View Newsletter Online: http://www.nubilt.com/newsletters/11-2008-newsletter.html

The benefits from using thermography, or thermal imaging, have become widely known—stretching into many industries. Variations in temperature and the infrared radiation of a subject can be detected through a camera using thermography technology. Although you may not be able to identify any temperature disparity when analyzing an object with the naked human eye, thermal imaging cameras can distinguish any heat differences—even behind walls.

Security/military personnel and firefighters have found thermal imaging cameras to be a necessity when confronted with blinding situations because of the temperature detection abilities. For instance, firefighters are able to see through smoke when searching for people—as was the case recently in Sanbornton, New Hampshire. Power line technicians and electricians find thermal imaging cameras particularly important when looking for overheated wires and circuits.

Thermal imaging has really become an invaluable tool to the restoration and construction industry as well. When a project manager is called to an emergency jobsite, he/she is quickly able to decipher ongoing water migrations and leaks—most of the time without even having to remove a wall or structure. When determining how much of a floor has been damaged by water, a thermal imaging camera can reveal the affected areas. With thermal imaging cameras, general contractors are able to save time in determining the source of the problems without demolition. Therefore, the less demolition involved in resolving issues results in more money savings for the client and less downtime for the recovery process.

Be sure to inquire about thermal imaging with your general contractors to increase your options of time and money savings.

Source: Fluke Corporation

Also Check Out:
 • Take the Fluke Challenge - Play a virtual game and practice your thermal imaging camera skills
 • Video: Thermal Imagers for Building Inspectors - Watch Chip Wade, from H&G, inspect a house with a thermal imaging camera

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The winter is fast approaching and so are the issues often related to the colder temperatures. As a restoration company, we constantly see the same issues arise with the harsh weather conditions. Therefore, we decided to put together ten tips to help prepare your property or properties of your clients from future damages.

1. Landscape Cleanup. Be sure to cut or trim back any trees or shrubs touching the roof or exterior of the property to prevent possible damage.

2. Clean Gutters & Downspouts. Clogged gutters can cause ice damming which can result in roof damages and roof leaks. Inserting leaf guards on gutters would be recommended.

3. Blow Out Irrigation Lines. Trapped water in sprinkler lines can easily be a cause for broken lines later. It is critical that hoses are drained and disconnected from any water source. The whereabouts of the water mains should be well-known in case of the need for an emergency shut-off. If there are exposed water pipes, it would be wise to insulate the piping.

4. Inspect Locations with Possible Outside Air Drafts. Weather-stripping around doors should be checked and upgraded if need be. Window screens and insulation should also be inspected. Any cracks in the foundations or exterior walls should be repaired and sealed properly.

5. Keep Vents & Interior Doors Open. Proper circulation needs to be present throughout house to prevent freezes. Furthermore, if it has been a while since the air ducts have been cleaned, it may be a good time to do so. All vents should be cleaned so no blockage is present.

6. Service Furnace or Other Heating System. Replace filters as needed to maximize air flow. Make sure flammable material is away from the heating system.

7. Inspect & Clean the Fireplace & Chimney. Soot and creosote should be removed if present. Be sure to close the fireplace damper when not in use.

8. Recharge Fire Extinguishers. People often spend more time in the houseduring winter months. Cooking appliances and extra heating devices are used more which increases chances for fires.

9. Inspect Fire & Smoke Alarms. Alarms should be tested to make sure they are working properly.

10. Keep Thermostat Above 55°F. If your property is going to be vacant for any amount of time, it is still essential to maintain the heat in your property. Frozen pipes can be directly related to thermostats being shut off or turned down too low.

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Companies in the insurance-related restoration industry would like to think that this industry is recession proof. After all, water damage, fires and natural disasters will continue to happen regardless of the economy. As long as there are insurance companies who have been pre-paid to cover these property claims, there will always be business. Even in past economic hardship times, the restoration industry thrived and continued to grow.

Times are different now. Many homes have negative equity—especially in the states that wrote several sub-prime mortgages. Numerous people have lost their jobs or are at risk of losing their jobs. In regards to property damage claims, many homeowners are leveraged by so much debt that some are finding it more beneficial to cash out rather than to hire a restoration company. The intention behind cashing out is generally to do the repairs themselves, hiring a handy man or a skilled tradesman—hoping for a cheaper cost. Homeowners are pocketing the so-called savings and paying off some of their debts—which unfortunately, is sometimes just a short-term solution because of additional complications arising due to insufficient repairs.

When a homeowner does sign a contract with a restoration company to perform repair work, most restoration companies would start the job by collecting the deductible. However, contractors are finding that many clients cannot afford their $1,000 deductibles. In fact, some insurance company adjusters are asking contractors to wait on collecting the deductibles in order to help the homeowner who has just suffered property disaster. After the mitigation and reconstruction are started and completed, the restoration company will usually bill for their services. Hopefully, the homeowner has held on to a check written in their name and possibly their mortgage company from their insurance provider. If the contractor is lucky, the insurance company has acknowledged the contractor’s interest in the claim and listed them on the check as well; however, many collection issues are being discovered by restoration companies, such as:

• the money was held by the mortgage company because the homeowner was in default on their loan;
• the homeowner cashed the check and paid off some bills;
• the money was garnished by a debt collector who had won a judgment against the homeowner;
• the house is in foreclosure;
• the homeowner is holding on to the money and wants to negotiate a lower settlement amount with the contractor.

As it would be nice to use any incoming funds to pay off existing debts or to purchase additional products/services, the distinction between being awarded insurance money and winning the lottery needs to be acknowledged. The monetary amount agreed upon by the insurance company and the restoration company is the reasonable amount needed to complete the repair work. When a contractor is given only a portion of the insurance money or none at all, the imposed strain on the contractor is apparent.

So, how can these issues be confronted in order to protect everyone’s stake? Simply put, stronger collaborations between businesses should be implemented. Insurance companies and restoration companies share similar goals: to restore the client’s property to pre-loss condition in the most cost-effective and efficient manner. In trying to protect financial interests, restoration companies need to be more prudent in tracking money from the beginning. Being more prudent may mean running a credit check (with proper authorization from the homeowner) or researching if the property is in foreclosure. When the green light is given and the contract is signed by the homeowner, a signed “Direction of Payment” needs to be sent to the insurance company. Adjusters also play a crucial role in the collections process. If an adjuster sees that a restoration company has signed a contract with the homeowner, the adjuster can list the contractor’s name on the payment draft as this protects all who are involved and keeps everyone’s interest protected. When money can be given to where it is due, serving clients to the best extent possible will be easier for all. Small and big restoration companies and contractors will be able to continue providing their services and survive through the economic hard times.

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