IR legal help needed

Specific Inspection Topics Thermal Imaging, Infrared Cameras & Energy Audits
#1

I’m looking for advice from all the IR experts here.

I did an IR inspection this past January (01/09) on a recently remodeled home for a customer. Prior to the inspection the client indicated he was unable to get the interior temperature above 62 degrees (F) when the outside temps were much below freezing. After thorough IR scanning, it became increasingly evident the contractor ignored the details of properly installing the insulation, house wrap, and siding resulting in excessive air penetration into the dwelling.

Based on the findings of this IR inspection, my client will be initiating legal action against the contractor this week.

So here is the question: Is anyone aware of any specific legal cases involving IR technology being used to detect any of the hidden defects
(insulation, house wrap) mentioned? Anyone aware of any attorneys that have handled IR cases?

This is likely going to be the first such case for my clients’ attorney.

Thank you in advance for any help.

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#2

Contact your camera manufacturer. I’d bet they have a list of past cases.

#3

Your client needs an attorney that is not a newbie IMHO.
I am glad to see that you are moving to help that.

#4

I would have suggested a more exhausting forensic investigation before litigation.

For a fee of course.

#5

Did they remove the finish material to confirm?

#6

Maybe this will help you with some inspection related questions.

#7

Ditto.

Who cares what tool or meter was used to discover the problem? This case has nothing to do with the IR camera any more than it would have to do with a flashlight.

#8

[FONT=Boton-Regular][size=2][FONT=Boton-Regular][FONT=Arial Black]From Fluke and also common sense as Rick and Nick have stated[/FONT]

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#9

Very cool. The very reason why I want to get my own Infra Red camera one day.

Question: Using Infra Red how do you tell the difference between a cool uninsulated area compared to a area with actual water damage? Cold shows up as purple I get that. If it’s actual water damage is the image still purple?

#10

Billy,

In most moisture detections, the moisture accumulation would be in an obvious area or the purple IR anomalies are simply confirmed with a moisture meter.

Using the Iron pallete, most air infiltration anomalies contain faded purple edges compared to moisture accumulation which would contain much sharper edges.

Cold air infiltration…

Water damage…

#11

It is the difference between mottled edges and sharp edges…usually…and remember water runs downhill.

#12

Damn Larry,

Thank GOD you brought this up. I had no idea.

#13

Hey David, is the chimney still standing, er, I mean tied off?:smiley:

#14

Hi David,

Are those your pic’s? or are they stock?

#15

No…It’s been taken down.

#16

My pics. They are on my IR website.
http://www.massinfrared.com/?D=67

#17

Nice picture David, very sharp.

#18

Thanks Dominic.

#19

Dear Scott:

Due to its graphic nature, thermal imaging has been used in a number of civil cases and claims to document evidence of a wide variety of building defects. Root causes of these defects have included, but not been limited to: improper design, poor workmanship, and material/systems failures. When properly conducted and documented, an infrared inspection can make for compelling evidence.

During the past several years I have worked as an expert witness on several cases across the US. Since you are local to me, I would invite you to give me a call and I will help you in any way that I can.

#20

Relax, not everything posted is for someone as bright as you, David.