What are Infrared Inspections and why might I need it?
What is infrared thermography?
Infrared Thermography is the technology used to produce an image of invisible (to our eyes) infrared light emitted by objects due to their thermal condition. The most typical type of thermography camera resembles a typical camcorder and produces a live TV picture of heat radiation. More sophisticated cameras can actually measure the temperatures of any object or surface in the image and produce false color images that make interpretation of thermal patterns easier. An image produced by an infrared camera is called a thermogram or sometimes a thermograph.
Benefits of Infrared Thermography
- Detect problems quickly, without interrupting service
- Assess priorities for corrective action
- Minimize preventive maintenance and troubleshooting time
- Comply with insurance company requirements
Building Envelopes & Structures
- Thermal heat loss inspections for buildings, plants, facilities and refineries
- Moisture contamination evaluations in buildings, condos, plants and facilities
- Concrete water heated floor inspections for leaks and temperature distribution
- Location of missing or damaged insulation
- Identification of air leakage energy losses
- Location of radiant heating wires or pipes
OK, that is over my head, how can I benefit from it?
Having the ability to see things that the unaided eye can't see, can be tremendously helpful in many everyday situations. While the technology isn't perfect, it is tremendously powerful and proficient at finding some of these problems you might have:
- When you have a water leak you just can't seem to find, Infrared Thermography, done with a Thermal Imaging Camera can pinpoint the source and show damaged areas
- If you have areas in your home that are unusually hot or cold, it can detect missing insulation in walls and ceilings
- If you are looking for air leaks around doors and windows, it can 'see' the leaks and give an accurate temp reading
- If you think you have a leak under your concrete slab, but don't know where it is, Infrared inspections can help find it
While you might not need this help every day, when you just can't find the answer to a perplexing problem, IR Thermography may be the answer.