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 Thermal Imaging |
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Cleveland thermography and infrared inspections Thermal Imaging
During conventional building inspections or surveys electronic moisture meters are used to assess moisture in building components. In most cases, the inspector must manually log readings and the readings are only of the area where the meter is placed (contact with surface required). This process can be time consuming and leaves the possibility for error in manually recording readings. This also makes it unlikely that hard to reach areas (high ceilings) will be surveyed. Our approach uses thermal imaging and data logging moisture detection equipment to assure that we assess all areas and that our findings are defensible. When suspect areas are found they can be visually documented using the infrared camera. Our findings are then verified using data-logging moisture detection equipment with time stamp. This assures that our findings are reproducible if needed (court, etc.). The time saved using infrared and the larger areas covered can save time and money by providing a faster, more efficient and more reliable survey.
C.L.I. Group offers thermal imaging services for evaluation of anomalies which could indicate air leakage, energy loss, locating the potential for hidden condensation, low slope roof survey's and other applications designed to meet your requirements. In many cases defects in the building envelope, roof, foundation, etc. can not be spotted visually and thermal imaging equipment allows us to use thermal anomalies to track these defects for further investigation and verification. It should be understood that thermal imaging equipment can, in no way detect moisture. Company's that claim to see moisture with this type of equipment simply do not understand the technology or the proper use of the technology. Thermal imaging equipment facilitates visual observation of temperature differences (anomalies) which can help technicians in locating areas which require further investigation which might include core sampling for roofs and other destructive testing depending on the suspicions of the technician. C.L.I. has extensive experience in finding and verifying moisture problems, air leakage, electrical problems and other building defects using the proper equipment for each application. Thermal imaging should not be used to verify the water content of any material because the equipment is not capable of such procedures and the rate of error may be high.
Papers:
Roof Surveys Performing predictive maintenance on low slope roofs can be an expensive undertaking. Our infrared roof surveys can help to reduce costs by locating areas in need of repair. Repair instead of replacement can add years to the life of a low slope roof and avoid expensive replacement costs until they are cost effective. An Infrared Roof Survey should be used:
The C.L.I. infrared roof survey, visual inspection and evaluation can provide you with the necessary information and documentation to make accurate decisions regarding the repair or replacement of your roofs. Roof moisture survey’s can save money by locating suspect areas which may allow for repair rather than replacement. The can help to extend the life of existing roof system and help to achieve the maximum life cycle potential. A roof survey may also provide valuable information when a roof of any type is suspected of leaking. The survey can help to pinpoint troubled areas in need of attention. By locating leaks sooner ensuing damages can be limited or avoided altogether.
Mold and Moisture Infrared moisture surveys can help in locating areas that have the potential for mold growth. In cases of leakage and/or flooding this can help in developing a functional and cost effective strategy for remediation. By locating the areas with the highest moisture using thermal anomalies and proper verification techniques, remediation efforts can be focused on the areas needing immediate attention and reduce the impact of mold proliferation. This could save thousands of dollars in remediation costs to insurers and building owners. It should be understood that infrared thermography simply spots thermal differences (anomalies), it DOES NOT find or detect moisture. A thermal imaging device can aid the technician in locating potential areas which need further investigation using proper moisture detection equipment and other testing procedures. Those claiming to detect moisture and/or verify dryness or moisture using infrared thermography simply do not understand how to use the technology. An infrared device is not a moisture meter.
An Infrared Building Survey should be used:
Other Uses:
Thermal Bridges
Insulation Survey C.L.I. performs insulation surveys on building as part of an overall energy efficiency strategy. With the ever rising cost of energy, an insulation and building envelope leakage survey can save considerable money by detecting areas where air leakage is occurring, insulation is marginal, wet or missing and giving an overall view of the tightness of the construction. Insulation surveys are performed to meet our variation of ASTM C 1060-90 (Re-approved 1997). An insulation survey can also help to pinpoint areas where dew-points are occurring and areas that have the potential for fungal amplification inside of wall cavities. The problem can then be addressed before more serious damage or contamination occurs. The two images above show an area of an exterior wall. The photos show wall framing which can act as a thermal bridge. From the same image, it can be noted that some small anomalies are present in the insulation near the upper right corner of the window. An insulation survey is also an excellent tools for tracking wet insulation. When wet, insulation becomes a conductor rather than an insulator and again, when this condition is discovered, remedial action can be implemented before the problems worsen. Advantages of Infrared Thermography
Disadvantages of Infrared Thermography
Thermography Making News: References:
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©Copyright 2010 C.L.I. Group, LLC All Rights Reserved
Used properly, a thermal imaging
camera can provide valuable information during moisture assessments,
mitigation work, energy audits, roof and electrical system inspections and
water damage investigations. Thermal imaging cameras do not actually detect
moisture and/or mold, they use sensors to pick up infrared waves and
formulate images based upon those waves. The resulting images, properly
interpreted can be used to assess areas of potential moisture by evaluating
differences in thermal energy. Thermal energy difference caused by evaporation,
radiation, thermal bridging, infiltration/exfiltration and other sources
must all be carefully evaluated. In doing so, the inspector can use the
information to spot suspect areas that are not visible to the naked eye. The
findings are then verified using electronic, data-logging moisture detection
equipment and in some cases core samples (some flat roofs). Core samples are
required for verification of findings on some flat roof systems (built-up)
to meet ASTM Standard C 1153 -97 Standard Practice for Location of Wet
Insulation in Roofing Systems Using Infrared Imaging.
Infrared roof survey may require special
access to the building. Infrared roof surveys performed from the exterior of
the building are best performed 1-3 hours after sunset. This prevents
thermal radiation from the sun from interfering with the images. Basically,
what occurs is the dry roof areas cool faster after sunset than do the wet
areas. This allows for wet areas to be discovered using thermal imaging.
These areas can then be marked for maintenance or roofing crews to evaluate
the next day. Flat roof inspections work best using thermal imaging when a
20 degree difference in temperature exists between interior and exterior.
