Page 344 - Construction Waterproofing Handbook

8.4 CHAPTER EIGHT
During visual analysis, documentation of all unusual or differing site conditions should
be addressed. Visual inspections should locate potential problems, including:
● Cracks or separations (Fig. 8.3)
● Unlevel or bulging areas
● Presence of different colors in substrate material
● Efflorescence
● Staining
● Spalled surfaces
● Missing elements
In addition to documentation of these areas, inspection should be completed on func-
tioning areas of an envelope, including roof drains, scuppers and downspouts, flashings,
and sealant joints.
Accessories available to complete visual inspections include cameras, video cameras,
binoculars, magnifying glasses, handheld microscopes, plumbs, levels, and measuring
tapes. The better the documentation, the better the information available for making appro-
priate decisions concerning repair procedures.
Either during visual analysis or after collection of data, further testing may be required
to formulate repair procedures and document the extent of substrate and structure damage.
Preferably nondestructive testing, which does no harm to existing materials, will suffice.
However, in some situations destructive testing is required to ensure that adequate restora-
tion procedures are completed.

Nondestructive testing
Nondestructive testing is completed with no damage to existing substrates and typically
requires no removal of any envelope components. Available testing ranges from simple meth-
ods, such as use of a knife, to advanced methods of x-ray and nuclear testing. The most

FIGURE 8.3 Visual inspection of substrate cracking. (Courtesy of Webac)