Niton Analysers Go Higher

Cladding on buildings is in the spotlight. To help prevent catastrophic failure we need to know the materials on existing structures and check the materials to be used on new structures.

Investigating materials in tight spots on tall buildings over 50M above street level is now much easier with a handheld Niton analyser, but you need a good head for heights. Barry Hunt from IBIS Chartered Surveyors uses a portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyser to check the metals used in cladding on buildings up to 14 storeys high. Such surveys are proving invaluable in diagnosing many different types of condition. In expert hands an instant elemental analysis can mitigate costly, time-consuming laboratory sampling and analysis.

“The magic is in being able to obtain an instant elemental analysis.” Barry Hunt.

The Niton analyser has been used to:

• Identify of stone type and elemental make-up
• Establish the lead content of paint and contamination of back- ground materials
• Distinguish different grades of steel and other metals
• Determine the thickness of protective coatings to metals
• Assist in determining the presence of salts affecting different
  masonry materials
• Assess the cement binder type in mortar and concrete
• Measure the content of precious metals
• Reveal the nature of surface encrustations to masonry.

The analyser can determine instantly the grade of stainless steel in cladding fixings. Metals and alloys are identified precisely by comparing with certified reference standards. With the recent spotlight on external cladding, it is essential to check that materials supplied are of the right quality. Hundreds of measurements can be made in a single day. A few hours on site with an analyser gives reassurance.

The XRF analyser is one of the many pieces of equipment IBIS uses. These make their façade surveys considerably more accurate than the hands-off methods offered by remote drones and lasers. IBIS uses experts who abseil, not “dopes on ropes”. These experts offer detailed advice on protection, cleaning, maintenance, planned works and façade retention.

Find further information on IBIS Chartered Surveyors at www.ibis.uk.net

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