When we talk about wooden structures, not just any diagnosis will do. In Mallorca, many buildings – from old houses to renovation or new construction projects – require reliable assessments to ensure safety and durability. To do this, at Termicor we have one of the few resistographs available on the island, a technical tool that allows us to inspect the inside of the wood without damaging it.
If you are an architect, technician or are involved in the conservation or intervention of structures, this tool can make the difference between a well-informed decision and an unnecessary or insufficient intervention.
What is a resistograph and how does it work?
A resistograph is a high-precision instrument that measures the internal resistance of wood through micro-perforation with an extremely thin needle. Upon penetration, this needle detects the density of the material and traces a graphical curve that reveals:
- Areas weakened by termite or woodworm attacks.
- Interior openings or loss of density due to humidity or rot.
- Structural changes due to aging or previous problems.
The most important thing is that all this is detected without altering the structure or affecting the aesthetics of the element evaluated. It is a discreet, fast and precise tool that allows you to act with knowledge before starting a work or structural intervention.
Applications of the resistograph in wooden structures
The usefulness of the resistograph extends to multiple types of constructions and situations in Mallorca. These are the main ones:
Historic Building Assessment
Mallorca has an important heritage built in wood, especially in roofs, slabs and structural carpentry. In these cases, it cannot be opened or replaced without technical justification, since they are protected elements or of high aesthetic value.
The resistograph allows a clear diagnosis to be obtained without altering the element, helping to:
- Identify hidden damage.
- Justify interventions in restoration projects.
- Write technical reports requested by Heritage or administration.
Technical control in works and renovations
Both in rehabilitation and in new construction, beams or wooden elements that appear to be in good condition are often reused. However, without an internal assessment, it is impossible to know whether that wood retains its structural strength.
We use the resistograph to:
- Validate the internal quality of reused beams.
- Evaluate parts affected by moisture or pests.
- Obtain real data before reinforcing, replacing or preserving.
Preventive maintenance
In inhabited buildings, rural hotels or homes with exposed structures, problems are often not visible until it is too late. With the resistograph, faults can be detected in good time and action can be taken preventively.
This type of periodic technical reviews helps to:
- Avoid unnecessary expenses due to advanced deterioration.
- Schedule maintenance before the structure collapses.
- Ensure the safety of occupants without altering the aesthetics of the building.
How we work at Termicor
Each service with a resistograph follows a structured methodology, adapted to each case. Our goal is not only to measure, but to offer useful results and clear decisions for architects, quantity surveyors, owners or construction technicians.
- Pre-planning of the work: We analyze the structure, select the critical points and prepare the environment for clean and accurate data collection.
- Drilling with digital registration: We carry out the micro-perforations with our professional resistograph, which generates curves in real time with a high level of detail.
- Interpretation of results: We translate the graph into a visual technical report, identifying compromised areas and differentiating between healthy, weakened or damaged woods.
- Personalized technical recommendation: Based on the data, we advise on whether it is feasible to preserve, reinforce or replace, thus supporting any technical decision of the project.
In addition, if the job requires it, we combine this tool with other techniques such as advanced visual inspection, moisture detection or detection of active xylophages. All focused on obtaining a complete, accurate and useful diagnosis.
Having a resistograph is not enough. Like any technical tool, its real value depends on the experience of the professional who uses it. Misinterpreting a curve or misapplying the tool can lead to wrong decisions, with serious consequences.
In Termicor:
- We have specialized training in non-destructive structural analysis.
- We have extensive experience in the use of the resistograph in real cases.
- We regularly collaborate with architecture, engineering and rehabilitation technician studios.
- We deliver clear and visual technical reports, suitable to be included in reports, ITE or projects.
And for that very reason, we do not rent the equipment. The resistograph is part of our technical work, and we use it exclusively within our services. Only in this way can we guarantee that the evaluation is reliable, safe and useful for those who really need it.
Do you need to evaluate a wooden structure in Mallorca? Contact us.
