Thermal Imaging
Thermal Imaging or Infrared photography can help locate hidden water leaks without needless deconstruction, especially when used in conjunction with a moisture meter. When forensic leak investigation involves invasive deconstruction, including opening walls, roofs and ceilings, our Flir® cameras can help pinpoint exactly where leaks are occurring and minimize deconstruction, time, cost and the mess.
When water infiltrates a structure it can travel a long distance before any visual evidence is apparent, making it difficult to track down the source and measure the extent of the damage. Infrared photography can be used to locate hard to find sources as well as indicate the leak path and extent of damage.
Infrared Imaging
Infrared Imaging can be used to locate:
- Wall Leaks
- Basement Leaks
- Flat Roof Leaks
- Window Leaks
- Siding Leaks
- Plumbing Leaks
- Ceiling Leaks
- Trapped Moisture (Mold Food)
- Construction Defects
- Air Leaks
- Stucco Leaks
Other Uses for Thermal Imaging
In Place of a Moisture Meter
While moisture meters are a useful tool, infrared cameras allow for leak detection in hard-to-reach and hard-to-see areas. Using a handheld moisture meter can be tedious and time consuming, especially on large areas and the location must be easily reachable but, with an infrared camera, large areas can be scanned in seconds and hard to reach areas can be analyzed at a distance.
For Repairs
Thermal Imaging can also be used to confirm efficacy of repairs performed. In many instances, multiple repairs have been performed in suspected leak source locations and the effectiveness of the repair is unknown until the next rain event. Using infrared photography in conjunction with a quick water test can prove weather or not the area will continue to leak.
For Insurance Claims
Infrared imaging can justify needed repairs to insurance companies by showing the extent of damage. It is very important to show insurance companies the extent of damage caused by water leaks because they do not pay to repair leaks but do pay for damage caused by water infiltration in some cases.
Home Buying / Selling
Using infrared photography when buying or selling a home can be a quick way to “see” if there is anything of concern hidden behind the walls. In addition to possible leaks, infrared photography can reveal missing or damaged insulation, construction deficiencies, causes of drafts and A/C or heat loss locations.
Thermal Energy Audits
Thermal Imaging can benefit homeowners interested in increasing their home’s energy efficiency or locating the source(s) of energy loss. A thermal camera can easily locate areas of missing insulation inside walls and ceilings and will quickly show gaps and loose joints in ductwork without having to crawl all through the attic.
Thermal Imaging Benefits
- Non-invasive
- Minimal Demolition
- Minimal Deconstruction
- Real-time Results
- Saves Time
- Saves Money
*Don Putnam received the Level ll Thermography Certification from the FLIR Infrared Training Center.
