Orlando
and Central
Florida
Infrared
inspection
services
Infrared
inspection
(thermography) can be
defined as
the
detection
and
measurement
of emitted
thermal
energy
(heat). This
is enabled
by the use
of an
infrared
camera which
translates
the
invisible
infrared
spectrum
into a
visual
format, or
thermal
image.
This thermal
image can
then be
interpreted
to provide a
noninvasive
and
nondestructive
method of
identifying
building
defects and
deficiencies.
In addition
to finding
problems,
infrared
inspections
are useful
for
clearance
purposes and
also to
confirm that
previously
determined
issues have
been
properly
corrected or
remediated.
|
Sample infrared image: |
|
Below are
sample
images of
the same
area (visual
image at
left and
thermal
image at
right).
Nothing is
apparent
when looking
at the
visual
image, but
missing
insulation
is very
apparent in
the thermal
image. Lighter colors represent progressively
warmer temperatures (areas of missing
insulation), while darker colors represent progressively
cooler temperatures. |
| |
|
 |
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, etc. 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:
appreciable temperature differences,
due to variations in thermal energy (heat) transfer,
allow for detection of deficient or 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 nighttime after thermal energy
imparted during the daytime is transferred or released.
Electrical systems:
deficiencies within the
electrical system can be made visually apparent by use of an
infrared camera. For example, a deficient connection
between electrical components can result in resistance which
will manifest in an apparent temperature elevation when
compared with similar types of connections under similar load
conditions.
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.
Please
contact us concerning your
specific inspection needs.
HomeFacts Home Inspection services
