How Can Infrared Thermal Imaging Help You And Your Home?
Infrared thermal imaging is a process which uses infrared radiation. This process is often used in real estate construction in order to discover leaks in different parts of the building. There is a variety of hardware available, ranging from simple infrared, hand-held cameras costing up to $1,500, to bigger and more expensive ones, which require investment of over $10,000. But what exactly are the processes and the benefits of using an infrared thermal imaging camera?
Finding water and heat leaks in the house
Imagine that you have finally settled into your new home, only to discover that you can not heat it properly during the winter season. Or that your energy bills have been going up during the last winter season without reasonable explanation. Chances are that there is a leak somewhere. How do you find and seal the leaks without having to use a microscope and tearing down walls?
You do it by hiring a thermal imaging company which has experienced and licensed thermal imaging staff. While chances are that this may seem like science fiction to you or something that is used only by government agencies, it has actually become quite common practise nowadays and is used in private homes and a variety of industries, including construction.
How exactly does this process work?
Infrared thermal imaging usually works in one of two ways: either by detecting the infrared photons directly or by detecting small changes in temperature in an array of thermal-absorbing elements. The first type of cameras is called photovoltaic. This means that they use a material that produces a voltage difference when photons of a certain wavelength hit the material. The second type of cameras are the photoconductive ones. They use a material whose electrical resistance changes when photons of a certain wavelength hit it.
What are the advantages of infrared thermal imaging?
Infrared thermal imaging cameras allow inspectors to find water leaks and heating leaks in the structure of the building, simply by pushing few buttons and scanning around the place. This can take hours, if it is done without the proper hardware. These cameras are also useful for locating moisture. It will be easy to spot because of the thermal patterns, which are created by moisture. Infrared cameras can help inspectors to locate the sources of moisture intrusion and helps them determine the extent of intrusion. If there is an area in the building, not visible by the naked eye, the infrared camera can take care of this as well.
But what about the limitations of infrared thermal imaging cameras?
With all of the advantages, thermal imaging cameras have disadvantages, just like anything else. One of the major problems is that light can reflect off of shiny surfaces, such as polished metal and glass. The problem with this is that it can distort the camera’s readings and provide inaccurate data. Our experienced staff is trained in measures to avoid these pitfalls. Another limitation is that the device can’t see through glass. This can be a problem if most of the building’s exterior is made of glass.
Overall, infrared thermal imaging cameras tend to be your best choice for finding water leaks, locating heat loss, determining where you might need more insulation, or find possible hotspots in your computer data center. It can save a lot of time and money and reduce damage to the infrastructure required to find problems without a camera.
Hiring Thermal Imaging Professionals
The team at Thermal Imaging Consultant offers the services described above in most of Southeast Michigan. We can travel to Troy, Sterling Heights, West Bloomfield, Warren, Farmington Hills, Clinton township or just about any location in metro Detroit. Give us a call and see if we can help you with your thermal imaging needs.
