Infrared
Building Inspections in Des Moines
Reveal
What You Don’t Know
 A
residential inspection in Des Moines entails many things,
including knowledge,. For the most advanced and
complete residential inspections, request that
infrared thermography be included.
This
sophisticated technology is used to locate and
pinpoint sources of leaks and water intrusion in
buildings without any need for destructive source
finding.
PNWBI
in Des Moines
considers an infrared camera to be one of the most
important tools in a Des Moines inspector’s tool bag. A
scientific process that essentially measures thermal
or infrared energy, infrared thermography can detect
insulation, and cooling problems.
Without any disruptive – or destructive –
exploration, PNWBI 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.
>>
PNWBI 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 behind 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 in
Des Moines is
most helpful:
Water Transgression
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 • Look at combustion patterns of fuel
• Document problems before the warranty expires
• Identify water damaged portions of a roof
quickly and accurately
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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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Recommendations
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