UNDERSTANDING GROUT FINDER TECHNOLOGY

What can GroutFindIR™ Infrared Testing do for me?

You may think that the only way one can know whether the grouted cells, bond beams and other structural components of a CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit) wall are properly placed is to hammer or drill holes in the building where the grout is supposed to be and see if it is there. This test is inadequate because this sample is much too small (often less than one ten thousandth of a percent). Also tiny sample does not show where blockages (to the proper filling of insulation) and/or too much grout exists. The only other options are to X-ray the walls or tear them down, which are both extremely expensive. There is a method that is accurate, non-destructive and inexpensive. This is the way to see the grouted cells in the entire wall section.

BuildScanIR™ division’s Grout FindIR™ infrared testing method can be performed at any time during the construction process without interruption any other trades or affecting the progress of the rest of the building.

Structural problems in a CMU building are a real problem. If the wall receives a trauma like a hurricane force wind or tornado and customers or workers inside the building are hurt, the legal ramifications can be devastating. A forensic examination of a block wall laid on the ground post-event will most likely reveal some structural deficiencies. The building owner, architect, structural engineer, general contractor and masonry contractor can and probably will be held accountable if and when these deficiencies are documented.

However, two benefits arise from having a Grout FindIR™ infrared test performed on your newly constructed CMU walls. First, a documented record of the grouted cells and other structural components (in-situ) is created. And secondly, when and if deficiencies are found, a report can be generated so that corrections can be made with surgical precision.

The owner gets what he paid for and the designers can ‘literally’ see that their specifications have been followed.

Why use GroutFindIR™ service?

• We have examined thousands of CMU walls. In fact, this service was the very first service offered by Stockton Infrared and we have been refining our methodology and techniques for over 15 years.
• We use state-of-the-art infrared equipment.
• We have the attitude for getting results under even the most trying conditions.
• We produce photographic-quality reports that are easy to read and understand for anyone picking up the report.