We answer your questions
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about our building diagnostic services.
We serve all of Quebec, with a concentration in the Greater Montreal area, Laval, the North Shore, and the South Shore. For projects in outlying regions, travel fees may apply.
Yes. Jean-François Hogue holds Level I thermography certification from the Infrared Training Center (ITC). Our thermography collaborators are certified, at levels ranging from I to III. Our ICRI certification process for concrete slab moisture testing is underway.
The report delivery timeline depends on the nature and scope of the work. It is communicated when the inspection is confirmed. The report presents the findings, relevant measurements, analysis and limitations of the inspection.
Fees vary depending on the building, the issue and the scope of work. Send us your request for a quote tailored to your project. Additional information may be needed to define the required assessments and deliverables.
Yes, and it is often recommended. We offer combined packages — for example thermography and air leakage testing — that provide complementary information on the issues examined in a single visit, at a lower cost.
Infrared thermography is a non-invasive inspection technique that uses a thermal camera to detect temperature variations on the surface of materials. These variations reveal anomalies invisible to the naked eye: water infiltration, insulation defects, thermal bridges, hidden moisture, etc.
A thermal inspection is recommended when purchasing a property, after water damage, when heating bills are abnormally high, before or after insulation work, or during the construction of a new building to validate the thermal envelope.
Required conditions depend on the objective of the examination. We assess temperatures, humidity, sunlight, wind, and equipment operation to choose an appropriate time. For building envelope thermography, a sufficient thermal differential between inside and outside is needed. We plan our inspections according to weather forecasts.
Duration varies depending on the size and complexity of the building. For a standard single-family home, allow 2 to 4 hours. For a commercial or multi-unit building, the inspection may take a full day or more.
No, thermography is complementary to a traditional building inspection. It detects anomalies that a visual inspection cannot see, but it does not replace the structural, mechanical, and electrical evaluation of a building inspector.
A visual inspection documents visible conditions. Thermography measures surface temperatures and helps identify patterns that may be associated with insulation defects, air leakage, or moisture. It does not see through walls. Additional measurements and checks help interpret the anomalies.
The air leakage test involves depressurizing the building using a calibrated fan installed in a door or window. The airflow infiltrating through the envelope is measured, allowing quantification of leaks and identification of their sources.
This test is essential for evaluating the energy performance of a building, validating airtightness work, or diagnosing thermal comfort and air quality problems. It may also be required under specific programs or project specifications.
Requirements depend on the building, applicable regulations, and the program or project specifications involved. Before arranging a test for compliance or certification purposes, we review the project requirements, test protocol, and required qualifications.
Absolutely, and it is the most effective combination. While the building is depressurized, the thermal camera precisely locates air leaks. This allows not only quantifying infiltrations but also identifying exactly where to intervene.
A moisture survey involves measuring the moisture content in materials (wood, concrete, gypsum, etc.) using calibrated moisture meters and probes, and assessing ambient conditions using hygrometers. It detects water infiltration, condensation problems, or risk zones.
A survey is recommended after water damage, before or after renovation work, when purchasing a property, or when mould odours or moisture stains are present. It is also used to validate the effectiveness of drying work.
The report can document findings and measurements for an insurance file. Report requirements and acceptance depend on the insurer and the scope of work. Please provide the written requirements before the inspection.
The moisture survey measures the moisture content in materials and identifies risk zones. A mould inspection aims to detect the presence of visible or hidden mould — it is a distinct process. Both can be complementary depending on the situation.
Infrared electrical inspection uses a thermal camera to detect anomalies in electrical panels, connections, and circuits. A defective connection or one showing abnormal heating generates heat before failing: thermography allows identifying it before an incident occurs.
For commercial and industrial buildings, an annual inspection is recommended. For residential buildings, it is advised when purchasing, after electrical renovations, or when circuit breakers trip frequently.
Thermal imaging is performed without contact with the observed components, under appropriate operating conditions. Access may require doors to be opened or covers to be removed by qualified, authorized personnel, following site safety procedures. Access arrangements are defined before the inspection.
Commercial, industrial, and multi-unit buildings are most concerned, as an electrical failure can lead to significant operating losses. That said, any building with an electrical panel can benefit from this preventive inspection.
Excessive moisture in a concrete slab can cause delamination, swelling, or deterioration of the floor covering (hardwood, vinyl, ceramic, etc.). Moisture testing ensures the slab is sufficiently dry before installation, avoiding costly rework.
We apply ASTM F2170 (in-situ relative humidity probes), ASTM F1869 (calcium chloride), and ASTM F2659 (preliminary comparative moisture evaluation — non-destructive electronic measurement) standards. The method, number of test locations, and test conditions are determined by the applicable standard and project requirements. Our ICRI certification process is underway.
The number of measurement points depends on the slab area, the applicable standard, and project requirements. We adapt the protocol to each project according to the retained standard.
Results are compared with the limits specified by the flooring system manufacturer. Report acceptance and warranty conditions must be confirmed with the manufacturer. Our ICRI certification process is underway.
Zones with moisture in the roofing assembly retain heat longer than dry zones. By inspecting the roof in the evening, after a sunny day, the thermal camera reveals these suspect zones to be validated by thermal contrast, without perforation or disassembly.
We specialize in commercial and industrial flat roofs: elastomeric membranes, TPO, EPDM, gravel roofs, etc. These roofs are particularly well suited to thermal inspection due to their flat surface and solar exposure.
An inspection is recommended after heavy rainfall, when moisture stains appear inside, before a roofing warranty expires, or as part of a preventive maintenance program. An annual inspection detects problems before they worsen.
Yes. Our report precisely documents affected zones with thermal images and visible photos, providing objective evidence to support a claim with your insurer or to negotiate with a roofing contractor.