Facts About Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging
has been used by the military to detect and identify enemy personnel,
equipment, and buildings for years. Helicopters, fighter jets and even some
missiles use thermal imaging for targeting and reconnaissance. Law enforcement
agencies also use this technology for everything from tracking criminals at
night to rescuing citizens and pets.
In the building
industry, thermal imaging has been used to find problems with building
materials, such as hidden water leaks, HVAC leaks, missing insulation, and
faulty electrical and mechanical systems. For example, thermal imaging can help
you locate loose fuse connections and overheated breaker boxes, or determine if
there is energy loss due to poor insulation, bad weather stripping around
entryways or refrigeration units.
The IAQ
industry has been using thermal imaging over the past 5 years for
"vision" during environmental investigations. Now you can examine
roofs, floors, and walls for moisture intrusion. This technology does not use
x-ray capabilities. Instead, it uses the differences in surface temperature to
pinpoint problems and presents the results in a colorimetric scale on screen.
Infrared cameras cannot detect mold. However, it can detect the temperature differences
of moisture often associated with mold growth and condensation problems. You
need to use a moisture meter to confirm that the temperature difference is
indeed moisture.
Infrared cameras can
also be an asset to remediation and restoration contractors. If walls are not
dried completely, microbial problems can continue to occur. The infrared camera
can help you determine if a wall has dried properly after remediation, saving
you time and money by avoiding revisits.
Some thermal
imaging cameras come with features such as viewing picture-in-picture, saving
jpeg images, and downloading capabilities. Thermal imaging cameras are quickly
becoming a common tool to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of IAQ
investigations and home inspections.
The House Authority Inspection Service. LLC uses this technology to help diagnose problems in Residential and Commercial Property Inspections. Currently we use the FLIR I-7. The equipment is a tool and can only determine temperature differences. We use our experience, vision, infrared camera and other tools such as moisture detection equipment to determine water intrusion and mold issues. The Infrared Camera by itself can not determine or find problems.
Please call about these services - (904) 287-8842
Thermal Imaging is Now Available from the
House Authority Inspection Service, LLC
