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Infrared Thermography

Infrared Thermographic Analysis 

An infrared thermographic analysis (Infrared thermography) is a procedure which identifies water-damaged areas within a roofing system.

Infrared thermography is a non-destructive, non-invasive way of measuring temperature. By observing this temperature variance within the roofing system, water damage can be detected and isolated. Thermography often allows corrective action (repairs) to occur before expensive replacement work needs to take place.

Similar to roof condition assessments this information is compiled within a report which outlines the areas of water damage, probable causes of these failures and solutions for their rectification. Detailed budget figures for repairs or replacement are included with each report.

Infrared Thermography

How Does Infrared Thermography Work?

During the day, the sun heats up the roof’s surface and insulation. At night, the roof cools down, but areas of wet insulation hold the day’s heat longer than surrounding dry areas. The infrared thermogram registers this temperature differential between the dry and wet areas.

This is a thermographic image of a large area of wet insulation on a built-up roofing assembly.
This is a thermographic image of a large area of wet insulation on a built-up roofing assembly.
This is a thermographic image of an isolated wet area of insulation on a built-up roofing assembly.
This is a thermographic image of an isolated wet area of insulation on a built-up roofing assembly.
This is the daytime verification photo of the same area.
This is the daytime verification photo of the same area.
This is the daytime verification photo of the same area.
This is the daytime verification photo of the same area.

In order to detect this temperature difference, scans must be conducted in specific weather conditions and at night. A dry roof is necessary, and the temperature differential must be significant enough (between the heat of the day and the time of scan) so that a thermal difference exists between wet and dry areas of the roof.

This is a thermographic image of an overview of a roof level with typical heat loss at the drain sump.
This is a thermographic image of an overview of a roof level with typical heat loss at the drain sump.
This is the daytime verification photo of the same area.
This is the daytime verification photo of the same area.

During the scan, all anomalies are marked on the roof’s surface with high visibility paint. Thermograms are taken during the scan and accompany the written report.  The following day, verification is carried out to confirm that the infrared thermography camera readings were correct.  This is achieved by using a capacitance meter to probe the suspected problem areas. The results are recorded in a chart and the wet areas are quantified.  A drawing is then produced showing all areas of moisture within the roofing assembly.

Walls

Wall scans can also be a very useful diagnostic tool. They are conducted to help building owners identify areas of heat loss.

Electrical/Mechanical

Infrared thermography is often requested for roofs and walls, but scanning electrical panels and/or mechanical components is also key. If your electrical connections are overheating, it could mean that your efficiency is down and a safety hazard exists. Scanning could help you to avoid a fire by preventing an electrical failure. These can be dangerous, potentially fatal and often times expensive concerns for building owners.

Contact Us

For more information about our infrared thermography services, contact us today at (905) 503-1300.

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