I take the liberty of reproducing this email from Steve Baden, Executive Director of RESNET, with regard to the new draft infrared standard I was fortunate to help write; I encourage all to read this and, as appropriate, make comments so that it can become an even better standard. I know many NACHI members who read this board will have experiences that can be incorporated, even given the difference in “mission” between RESNET and a more traditional home inspection:
"The thermal imaging technology has advanced significantly in the past few years and the price of equipment has grown more affordable. The technology offers the promise of a way to measure the EPA ENERGY STAR Homes Thermal Bypass Checklist and the quality of the installation of the insulation after the dry wall has been installed. To pave the way to achieving this potential, RESNET recruited an Infrared Scanning Task Force to draft a standard.
The committee drafted an IR standard based on the experience of its members and the United Kingdom’s standard for using the technology in measuring the quality of insulation installation. The draft standard was reviewed and approved by the RESNET Technical Committee. After the Technical Committee completed its review, the task force made a number of organizational changes to the proposed amendment. These changes are:
• The IR Standard is now labeled CHAPER 8 Performance Testing Standards. Section 801 is Pressure Diagnostics (Blower Door and Duct Testing), Section 802 is Thermographic Inspections of Buildings (formerly IR Standard) and Section 803 is Combustion Safety Testing. Section 801 and Section 803 are not written yet but have place holders in this Chapter for later adoption.
• The language for certification requirements was changed to be more concise in Section 802 for both Methods 1 and 2.
• The training time in Section 802 was changed from 3 days-36 hours to 3 days-24 hours. (802, Method 2, #2)
• Provisions for inspecting Grade I insulation deleted since this type of thermographic inspect tion will not allow for evaluation of Grade I insulation. (805.2, Grade I)
• Measuring of “insulation anomalies” changed from “square foot” to “square inch”. (805.3)
• Inclusion of “framing fraction” as part of the “thermal bridging” inspection. (805.4, #2)
• Other changes involve minor word edits to better define statement meanings.
Public comments on all of the proposals will be accepted until July 16 13, 2009.
At the completion of the comment period, the Infrared Scanning Task Force will review comments and revise the amendment where appropriate. The amendment will then be submitted to the Amendment Revision Committee, composed of three representatives of the rating industry and three representatives of state energy offices. The RESNET Board will then consider the recommendations of the revision committee and vote on whether to adopt the amendments.
To view the proposed amendments and submit comments go to <http://www.resnet.us/standards/mortgage/amendments/2009/performance_testing/default.htm>
Steve Baden
Executive Director
RESNET"
Thermally yours,
John Snell
Snell Infrared
800-636-9820
www.irtalk.com
