Thermal Imaging Inpection
Benefits of Thermal Imaging
Infrared thermography (commonly called infrared imaging or thermal imaging) is an advanced, non-invasive technology that allows an inspector to identify deficiencies in buildings that can’t be revealed using conventional visual inspection methods.
Thermographic cameras detect radiation in the long-infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum and produce images of that radiation. The amount of radiation emitted by an object, called “Emissivity”, increases with temperature; therefore, thermography allows for variations in temperature to be identified.
Thermal Imaging can help identify
Energy loss
- Missing, poor, settled, or improperly installed insulation
- Heat loss and air infiltration in walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors
- Damaged and/or malfunctioning radiant heating systems
- Air-conditioner compressor leaks
- Missing framing members and other structural defects that can lead to energy loss
- Broken seals in double-pane windows
- Flu leaks
- Leaking air conditioning ducts or mechanical equipment
Moisture related problems
- Plumbing leaks
- Building envelope water intrusion (roof, walls, windows, doors, and foundation)
- Wet insulation, cabinets, walls, flooring, and personal/business items
Electrical deficiencies
- Circuit breakers in need of immediate replacement
- Overloaded and undersized circuits
- Overheated electrical equipment and components
- Electrical faults
Identification of Pests
- Possible pest infestation, as revealed by energy loss through shelter tubes left by boring wood-destroying insects
- Animals such as snakes, bats, rats, mice, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, etc. inside of walls, attics, and crawl spaces
Location of building components
- Stud/ joist/ beam placement
- Pipe location
- Heating and cooling duct placement
*Please note that FSG predominantly uses thermal imaging to find moisture damage and pipe leaks.*
Thermal imaging limitations
- Images can be difficult to interpret accurately when based upon objects with erratic temperatures
- Accurate temperature measurements are hindered by differing emissivity’s and reflections from other surfaces
- Thermal imaging is only able to directly detect surface temperatures (It cannot see through walls like an x-ray scanner)
- Conditions of the jobsite can have a substantial effect on thermal imaging (If it has just rained, early morning temperatures vs afternoon temperatures, very cold or hot environments, etc.)
