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Infrared Thermography
State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Tools
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We feature the use of FLIR Infrared Thermal Imaging Cameras during our building assessments and evaluations for moisture damage, water infiltration & leaks, heat/thermal loss, and insulation surveys.
Infrared cameras offer a noninvasive means of monitoring and diagnosing the condition of buildings. It provides immediate documentation of as-built or post-restoration quality, post-casualty cause and origin data, plumbing and building envelope water leakage, post-flood and fire water-damaged material assessment, energy use inefficiency, roofing, and even rodent or pest discovery.
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| Infrared Thermography Field Evaluation |
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Mechanical System Problems
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Chilled water systems, re-circulated systems, static water systems and potable water systems are all found in a building, home or facility. Water condensation and leaks on mechanical systems can create problems in the indoor environment. Excessive moisture may lead to thermal comfort complaints, and possibly microbial growth.
The images below show the almost imperceptible look of a condensing line problem in an air plenum. The resulting mold growth spores in the plenum were picked up by re-circulated plenum air, and distributed by the ductwork system throughout an office facility.
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| Water-Damage Ceiling Tile View |
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| Water-Damage Ceiling Tile Thermal Image |
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Structural System Problems
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Roof leaks water-Infiltration is usually the result of heavy rain on an old building roof. Buildings may also experience other routes, such as the building envelope, and/or its foundation. Older buildings were often built without semi-permeable moisture barriers (such as Tyvek film) on the walls, or a water barrier (such as polyethylene sheet) under the foundation slab.
The images below show two areas of water infiltration at a faux chimney; the chimneys base, due to bad flashing work, and the chimney's frame, due to poor and very porous mortar work. The gray areas on the chimney and the roof are the entry point for the moisture.
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| Chimney Water Infiltration Inspection |
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| Water Penetration Areas Thermogram |
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The images below show a relatively new building, with a failing rubberized room membrane. The roof sustained some damage during an uncommon Florida hail storm in May. The resulting damage led to actual "indoor rain", and subsequent damage to equipment, computers, furnishings, carpets, and various building finishes.
The thermal imaging camera was invaluable in the quick determination of the nature and extent of the damage, which was quickly addressed and repaired.
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| Damaged Rubberized Roof |
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| Water-Saturated & Damaged Roof Areas |
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The images below show two areas of concern. The window was obviously leaking, allowing for the channeling of water to the baseboard and carpet areas. However, a second area of concern is visible on the thermogram, to the left of the window. This resulted from water damage on the floor above, due to similar windows water infiltration.
The windows were poorly caulked originally, leading to water intrusion.
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| Outer Wall With No Apparent Water Damage |
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| Infrared View of Water Damage to Upper Wall, Baseboard & Carpet Areas |
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