Thermal Imaging

A thermal imaging survey with an infrared camera can be a helpful tool for a variety of purposes including energy auditing, water intrusion, and structural analysis. As such, a forensic investigation is needed to confirm what is revealed from these images. For example, a vertical thermal band within a concrete block wall may be due to a missing core fill, missing insulation, water intrusion, or a cold water line that extends down to a hose bib. Additional investigation is required to identify the source of the thermal anomaly and to determine whether there is moisture present or not.

Thermal imaging can be used to:

- determine where framing members are located within a wood-framed structure.

- determine locations to probe for elevated moisture levels.

- determine locations where flat roofs may be leaking.

- determine the source of plumbing leaks.

- determine where walls and ceilings are wet following a flood, fire, or plumbing failure.

- locate water supply lines, drain lines, and HVAC ducts within wall assemblies.

- determine where hollow core CMU walls are reinforced.

- determine where insulation may be missing within wall assemblies.

- determine where attic bypasses (warm air leakage into the attic) are located.

- determine where drafts are occurring at windows and doors.

- determine where in-floor heating tubes or lines are located and operating.

- determine if zone valves are operating in multi-zone heating equipment.

- determine where roof leaks are located as evident by wet attic insulation.

- determine where rodents or other pests may be present.

For exterior applications, thermal imaging is done after sunset or just before sunrise. During the summer months, when the interior temperatures are close to the exterior temperatures, the thermal imaging is more likely to be used to detect water or locate structural elements. During the heating season, thermal imaging can easily be used in energy auditing.

Please call us to discuss your specific needs.