THERMOGRAPHY INSPECTION
LEAK INVESTIGATION COST
Thermography Inspection Cost - $100.00
How it works:
An infrared thermal imagery inspection utilizes a non-contact FLIR thermal camera that makes visible the heat differences in the building envelope and components from heat transfer via the following:
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Conduction – Heat transfer through or between solids
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Convection – Heat via fluid
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Radiation – Heat transfer via Electromagnetic wavelengths
Infrared Thermographers, use the Infrared Inspection tools in conjunction with state of the art nondestructive moisture meter to locate hidden defects and potential problems that a typical home or building Inspection Company cannot reveal. The Thermographer uses an infrared imaging camera to see thermal energy emitted from an object or surface. Thermal, or infrared energy, is light that is not visible to the human eye. It is the electromagnetic spectrum that we perceive as heat. The recorded difference in heat signatures shows the thermographer problem areas such as:
Moisture Infiltration Thermal imaging can help with radiant floor leak detection in slabs since infrared can show actual images of exactly where issues may need to be addressed. Thermal imaging uses infrared technology to detect very small differences in temperature. This incredible thermal image technology makes the thermal signatures visible where they wouldn’t be able to be seen with the naked eye. Early detection of problems can help you effectively act on them. This reduces or prevents further damage which saves you time and money. By identifying the variance in temperature between a wet area and the surrounding dry areas thermal imaging can help locate moisture issues that would not be visible during a limited visual home inspection Homeowners should know what to look for when evaluating IR/Infrared Thermographers. Make certain any company you are interested in working with knows all types of building construction and waterproofing details. They should know how to use the Infrared Inspection tools in conjunction with state of the art nondestructive moisture meter to locate hidden defects and potential problems that a typical home inspection company cannot reveal.
Flat/Insulated Roof Leaks With a flat roof you have to be concerned about water seepage. The chances of water getting in with a pitched roof are less because water is designed to run off and does not pool up. However, with a flat roof, this becomes a major worry. There are different types of roofing insulation to choose from including ISO panels, Expanded Polystyrene, and Polyisocyanurate foam insulation. Which type of insulation is right for your flat insulated roof? The answer depends on many factors such as the state of the roof, expert, professional opinion and your financial budget. Different Roof Types: EPDM ,IB PVC, TPO, ROLLED, Built-Up Roof (BUR), Modified Bitumen, and Reinforced Chemical Systems. All except the flat roof type are designed with one or more grades built into them, allowing excess water to run off. Flat roofs, in contrast, can cause water to pool up if not properly designed. This has the potential not only of leaking into the conditioned area but of ruining the insulation that maintains the room at a comfortable temperature. This leads us to the importance of proper ventilation in flat roofs. Also the building & homes with flat roofing systems go thru due point and expansion and contraction of the structure itself. This causes the materials to stretch and damage the welded or torched down seams of the roofing systems. Some of the smooth-surfaced roofs, both single-ply and reflective roof coating such as metallic (Aluminum), silicone base and elastomeric coatings,can present significant challenges during an infrared inspection due to reflectivity of the roof membrane or coating. Should reflectance be sufficiently high, areas of latent moisture may be undetectable to a long wave thermal imager they can significantly understate the size of moisture-damaged areas or miss them entirely. So when performing infrared inspections of smooth-surfaced roofs,or reflective coating a short or Mid wave thermal imager can significantly outperform a long wave imager. We use a high end imager for infrared roof moisture inspections.
Insulation Deficiencies Thermograph imagery is taken of the interior and exterior walls in accordance with the requirements of ASTM C1060, to observe and document the locations of the building where differences in temperature are discovered. These areas are usually due to missing or improperly placed insulation and vapor barrier. This practice offers a reliable means for detecting suspected missing insulation. It also offers the possibility of detecting partial-thickness insulation, improperly installed insulation, or insulation damaged in service. Proof of missing insulation or a malfunctioning envelope requires independent validation. Validation techniques, such as visual inspection or in-situ R-value measurement, are beyond the scope of this practice.
Electrical Systems Wet or moist building materials retains heat longer than the dry areas. It can also record thermal exception in homes electrical system such as: Defective breakers – Switches – Receptacles and wiring – Over loaded circuits. Thermographic investigations or inspections are fast becoming one of the quickest growing infrared technology applications. The Flir Infrared imaging device used in home & building inspections has been called the most significant advancement in home inspection since the moisture meter. More and more home-owners are realizing the importance afforded them from an infrared inspection. Understand that infrared can show actual images of exactly where they need to spend money and resources; makes an Infrared Inspection very appealing to knowledgeable home owners and buyers. A thermography inspection is not a substitute for a general inspection. Most defects in a home are not visible to the infrared camera. It still takes the trained eye of an experienced thermographer and home inspector to identify the many problems in a home. The Infrared investigation or Inspection is an extra level of inspection that can provide additional information that would not be available in a general inspection.