Atlanta, GA – October 28, 2010 – Imagine having the ability to “see” through walls or equipment. Now, the building experts at zumBrunnen, an independent property consulting firm, can “see” into walls, rooms, ceilings, equipment and more with their new thermal imaging equipment.
Infrared thermography measures the infrared energy of an object and produces a visual image representing the temperature profile. When used as a building and equipment diagnostic tool, it is a quick and easy way to locate and address problems because it is non-invasive and offers minimal disruption.
“We are excited about offering thermal imaging to our clients because it will help us properly diagnose a broader range of issues and improve the quality and detail of our reports, especially our property condition assessments,” said Doug McMillan, PE, LEED AP, Director of Project Management for zumBrunnen. “Our new thermal imaging equipment will help us detect and address problems before failure occurs. Large areas can be quickly scanned to assess an entire building including the roof, building envelope, heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing and electrical systems. It will help us pinpoint problems including specific areas of energy loss, water penetration, electrical hot spots and substandard construction.”
With the equipment, zumBrunnen will be able to “see” otherwise non-visible moisture problems locating areas of water intrusion under floors, and in walls and ceilings. The equipment will also help detect electrical problems. The high-quality thermograms pinpoint loose connections with motors, starters and in electrical panels that, if left unchecked, might cause later serious problems such as fire. The equipment also helps highlight where energy efficiency can be improved by allowing the inspectors to “see” missing insulation, damaged pipe insulation, poorly sealed windows and doors and inadequate or poorly sealed ductwork.
In addition to diagnosing problems, zumBrunnen’s experienced inspectors will use the high-quality thermograms as “before and after” images to document problems and show proof of repair to provide their clients with additional assurance and peace of mind in knowing problems have been adequately solved. zumBrunnen’s inspectors have gone through certification training to learn how to collect quality data, take accurate readings, interpret thermograms and properly apply them in predictive maintenance applications.
zumBrunnen, Inc. was founded in 1989. The Atlanta-based firm specializes in construction consulting, facility condition assessments and long-range capital reserve planning services for a diverse list of national and international clients. The firm is also recognized for their proprietary FacilityForecast® Software System, a unique facilities condition assessment and budgeting tool designed to forecast and manage long-term capital replacement expenses and provide custom reserve funding plans tailored to their client’s business model.
The firm has completed notable projects in a variety of market sectors including senior living, healthcare, multi-family, educational, institutional, mixed use, retail, office, warehouse, industrial, hospitality and public assembly. The firm is involved in many associations including the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA) and numerous state chapters, the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), Coalition for Leadership in Aging Services (CLAS), Life Services Network (LSN), National Multi Housing Council (NMHC), Association of Professional Reserve Analysts (APRA), Community Associations Institute (CAI), Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, North Carolina Association of Independent Schools (NCAIS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS).
