Frequently asked questions

1. How much does this type of testing cost? – You will need to call us so we can get all the details, there are so many variables of this type of work that each project is unique in it’s testing requirements.

2. How do I get my welders certified? – There are many different types of tests that can be performed, different positions, materials and different codes, you will need to call to give us the details so we can walk you through the process.

3. Do I need a written welding procedure? – Yes, most of the codes and specifications require a written welding procedure to be on-site while the welding is performed or when welder testing is performed.

4. What kinds of products do you test? – We provide a wide range of testing on mostly metallic parts ranging from buildings, bridges, castings, tanks, pressure vessels, piping, plates,  and weld testing for many industries.

5. Do I have to bring my parts to you? – No, although that may be the most cost effective and code compliant way to have small parts tested, but we do field inspections for various items of all sizes.

6. Can you perform Mechanical Testing? – Yes, we have a mechanical testing laboratory that can perform a wide range of services, including welding procedure, charpy impact, bend, and hardness tests.

7. What makes your technicians qualified to inspect Structural Steel Buildings? - Most building codes required inspectors of welding to have the minimum certification of Certified Welding Inspector, (CWI).  CWI’s must have a minimum of (5) years of welding experience as well as, a passing grade on extensive testing administered by the American Welding Society.

8. Do your technicians hold individual certifications? - Yes, each technician has to have the minimum requirement of the authorizing agency for work experience and classroom training for each discipline in which they are certified.

9. Does your personnel have to do anything to maintain their certifications? - Each technician has to re-certify every three years for each discipline in addition to periodic internal audits throughout the year.

10. Can I test my own house for lead-based paint? - Many of the DIY test kits available do not give reliable results. UTS can provide trained and licensed inspectors with the latest equipment to test for lead paint. UTS equipment is calibrated to detect lead based paint in accordance with the latest government standards.

11. My house was built prior to 1978. Should I be concerned? - According to government regulations, all painted surface should be assumed to have lead-based paint. In addition, drywall, drywall mud, plaster, wall and ceiling texturing, caulk, ceiling tile, floor tile, resilient sheet flooring, mastics (glue) associated with the floor and ceiling tile, base cove and roofing products including flashing and shingles among other items should be assumed as asbestos containing materials.

12. I would like to renovate my house myself. Are your services required? - If renovations or demolition are proposed, it is highly recommended that the residence be tested for asbestos and lead-based paint. Significant health concerns may be raised by exposing your family, visitors and other occupants to these environmental hazards.

13. Can UTS clean up my mold/asbestos/lead-based paint problem after testing? - UTS is solely an engineering and testing firm.  As such, we’ve made a strong commitment to maintaining our objectiveness in all projects.  Therefore, we leave the cleaning and/or remediation to other professionals, and focus our full attention to evaluating the extent of the problem and providing the client with a scope of work for remediation, if warranted.

14. Can I get my mold testing results the same day testing is performed? - The identification of the various types of mold is typically performed at a microscopic level in the laboratory by highly trained and experienced professionals.  UTS utilizes an accredited, independent laboratory for our mold analysis.  Typically, the analysis takes two to three business days.

15. Can you tell me if the mold in my house or building is making me sick? - Everybody has very different levels of susceptibility to different types of mold.  In addition, our immune systems may react differently to various molds depending on changes in our own body chemistry over time and in relation to other health factors.  Only your physician can determine if your body if suffering from mold exposure.  The sampling data collected by UTS can aid your physician in evaluating your exposure levels.

16. What makes your mold assessment services unique? - UTS evaluates each mold scenario from a professional engineer’s perspective.  We don’t just test for mold; we can also assess the causes of the mold growth and provide detailed recommendations for the remediation of the mold impacted materials and the elimination of the moisture source(s) causing the problem.  Currently, there are no local, state or federal guidelines outlining the requirements of mold assessment or remediation professionals.  With UTS, our professional certifications dictate the highest level of professional integrity so you can be sure that, even in the absence of government oversight, you’re getting a level of service that exceeds the industry standard.