Infrared Thermography (Thermal Imaging)
What is Infrared Thermography and how does it work?
Infrared Thermography is a technique that produces an image of invisible (to the human eye) infrared light emitted by objects due to the heat, or lack thereof, in the object. The infrared energy emitted by an object is known as its heat signature. In general, the hotter an object is, the more radiation it emits. The temperature difference created by the presence of moisture on the inside surface of a wall will appear differently than the surrounding area. A Thermal Imaging Camera is essentially a heat sensor that is capable of detecting these tiny differences in temperature. The device collects the infrared radiation from objects in the scene and creates an electronic image based on information about the temperature differences. Because objects are rarely precisely the same temperature as other objects around them, a Thermal Imaging Camera can detect differences between materials and they will appear as distinct in a thermal image.
How is the use of Thermography helpful in the detection of water damage?
The problem faced by most property owners is that moisture behind walls, over ceilings, and under floors is often impossible to detect until the problem is excessive and visible to the naked eye. Since the investigation and removal of infestations of not yet visible, mold in structures is often difficult, AEG uses this technology to do what once was impossible. The use of Infrared Thermography is a fast, non-invasive method to discover moisture intrusion within the building envelope. While it does not directly detect the presence of mold, it is used to find moisture where mold may develop. This procedure is called Moisture Mapping.
Our FLIR e-Series infrared cameras help us catch problems immediately, diagnose them correctly, and work far more efficiently. We use our Thermal Imaging Camera to find moisture damage without the use of any destructive testing which helps minimize downtime. Our infrared cameras also incorporate temperature measurements that allow us to make well-informed judgments about the condition of a structure. The extra verification gives additional assurance that the findings from the camera are defensible. Property owners and their insurers faced with a claim alleging mold infestation can find these tools essential to the decision process and proper maintenance of the structure
The use of infrared technology and the larger areas covered rapidly by a Thermal Imaging Camera can save time and money by providing a faster, more efficient and more reliable survey. This technology helps our Thermography experts make recommendations and create our Scope of Work plan for remediation, if necessary.
