Infrared thermography provides a powerful noninvasive method for monitoring and diagnosing building conditions. An infrared camera can detect moisture accumulating out of sight in a roofing system or wall, electrical components that are overheating, missing insulation and poor weatherstripping.                     

How infrared thermography works

Thermography enables us to see and measure heat. All materials on earth emit heat energy, in the infrared portion of the spectrum. Unfortunately, the unaided human eye cannot see in the infrared spectrum. Thermographic, or simply thermal images allow us to see thermally, revealing anomalies that in turn identify problems in buildings and their component electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and waterproofing systems. Today's lightweight and rugged infrared cameras can not only see in real-time, but can also record infrared images and measure the temperatures of target objects quite accurately-to within 1/10 of a Fahrenheit degree or better. Points of possible concern show up clearly as hot or cold in relation to their surroundings.

An interior infrared survey conducted during daytime hours reveals roofing area saturated with moisture and in need of repair. The photo on the right shows a normal view of what the building owner sees.

The thermal image of this 3 story apartment building clearly shows the path of a serious leak from a washing machine on the third floor, which is hidden within the wall from normal view.

This dining room has water entering the wall cavity due to poor roof flashing installation.

The dark area at the corner shows where water ran down the wall and collected at the sub floor.

The faulty wax seal at the toilet flange allowed water to seep into the sub-flooring shown by the darker area at the center of the image.	The upper right circuit breaker in this  electric panel is overheating due to a loose wire connection at the circuit breaker.	This ceiling had a small stain at the center area, but the infrared camera revealed the full extent of the water intrusion.