Infrared Thermography

Infrared image of large picture windows in a great room, measuring heat loss from windows

What is Infrared Thermography?

Infrared thermography is a non-contact, non-destructive imaging technology that uses infrared radiation to produce images of thermal patterns and temperatures on the surface of an object. The technology works by detecting the heat that is emitted by objects and using that information to produce images that show variations in temperature across the surface of the object.

In the context of building inspections, infrared thermography is used to identify thermal anomalies and energy losses in building envelopes, electrical and mechanical systems, and other areas of a building. The images produced by infrared thermography can help building inspectors identify areas where insulation is missing, air leaks are present, or where electrical components are overheating, for example. This information can be used to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy costs, and improve the overall comfort and safety of a building.

What is included in an Infrared Thermography Service?

Infrared thermography typically includes the following steps:

  1. Equipment setup: Before the inspection, the inspector will set up the infrared camera and any other necessary equipment.

  2. Inspection of building components: The inspector will inspect the building's components, such as walls, roofs, electrical systems, and HVAC systems, using the infrared camera to detect thermal anomalies.

  3. Data analysis: The data collected during the inspection will be analyzed to identify areas of concern, such as missing insulation, air leaks, and overheating electrical components.

  4. Report preparation: The inspector will prepare a report that includes the results of the inspection, including thermal images and recommendations for addressing any issues identified during the inspection.

  5. Review of the results: The report and thermal images will be reviewed with the building owner or manager to discuss the results of the inspection and any necessary repairs or upgrades.

The goal of infrared thermography is to identify thermal anomalies and energy losses in a building, and to provide recommendations for improving energy efficiency and reducing energy costs.

Why is Infrared Thermography important?

Infrared thermography is important for several reasons:

  1. Improving energy efficiency: Infrared thermography can help identify areas where a building is losing energy, such as through air leaks or missing insulation, and make recommendations for improving energy efficiency and reducing energy costs.

  2. Identifying potential safety hazards: Infrared thermography can help identify potential safety hazards, such as overheating electrical components or equipment that is not functioning properly.

  3. Minimizing disruptions: Infrared thermography is a non-contact, non-destructive imaging technology, which means it can be performed without causing any disruptions to the building or its occupants.

  4. Preventive maintenance: Infrared thermography can be used as part of a preventive maintenance program to identify potential issues before they become bigger problems.

  5. Cost savings: By identifying areas where a building is losing energy and making recommendations for improving energy efficiency, infrared thermography can help building owners and managers save money on energy costs over time.

  6. Improving comfort: By identifying areas where air leaks are present, infrared thermography can help improve the overall comfort of a building by reducing drafts and improving indoor air quality.

  7. Detect Moisture

Overall, infrared thermography is an important tool for building owners and managers who want to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy costs, improve the safety and comfort of their buildings, and minimize disruptions to their operations.

Infrared thermography can detect moisture by looking for temperature anomalies in a building's structure. Moisture in building materials, such as walls and ceilings, can cause the temperature of these materials to be different from the surrounding materials. This temperature difference can be seen as a visual image using infrared thermography.

Moisture in building materials can cause a number of problems, such as mold growth, rot, and structural damage. By detecting moisture using infrared thermography, building owners and managers can take action to address these problems before they become more serious and costly to repair.

Infrared thermography can also be used to determine the extent of moisture penetration in building materials, which can help building owners and managers make informed decisions about the best course of action for addressing the problem. For example, if the moisture is only present in a small area, it may be possible to remove and replace just that portion of the material. However, if the moisture is widespread, it may be necessary to remove and replace larger sections of the material to effectively address the problem.

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