Regular inspections and upkeep are key to the longevity and effectiveness of any mechanical system. Mechanical insulation is no different. Inspections can spot a plethora of issues before they become costly and potentially disastrous. Because of this, insulation inspections should be conducted by a professional contractor at least once a year. If it’s about time for your facility’s next check-up, here is what you can expect.
External Inspections
This phase of the inspection is the least invasive, as the inspector can easily identify issues just by looking. They will take special care to assess the state of cladding, caulk sealant, and even missing insulation. This often occurs when maintenance or design modifications are done in an area and insulation is never replaced. Furthermore, the inspector can use infrared imaging to detect hot spots, condensation and ice buildup. External inspections can catch many issues, but they can’t fully assess what is happening beneath the insulation. That’s why internal inspections are often necessary.
Internal Inspections
When the substrate itself needs inspecting, there are a couple of different methods professionals will use to be as minimally invasive as possible. The first is by checking convenient inspection locations. These areas are identified during the planning stages of a project. The second, more common method, is to install inspection ports in locations where corrosion or other types of damage are more likely to occur. The insulation contractor installs them using plugs that can be removed during insulation. Both of these methods are effective in their own ways, however, they can only reveal the state of the substrate and pipe in those exact locations and not everywhere in the insulation system. The final method is to remove cladding and insulation in certain areas to view what’s going on beneath.
Risk Assessment
Once the inspection has taken place, the inspector will use the information gained to complete a risk assessment and ultimately a severity rating. Problems and failures are noted, and if they are significant, another more detailed inspection may be required. Higher risk areas should be inspected more thoroughly and more often than low-risk areas. The risks associated with a poorly maintained insulation system can include increased operating costs, corrosion under insulation, a risk to personnel through extreme temperatures, mould, or breakage, and even failure to obtain sustainability objectives.
Your insulation system is likely the least expensive mechanical system in your facility. Investing in its health and maintenance is key to preserving multiple benefits. If your building is due for an insulation inspection, call the experts at Westcal today!
