Infrared Thermal Imaging

In measuring surface temperature variation of the building envelope, infrared cameras are instrumental in detecting thermal irregularities / patterns on the building envelope. They are therefore non-intrusive, non-destructive instruments for discovering structural problems, excessive thermal bridging, insulation problems, moisture intrusion, condensation and air leakage.

Conductive Losses

missing insulation, improperly installed insulation, compressed or damaged insulation, shrinkage or settling of various insulating materials

excessive thermal bridging in studs and joints between walls an top and bottom plates

condensation damaged insulation and building material

heat loss through multi-pane windows with broken seals

leaks in plumbing

damaged HVAC ducts

Air Leakage

excessive air movement through the building envelope (walls, doors, windows, joints, etc.) significantly reduces the thermal integrity of the envelope and contributes to energy consumption.

In addition to energy loss, air leakage can cause also condensation to form within and on the walls which can reduce the insulation or permanently damage it, seriously degrade materials (rotten wood, structural steel corrosion, spalling concrete) and can lead to mold formation, eventually requiring extensive and costly remediation.

Moisture Intrusion

Under the right conditions, infrared scan is a fast, non-invasive method for discovering hidden moisture intrusion within the building envelope, which can be conducive to mold, decay and wood destroying insects.

leaking roof
plumbing leaks
water intrusion in basement

Infrared thermography cannot be used to detect mold, since mold does not exhibit exothermic reaction that can be detected by an infrared camera.

Electrical Problems

Thermograms of electrical systems can detect abnormal heating associated with high resistance or excessive current flow.

under-sized conductors and overloaded circuits
faulty electrical contacts or connections
improper grounding
excessive current flow
overheating breakers

Infrared thermal imaging enable us to see the heat signs associated with high electrical resistance long before the circuit becomes hot enough to cause an outage or a fire.

If you are buying a residential or commercial building, an infrared scan (infrared inspection) can help to discover hidden problems that the seller may not even know exist.

During periodic Maintenance Inspection, a thorough infrared scan can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs over the life of your building.

In detecting air leakage and insulation defects, an infrared scan can help you conserve energy and reduce your utility bills.

Even new houses can have defects in their thermal envelopes that can cost you money on a daily basis. An infrared scan can reveal defects before your warranty expires.

water intrusion

missing insulation

air leakage

missing insulation

overloaded branch circuit

Consumer's Guide to Infrared Thermography of Buildings (NACHI.TV)

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Last modified: 05/02/2008

Infrared Thermal Imaging, Infrared Inspections in Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington DC

Infrared Thermal Imaging, Building Thermography, Building Thermogram, Infrared Scans, Building Infrared Scan, Building Science, Building investigations. Thermography, infrared scan of electrical systems, building envelope infrared scan, energy loss infrared thermal imaging

Other Professional Services: Home Inspections, Building Investigations, Infrared Thermal Imaging, Maintenance Inspections, Trouble Shooting Consultations, Environmental Consultations

New Houses Inspections, Historic Houses Inspections

Indoor Air Quality (IAQ): Mold Sampling, Mold Assessment, Allergens, Radon Tests, Lead in Paint, Asbestos

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