the damage.
Moisture Problems also Apparent
“In an effort to maintain a 68 degree temperature in the summer and because of the lack of insulation, a lot of moisture had also built up in the house. This led to rot and provided conditions conducive to termites as well. Meyers tracked and documented moisture at 625 points throughout the building, making it possible to do ongoing seasonal moisture checks without damaging the structure.
Moisture readings indicated a high level of moisture (above 20%) in the exterior walls. This is alarming because these readings were taken in the heating cycle (winter) where humidity is at its lowest point of the year. The primary reason for tracking moisture was to determine the need for a vapor barrier, improved air circulation the wall cavity and insulation.
Armed with the information from this noninvasive inspection procedure, structural and mechanical engineers and architects are able to determine corrective measures to implement in the damaged areas of the structure.
Other uses for damage-free inspections
The damage-free inspections are not limited to assessing damage and can be used to evaluate, photograph and report activity of wood destroying pests within structures. With scientific equipment, RJM can provide critical site data in place of destructive wall removal or guessing as is many times used in damage assessment.
Pest control companies facing extremely difficult termite infestations have taken advantage of this service to determine the exact extent of termite damage and the location of active termite infestations within wooden beams and structures. This type of inspection can also help determine why termite treatments may have failed.
For
more information about RJM's damage-free inspections, call 407-620-0011,
E-mail us at RayMeyers@RJMContracting.com or visit our website at www.rjmcontracting.com.
|
