Examples of Missteps In The Industry

We’ve received reports that highlight the need for a shift in our approach. 

For instance, an inspector wrote a report claiming that engineered wood planks in a western South Carolina lake house were experiencing "dry cupping." All moisture measurements were between 8-9%, yet the inspector still attributed it to "site conditions." Dry cupping in the Southeast is extremely rare. The moisture content measurements confirm this is not the boggy man catch all, "Site Conditions". 

We also saw a report in which an infrared thermal camera “reportedly” detected and measured moisture. See Photograph above. 

However, the inspector missed this key factor. The answer was right in the name — "thermal". The planks had buckled at the wall from lack of expansion space from improper acclimation. The inspector had a IR camera attachment and conflicted the blue cold air with moisture. An IR camera does not measure moisture. The cooling of moisture or water can show as blue but, it is the cooling effect. where the subfloor and wall panels meet will often show as red or blue, depending upon the season. 

He should have attended our IR class to learn how to use it as a diagnostic tool. 

The sad thing is, this inspector’s report resulted in the simple expense of one inspection, costing the retailer five times the first inspectors honest and truthful report. A home inspector and lawyer had to become involved; and the retailer still had to do the easy, simple repair recommended by the Peer Reviewed Consultant. There were enough planks left from the original installation to replace the planks that had buckled. 

Another report revealed the inspector wrote a ceramic tile report that didn’t mention ANSI/ASTM standards. Despite having a ceramic tile certification, the inspector didn’t have access to the necessary standards, nor was he provided with them in his training how to use them. 

As an aside, we strongly recommend that any flooring inspector seeking quality tile education attend the Ceramic Tile Education Foundation Installation School.