Detecting Moisture Using Infrared Thermal Imaging

Thermal Inspections Reveal Hidden Moisture 

Moisture damage is the most common form of deterioration for a house.  Air leakage can cause condensation to form within walls, floors, or ceilings. This condensation creates many problems, but does not always produce visible signs or it may only be noticeable when wind-driven rains occur from a particular direction.  Wet insulation takes a long time to dry and becomes a prime location for molds and fungi.  The insulating property of wet insulation is almost zero and can actually draw heat out of the house like a sponge. 

Detecting moisture problems can be done using Infrared Thermal Imaging techniques in combination with electronic moisture meters.  Excess condensation, such as in an attic, is similarly visible with a thermal camera even if invisible to the naked eye.  Inside the house, water can come from various sources, including the roof, plumbing drips inside walls, foundation cracks, windows, doors, flashing, stucco or from other causes. Such hidden leaks, even if small, can over time decay the structural components of a house.

Infrared Thermal Imaging Used for Other Audits

              
Electrical problems or overloads from too many  appliances or faulty wiring can be detected through thermal imaging.  Whenever there is a circuit which is running hot, and actually heating the wiring, the electricity is running and costing you money.  Such wasted electricity is almost never known about, but can be identified.
    
Water damage over time causes changes conducive to mold.  Mold is a symptom of water problems, whether from leaks or inherent moisture.  Scanning with infrared cameras can locate moisture that creates an environment conducive to molds -  locations that may never be seen with the human eye.  One might smell its presence, but not know where it is forming.  Infrared cameras can often determine where inherently moist areas are located that promote potentially serious mold and health problems. 

Schedule an Infrared Thermal Inspection