Fields of expertise
Here are the main fields on which I usually operate.
As an expert, the factual analysis is the same whatever the sector of activity, there are nevertheless domains where the level of mastery is more important.
Cracks
In the building, there are several types of fissures: from the micro-crack to the crack, through the crazing, their identification has a particular importance. Indeed, depending on their location and type, they can be of an aesthetic nature or structural, which can affect the strength of a construction.
A fissure, whatever it is, is not insignificant and is the witness of a particular pathology of a construction. An expert opinion is better than a doubt. In this way we can anticipate its evolution with the appropriate treatment.
Moisture
Moisture and water are not friends in the construction world. Too much humidity in a house can be the cause of material degradation and the propagation of fungus, mold or bacteria.
If not treated in time, infiltration can cause irreversible damage: rotting of materials, detachment of parquet floors, destruction of walls and ceilings etc…
It is important to identify the origin and to stop it with the appropriate solutions.
Roofs
Where the uninitiated see a new roof, the professionals will see a disaster. Unfortunately, more and more work is being done with the greatest of disregard, to the detriment of the rules of art and common sense.
Because of their inaccessibility, roofing work has a very high percentage of defects. Only an informed look and a thorough technical analysis can bring to light some dubious achievements.
This is also one of the possible missions of the building expert.
façades
Our old city centers have charm, but what about the life duration of their coatings? Over time, important unstable areas can appear. Time or bad materials used can cause this kind of disorders.
It is the role of the expert to define the causes.
For example, the inappropriate use of cement mortar on a lime facade causes an accumulation of water in the wall. This process causes the coatings to separate, which in some cases can be quite impressive and dangerous.
Masonry
Building works are governed by strict rules. They take the form of various technical opinions, standards, certifications or DTU (Unified Technical Documents).
Their knowledge is an undeniable asset for the expert, such as: knowing the nature of the materials used, identifying if their use respects the technical recommendations, being aware of the new rules in force and having followed an adapted training.
It is by relying on all this information that the expert has the competence to judge if a work is durable or not.
Energies
The cost of energy continues to rise and building professionals are offering more and more solutions to save money.
Attic insulation to improve comfort in winter as well as in summer, the use of heat pumps to save electricity, the installation of photovoltaic or thermal solar panels are all solutions that, despite an initial investment, allow real savings.
However, the installation must be carried out according to the rules of the trade and in the event of a dispute over their efficiency, only an expert can judge their proper functioning.
