Resistograph :: IML,Inc.

New Technology For Termite Inspections, Claims:

If we do not protect the environment, who will?

How would you like to be able to determine if a stud behind sheetrock has been damaged by termites or wood decay fungi - without destroying the wall in the process? How would you like to determine if the middle of a wooden structural member that is showing wood-destroying organism activity is solid or if it needs the attention of a structural engineer? And to top it all off, how would you like a tangible, permanent record of the information you find to keep in your files?

Recently, I have been doing termite detection with a Resistograph - a tool that I borrowed from the forestry and arboriculture industries. It was developed in Germany and used to determine determining the internal damage done to tree limbs and trunks. The Resistograph allows PCOs to detect the severity of termite damage to structures that is not visible from an exterior visual inspection.

In addition to detecting damage, a Resistograph produces a graphic representation of the wood's "resistance" compared to a bit driven through the wood at constant pressure. The bit is as small as the lead in a No. 2 pencil, so the hole can be easily covered up after the process.

The Resistograph that I recently previewed can make a determination of damage up to six inches deep. Other Resistograph can probe up to 24 inches of wood, but are too large and awkward for PCO use.

How It Works:

The Resistograph measures the varying resistance of wood as the bit passes through it. The resulting graph provides a visual record of the "invisible condition" inside the structural member. If the wood has an internal defect - such as from termites or wood decay fungi - the problem areas will show up as a "dip" or deep valley in the graph. PCOs can then use this information in deciding whether or not to further investigate the structural integrity of the wood. As shown in Figure 1, the drill bit passes through the annual rings of the wood and produces a peak and a valley. The peak represents the entry into the hard summer wood, and the valley represents the softer spring wood.

What It Does For PCOs:

With the information on the damage safely tucked into a permanent file, PCOs are able to avoid making holes in walls to determine damage where activity is suspected, thus increasing professionalism and reducing liability. Although the Resistograph will not solve all termite-related problems, it is one more tool that can be used to gather information, increase customer satisfaction and decrease liability.

The

Resistograph...There is No Substitute!