In the building sciences, low range thermal imaging is used to detect heat differences within structural components. These heat differences develop on the basis of environmental temperature changes. Indoor building materials that are associated with the outside air are best measured in the morning when the outdoor temperature increases or decreases relative to the indoor temperature. Often, however, waiting for the appropriate time is not always practical. An alternative is to manipulate the indoor temperatures to create a temperature difference. Interior separating walls and ceilings can also be manipulated by changing the temperatures.
Building materials heat up and cool down at different rates. The greater the temperature differences, the greater the contrast of the photo image such as the image on the left.
For example, the placement of two pots on a stove top—one without, one with water. As pots heat up, the empty pot heats up faster than the one containing water. The differences in heat gain or cooling applies to the building sciences. As temperature rises, dry sheet rock and wet sheet rock will gain heat or cool at different rates. Thermal imaging displays these differences. The greater the temperature differences, the easier the water containing component can be identified. With small temperature differences, the thermographer may fail to identify materials with water damage. If the thermographer fails to identify the proper time where temperature difference in the building material, the findings may be negative. Thus, in the building sciences, thermographer expertise and planning are critical.
Thermal imaging may be used not only to identify wet building materials but to identify building defects, inadequate coverage of wall and ceiling thermal insulation, plumbing leaks in the wall and in some cases in the foundation and building air leaks. Beyond the building sciences, high range temperature thermal imaging is used to determine electrical discrepancies and pending mechanical failures.
Thermal Imaging Uses
Not only useful in performing “non-destructive testing”, but thermal imaging is the easiest means to identify hot spots in high ceiling, unreachable areas such as above swimming pools, water retention in exterior walls, leaks in roof surfaces, and more. Oftentimes, thermography is not only cost effective, but it saves time, and aggravation. Furthermore, a picture is worth a thousand words. We use this method in litigation. The images overlayed onto a photo is difficult to refute. Our principal is a Certified Level II Thermographer with Photoshop and AutoCAD expertise.
Another use for thermal imaging, requires a higher thermal range, is in the field of engineering diagnosis. It can be used to assess energy efficiency in a building. It can be used to rapidly identify faulty circuit brakers. It can be used to determine is equipment such as machine bearings that are approaching their failure mode. Thermal imaging can not only identify faulty and failing equipment, but it can save work and equipment down-time as well as associated expenses. Get ahead of the game.
Building Defects Identified by Thermal Imaging
The structural integrity of buildings may be compromised in newly constructed buildings as well as older building. Mold does not discriminate. The cause may be due to any of a number of failures, or it may be multiple causes. They may be the result of poor construction methods, inadequate/poor architectural design, plumbing failures, poorly designed/installed/maintained HVAC systems, and generally poor workmanship.
First and foremost, moisture sources must be identified. And once moisture is identified within a building structure, mold is likely to be present. Yet, identifying moisture in building materials can be challenging.
Oftentimes, building materials have moisture damage that is either not visible apparent and/or it is unreachable. For instance, wall studs may be water damaged yet hidden within a wall cavity, it is near impossible to use a moisture meter on all surfaces – walls, ceilings, and floors – within a building.
Furthermore, suspect areas are out of reach such as 20-foot ceilings, ceilings above a swimming pool, plumbing leaks under floor tiles, and more. We have consistently encountered that which others could not.
Thermal Imaging Examples
NEW CONSTRUCTION
No evidence of water damage (visible light photography)
Evidence of water damage flowing from upper right corner, spreading down indicating roof leak (thermal imaging).
INDOOR SWIMMING POOL
No evidence of water damage (visible light photography)
