Trinity Inspection Services, LLC, inspects newly built or previously owned homes, condominiums, apartments, and other residential properties.
An inspection of these properties includes but are not limited to the examining of the structural quality, home systems and features including roofing and gutter systems, exterior building components, attached garages, carports, porches and decks, attic structure, insulation and ventilation, framing, basements, crawl spaces and foundations, conditions of the interior dwelling, fireplaces, and woodstoves, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems as well as fire and life safety issues.
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In addition to the services provided Trinity Inspection Services, LLC, also provides the following services:
Synthetic stucco or "EIFS" (Exterior Insulation Finish Systems) has been used on thousands of in the Northeast. EIFS is actually a very efficient insulation system; the problems arise with improper installation. It differs from "real" or "hard" stucco by utilizing an insulated sheathing board and a fiberglass mesh. The finish is a synthetic material made to look like real stucco.
Common issues we find are EIFS Touching Roof Shingles, EIFS Touching Wood Trim, Improper Sealing around Doors and Windows, Flashing at Decks and EIFS Coming in Contract with the Ground, just to name a few.
The problem with Stucco is water penetration where water can enter behind the EIFS. This moisture does not evaporate and is trapped, causing issues including rotting sheathing, mold and damage to the structural integrity of the home. The moisture attacks the wood sheathing, and in the worst cases, the wood framing. Many of the moisture problems appear to be around the areas where the EIFS butts against the wood trim and at the roof flashing. Most of the manufacturers have detailed installation instructions, but unfortunately these are ignored by some installers.
The only way to tell if moisture has entered the structure is with a moisture inspection. The inspections consist of punching tiny holes through the finish so that moisture probes may be inserted into the framing (the holes are sealed with matching caulk upon completion of the inspection). Any moisture reading over 20% is cause for alarm. If the moisture has reached 30% this is where decay begins to take place and repair or replacement of the EIFS system is required.
Moisture equals Mold. Whenever a leak and moist conditions exists longer than 72 hours, then mold can form. Thermal imaging is a great tool that helps to identifying water damage in walls, floors, and ceilings. By detecting the difference in temperature between a wet area and the surrounding dry areas thermal imaging can help detect moisture issues that would not be visible during a limited visual home inspection. It is also great at identifying areas where the insulation contractor failed to insulate adequately.
Thermal image scanning has greatly improved our ability to perform stucco and EIFS moisture intrusion inspections. If there is rot behind the stucco it is often visible with thermal imaging in the form of heat anomalies. Thermal image scanning also helps to quantify the affected areas of moisture damage. By adding this tool to our stucco inspections, we can better identify where the trouble areas are that need repair.
Significant wood destroying insect activity can be detected using this technology due to the heat generated by active infestations. That's right, active termite activity produces a great deal of heat that is often visible to the infrared camera. Minor activity may not be detectable but areas not normally visible to the naked eye can be identified, and then a more invasive or technically exhaustive inspection can be carried out by the appropriate professional.
Thermal imaging can be used to detect the precise location of the leak and mark the affected area so that repairs can be made to the leaking area. Obviously, if the roof is older then you should forego the thermal imaging and invest in the needed new roof.
Loose or dirty electrical connections and other electrical anomalies can cause power outages and possible fires. We can inspect the electrical panels and receptacles to detect issues before there is a costly outage. Thermal imaging can detect hot spots in the electrical system not visible to the naked eye which may be a precursor to a larger issue. The resulting report can be a great aid for the repair electrician hired to address the identified issues.
