Expertise is a more in-depth process than inspection visual (pre-acceptance inspection, certificate of building status, pre-purchase inspection). Expertise is necessary in the event of a particular problem in the building such as:
1- Air infiltration, heat loss, cold floors.
2- Mold, humidity, condensation, water infiltration.
3- Shears in the masonry.
4- Hidden defects in the structure or building envelope. etc
5- Subsidence of foundations, cracks;
Expertise by a building expert
In order to verify and analyze the deficiencies and to enable him to give his opinion on the necessary corrective measures to be taken, the engineer may:
1- Practice exploratory holes;
2- Use sophisticated equipment (hygrometer, infiltrometer, infrared camera, laser);
3- Perform a watering test;
4- Ask for an additional laboratory analysis (pyrite, mold, soil bearing capacity, concrete capacity, etc.);
Following the visit, the engineer transmits his findings and recommendations with a detailed report and supported by photos, plans and diagrams. (depending on mandate).
Onesta's building expert offers expertise for the following components or problems:
1- Vice caché : expertise and counter-expertise, court testimony, detailed report with digital photos, articles of the Building Code and explanatory diagrams.
2- Exterior siding: masonry, acrylic coating, aggregate siding, vinyl siding, aluminum siding, wood siding, etc.
3- Roof and roofing: asphalt shingles, asphalt and gravel, elastomer, metal roof, pitched roof, flat roof, cathedral roof, attic, ventilation, condensation, insulation.
4- Water infiltration : location of thewater infiltration using a hygrometer and infrared camera and watering tests to identify the source.
5- French drain: examine the video from the drain camera, and analyze the deficiencies of the French drain (drain incorrectly installed, crushed or clogged, etc.)
6- Foundation and level survey: subsidence, cracks, crumbling concrete, concrete block and cemented stone (rubble) foundations, piles, flooding.
7- Humidity and condensation: water infiltration, rotting of the wood of the structure, mould, humidity of materials, ventilation in the attic.
8- Insulation:: thermal losses, condensation, mold, vapor barrier, air barrier, basement insulation, wall and ceiling insulation, attic insulation.
9- Masonry and facades: Weepholes, steel lintels, bulging of bricks, mortar joints, shearing in the masonry, sealing flashings.