Why use an infrared camera?
We use FLIR Thermal Imaging camera technology
Infrared cameras are the latest technology being used for fast, reliable, accurate building diagnosis in a wide range of building problems, from post-catastrophe fire and flood investigations to chronic leaks and moisture problems.
Moisture in building materials can destroy structural integrity and nurture mold. The first step in moisture problem remediation is to quickly and accurately locate and remove all sources of moisture. By finding variations in temperature, Infrared cameras instantly show you what’s wet and what’s dry.
Example of Thermal Imaging Technology
For example, an area that is damp from a plumbing leak will heat up at a different rate than a dry area. The variations in heat emitted can be easily detected with an Infrared Camera. IR cameras can often find the ultimate source with little or no physical disassembly of the premises and minimal disturbance of inhabitants. To illustrate how the infrared camera “sees” heat, Lucy (pictured at left) was kind enough to pose for a picture. As you can see her nose, which is wet and cold, appears as blue and black while her eyes are white-hot.
How does Thermal Imaging work?
Thermography is the use of an infrared imaging and measurement camera to “see” and “measure” thermal energy emitted from an object. It is not a moisture meter, and does not “see” moisture. The cameras help the inspector see temperature differences and anomalies which can be caused by moisture. When two areas composed of the same or similar materials experience changing ambient temperatures, the area with the higher thermal mass (usually moisture) will change temperature more slowly. The first thing we do is turn on the functioning plumbing. We let water run through the drains of the toilets, sinks, showers, and dishwasher. Depending on the ambient conditions at the house at time of inspection, we may run hot or cold water. If the house is cold, hot water will show up better than cold water. We may use the heating or AC system to help change the temperatures in the house. The dry areas with less thermal mass will change temperature quickly. Areas with a higher thermal mass, which may include damp areas, will change temperature slower. These differences will be obvious when viewed through the Infrared camera.
Picture of carpet that appears dry
IR image of wet carpet
Evaluating the home with an IR Camera is a simple process, but one that most home inspectors do not use (The cameras are very expensive ranging from $6,000 – $24,000). And with many bank-owned homes getting a quick paint job for a fast sale, water stains may be covered up. It is important to note that the Infrared Cameras do not see through walls, cabinets, or concrete. Rather, they show differences in the surface temperature of a material. It is these temperature differences that may indicate moisture or another anomaly such as missing insulation.
The pictures at the left and right show an area that looked fine to the naked eye. After a quick scan with the Infrared Camera, you can see the wet carpet, which led to the discovery of a leak at the sliding glass door. The door was new, but the small drains at the track were clogged causing the water to back up into the room. Check out our post for a great example on Finding Moisture with Thermal Imaging.
Thermal Imaging of a leaking pipe
Please note that an Infrared camera is not a magic tool. It cannot determine if a leak will occur in the future if the area has had time to dry out. For example, if there has been no rain for several months, the Infrared camera will not detect moisture from a roof leak since no moisture is present. It also cannot detect moisture behind cabinets, furninture, or deep within a structure.
Thermal, or infrared energy, is light that is not visible because its wavelength is too long to be detected by the human eye. It’s the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that we perceive as heat. Unlike visible light, in the infrared world, everything with a temperature above absolute zero emits heat. Even very cold objects, like ice cubes, emit infrared energy. The higher the object’s temperature, the greater the IR radiation emitted. An Infrared camera allows us to see what our eyes cannot.
When evaluating which inspection company to use for your home inspection, please consider this technology. The San Diego Real Estate Inspection Company uses Infrared Cameras at every inspection. Each of our home inspectors is equipped with and “IR” camera. Isn’t your house worth it?
U.S. Dept. of Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a Thermographic Inspection.
