IMPORTANCE OF THERMAL CAMERAS IN THE RESTORATION FIELD
Thermal imaging cameras are a common tool in the home inspection industry and the property damage restoration field. This unique tool is commonly being used to verify building performance, determine insulation conditions, locate leaks, verify structure design and locate moisture intrusion. Thermal Imaging Cameras are a must have inspection tool for a fast and non-invasive method of locating unwanted water in building materials and hard-to-reach pockets of moisture. An infrared camera also documents temperatures by allowing us to save the images we are viewing. Primarily, thermal imaging cameras are used to identify thermal patterns so the conditions can be diagnosed and a plan can be executed.
Some examples of thermal imaging camera applications include:
Thermal imaging cameras are a common tool in the home inspection industry and the property damage restoration field. This unique tool is commonly being used to verify building performance, determine insulation conditions, locate leaks, verify structure design and locate moisture intrusion. Thermal Imaging Cameras are a must have inspection tool for a fast and non-invasive method of locating unwanted water in building materials and hard-to-reach pockets of moisture. An infrared camera also documents temperatures by allowing us to save the images we are viewing. Primarily, thermal imaging cameras are used to identify thermal patterns so the conditions can be diagnosed and a plan can be executed.
Some examples of thermal imaging camera applications include:
- Thermal heat loss in buildings
- Flat-roof leak detection for buildings
- Locate radiant heating wires or pipes
- Locate potential areas for mold growth
- Locate cooler temperatures that indicate hidden
moisture
Rainbow
International uses thermal imaging cameras for many different applications.
This tool is most commonly used to determine temperature differences within the
structure that indicate if moisture is present. Thermal imaging works by
capturing two-dimensional real time images of the materials surface
temperatures. Since water conducts and stores heat better than most building
materials these thermal images can quickly reveal areas that would not appear
wet to the untrained eye. Moist materials retain thermal energy differently,
allowing the camera to pick up the difference in temperature. Drywall and wood
have the ability to absorb and hold moisture so it is necessary to thoroughly
examine the extent of the moisture within all the materials surrounding the
source of the water damage. This picture from our recent mold class shows how a
thermal camera indicates warm and cool temperatures.
Thermal cameras DO NOT detect moisture or measure moisture directly, they simply show warmer and cooler zones which may indicate moist materials. Device's on the LCD display warm areas as red, cold areas as blue and other color combinations indicate temperatures in between. Cooler temperatures might not be associated with moisture in some cases so other equipment is then needed to confirm if there is an actual moisture issue. A difference in cooler temperatures can be the result of situations such as cool air from air conditioning, a lack of insulation within a wall cavity or a cold water line running through the area being measured.
Cooler temperatures that are identified as suspect wet materials are then tested further with moisture meters. Moisture meters are used to determine if there is moisture within the structure by measuring the amount of moisture beneath the surface. The use of both thermal cameras and moisture meters help us identify hidden moisture that can be treated to prevent mold.
Detecting hidden moisture is a critical aspect of the water restoration process. This requires the right equipment and a good understanding of building materials and how to effectively dry them. Rainbow International is a certified by the IICRC to properly restore your property after a water loss.
