Using
Infrared to Inspect Buildings in Bainbridge Island
Discover What You Don’t Know
 A building inspection in Bainbridge Island entails
many things, including knowledge,. For the most
advanced and complete building inspections, request
that infrared thermography be included.
This sophisticated technology is used to locate and
pinpoint sources of leaks and water intrusion in
your Bainbridge Island residence without any need
for destructive source finding.
Pacific Northwest Building Inspections in Bainbridge
Island considers an infrared camera to be one of the
most important tools in a qualified inspector's tool
bag. Infrared thermography is a scientific process
that essentially measures thermal or infrared
energy, infrared thermography can detect insulation,
heating, electrical, air leakage, water, and cooling
problems.
Without any disruptive – or destructive –
exploration, Pacific Northwest Building Inspections
can discover water leaks around windows, and water
pipes. The wall insulation and the heating and
cooling efficiency of windows and doors can also be
assessed by using an infrared camera.
>> Pacific
Northwest Building Inspections has uncovered
leaks around in typically non-suspect areas,
such as a living room where no visible damage
was apparent.
With infrared
thermography, substantial water damage was
discovered. Upon further investigation, a
sprinkler head was found to have been directing
water into the house’s siding. Several thousand
dollars later, the sprinkler head was redirected
and the sheathing and framing was repaired. A
traditional building inspection would not have
been able to identity this issue.
Here
are some common areas where infrared thermography is
most helpful:
Water Invasion
Scanning
interior surfaces of your home with an
infrared camera can reveal excess moisture
due to plumbing leaks, roof leaks, and leaks
around windows, to name a few. Wet areas of
building materials cool when energy is
transferred during the water evaporation
process; therefore, a wet (“cooler”) area
will stand out from the surrounding dry
(“warmer”) surface.
Insulation Weaknesses
Appreciable
temperature differences, due to variations
in thermal energy (heat) transfer, allow for
detection of deficient or missing insulation
when scanning ceiling and wall surfaces.
Roofing Leaks
Scanning roof
coverings can reveal water intrusion and
accumulated moisture below the surface. Due
to its thermal properties (high thermal
capacity), water typically gives up heat at
a much slower rate than the surrounding roof
materials. The areas of accumulated moisture
can therefore be detected when scanning the
roof surface. This type of roof inspection
is best done in the evening or early
nighttime after thermal energy imparted
during the daytime is transferred or
released.
Infrared Thermography
is beneficial in the following areas:
• Detect problems
quickly, without interrupting service
• Moisture contamination
• Cold Storage cooling losses
• Electrical Systems
• Boilers
• Flat roof leak detection for buildings,
plants, facilities
• Assess priorities for corrective action
• Document problems before the warranty expires
• Concrete water heated floor inspections for
leaks and temperature distribution
• Thermal heat loss inspections for buildings
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Moisture in Ceiling |
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Missing Insulation in Ceiling |
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Overheated Breaker Panel |
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Infrared View of a Switch Panel |
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Unshielded Electrical Outlets |
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