According to the international property maintenance code (IPMC), conducting frequent good repairs structurally sound and sanitary for the external structure of a building is necessary to avoid not posing a danger to public health, safety or welfare. The value of performing a structural inspection on old buildings and facilities' primary objective is to determine whether or not your facility is safe. Without a proper checkup, you could be unwittingly putting yourself and anyone in your building in danger.
A building structural inspection is a non-invasive visual examination of a residential dwelling designed to identify observed "material" defects within all structural components. Features include but are not limited to, the foundation walls, reinforced concrete slabs, columns, beams, water leaks impacting the structural integrity, and other essential systems or portions of the building as we deem necessary during the inspection. A "material" defect is a condition within the property or any portion that would significantly adversely impact the property's value or involve an unreasonable risk to people on the property.
A building inspection is intended to assist in the evaluation of the overall condition of the dwelling. Therefore, the examination is based on observing the visible and apparent state of the structure and its components on the inspection date and not the prediction of future conditions. The typical inspection process involves a thorough inspection of the lower floors of the building, typically the ground, basement, podium levels, and any other common areas identified by facility management to have had previous or existing problems. All components with minor or major defects will be photographed with an explanation of the condition, possible root cause and suggested rectification method, which will be reflected in the report.
So What are the components that usually the inspecting engineer will look at and examine?
1. Structural Cracks: including underground foundation walls, building façade cracks,
lower levels bearing walls, reinforced concrete elements such as columns, beams, slabs,
etc.
Façade
Boundary wall
Foundation Wall
Overall landscape,
Slopes drains
Structural elements
2. Reinforced Concrete Strength and Integrity: a none destructive test (NDT) is
conducted to identify the integrity of the compressive strength of the structurally
reinforced concrete elements, with a focus on the areas that have visible defects, cracks,
stresses, and moisture intrusion. We will use Schmidt rebound impact hammer to
conduct these tests following ASTM C805 and BS EN 12504-2-2012, "Standard Test
Method for Rebound Number of Hardened Concrete", which summarizes the procedure
as "A steel hammer impacts, with a predetermined amount of energy, a steel plunger in
contact with a surface of concrete, and the distance that the hammer rebounds is
measured". The test will be certified by a registered laboratory.
3. Water Leak and moisture intrusion: either visible or not visible to the naked eye.
This is inspected using infrared, thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters while
assessing the damage to the structural component of the building.
Inspection Report
An inspection report shall describe and identify the inspected systems, structures, and components of the dwelling in written format and shall identify material defects observed. Inspection reports will also contain recommendations regarding conditions reported and proposed rectification methods, monitoring or further evaluation by professionals.
At Credence & Co., our engineers conduct property snagging and inspection services in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or anywhere in the UAE to bring some assurance to the property. With our team of professional engineers who are certified inspectors from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), we can conduct unprejudiced property inspections using the best tools and state-of-the-art technology.
Moisture Meter to detect dampness, moisture intrusion and leaks in walls, floors, doors, cabinets, etc.
Schmidt Hammer for NDT of concrete strength
InfraRed Camera for Thermal imaging of the building
Envelopes, electrical circuits, Air leakage, etc.
We pride ourselves of having the highest resolution of thermal imaging camera available in the market: Flir, E6, 9 Hz Frame rate, -4 to 482F
Temperature range, 19,200 Pixel Resolution (160 x 120), 2% Accuracy, <0.06 Degree C thermal sensitivity, with UltraMax® and MSX® ensure crisp.
If you are looking to hire an expert inspecting and property snagging company in Dubai or anywhere in UAE that you can trust, Credence & Co. is one of the leading property inspection and snagging professional consulting firms in Dubai that possess the right team abilities and knowledge to deliver.
Talk to us now:
Email us: info@cnco.ae
Office: +971 (4) 8790 747
Cell number: +971 (58) 985 5344