Thermographic Investigation of a Circa 1920s Building with Water Intrusion Problems

摘要

Water Intrusion with resulting damage is too common in many of today's newly constructed buildings. On the positive side of this problem, the original drawings and contractors are generally available to resolve the issues. At the very least, comparable materials are available so that the building can be repaired. With older buildings however this process is not so easy. Depending on how old the building actually is, the original builders usually are retired or deceased and the drawings of the building no longer exist. Needless-to-say, when a vintage building has water intrusion problems, investigation of the causes can be very challenging requiring different test methods to find a solution. This is the case with the study presented in this paper. The project undertaken was a circa 1920s building. Over 70-some years, this building had gone through multiple facade modifications and structural additions. So, not surprising, there was a history of water intrusion problems with deterioration of the interior walls and connected flooring. During the Florida rainy season, the most recent severe water intrusion leant to further damage of the same areas. This damage prompted an overall assessment of the building for the extent of structural deterioration. This was requested by its owner for safety compliance. This paper presents the results of the infrared study performed as well as a borescopic/visual examination on the 1920s brick over terra cotta block structure.