THERMAL IMAGING

Examples of infrared inspection applications:

Water intrusion

Scanning interior surfaces of a building with an infrared camera can reveal excess moisture due to plumbing leaks, roof leaks, leaks around windows or any areas that water leaks are suspected. Wet areas of building materials cool when energy is transferred during the water evaporation process; therefore, a wet “cooler” area will stand out from the surrounding dry “warmer” surface.

Insulation deficiencies

Significant temperature differences, due to variations in thermal energy (heat) transfer, allow for detection of missing insulation when scanning ceiling and wall surfaces.

Roofing leaks

Scanning roof coverings can reveal water intrusion and accumulated moisture below the surface. Due to its thermal properties (high thermal capacity), water typically gives up heat at a much slower rate than the surrounding roof materials. The areas of accumulated moisture can therefore be detected when scanning the roof surface. This type of roof inspection is best done in the evening or early night-time after thermal energy imparted during the daytime is transferred or released.

Structural Issues

Differences in thermal capacity, conductivity, and other intrinsic qualities of building structural components can allow for their detection when scanning walls, floors, and ceilings with an infrared camera. Under the right conditions, missing structural components, and portions of structural components which are damaged (to the extent that their intrinsic qualities are significantly changed), can be detected.

Infrared inspections are performed by a Certified Building Science Thermographer.