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How Do Thermal Imaging Infrared Cameras Work in the Water Damage Mitigation Business?
According to F l i r, one of the leading manufacturers of infrared cameras (and whose product we use and depend upon): " Infrared camera is a non-contact device that detects infrared energy (heat) and converts it into an electronic signal, which is then processed to produce a thermal image on a video monitor and perform temperature calculations. Heat sensed by an infrared camera can be very precisely quantified, or measured, allowing you to not only monitor thermal performance, but also identify and evaluate the relative severity of heat-related problems. Recent innovations, particularly detector technology, the incorporation of built-in visual imaging, automatic functionality, and infrared software development, deliver more cost-effective thermal analysis solutions than ever before."
Some of the below information is adapted from their IR brocures and re-written for the mitigation industry:
Residential Applications for Mitigation Companies
Initial infrared inspection with a quality infrared camera enables a powerful noninvasive method to monitor and diagnose the condition of buildings. Since moisture will usually change the surface temperature of a building component, identification of suspected moisture areas are easy to see via the color variences on the IR camera screen. The mitigation company can quickly identify problem areas that can't be seen by the naked eye - eliminating destructive probing methods. Results are captured and documented instantly and easily into professional reports using a combination of moisture detection methods. The mitigation company will use the camera to locate a suspected area of moisture and then use moisture meters - either invasive or non-penetrating - to verify the results. The infrared camera saves a tremendous amount of time and money by pinpointing suspected areas thus enabling the technician to focus on wet areas as opposed to having to test the entire surface area of a home.
Commercial Building Moisture Detection
Moisture in building materials can destroy structural integrity and nurture mold. The first step in moisture problem remediation is to quickly and accurately locate and remove all sources of moisture. Infrared cameras instantly show you what's wet and what's dry. IR cameras can instantly find the ultimate source with little or no physical disassembly of the premises and minimal disturbance of inhabitants. Since mitigation companies specialize in drying rather than tearing -out wet building materials whereever possible, the IR camera fits perfectly into the array of available tools for accomplishing this task. Infrared cameras are the inspection assets preferred by building experts and mitigators for fast, reliable, accurate building diagnosis in the entire range of building problems, from post-catastrophe fire and flood investigations to chronic leaks and moisture problems. Infrared cameras are lightweight and rugged for use in the field. They instantly capture and record high-resolution thermographic images on-board for subsequent downloading to a PC. They can also output full-motion infrared video records in real-time to a video recorder. These features are invaluable to us as we try ot quickly identify and save building structure, walls, floors and ceilings whenever possible.
ServiceMaster Advanced, The Master of Disaster, uses infrared technology as well as many other leading-edge technologies to effectively mitigate water damage and fire damage (as well as perform mold remediation in homes and commercial businesses. Please see our web page for many more informative articles www.servicemastermobilealabame.com, or call us at (251) 653-9333.