Commercial Uses for Infrared: Regular infrared roof scans increase the lifespan of commercial roofs by as much as 300%

A quick search for infrared turns up many medical uses. It’s really quite fascinating how infrared images can help detect inflammation and injury of the human body – infrared scanning is even being used to detect some cancers! Another wide application is infrared scanning for residences, to detect roof leaks and especially to conduct energy scans to detect loss of heat.

Although part of my business is residential infrared scans, the main part of what I do is commercial infrared scanning. I thought I would take the next few weeks to briefly review commercial uses for infrared.
Easily the most popular reason I get called is for infrared roof scans. Replacing a commercial roof can easily cost thousands of dollars. Or sometimes a new roof has been put on a structure that has been renovating and random leaks occur. 

Waterproofing problems manifest in two ways: leakage and entrained moisture contamination. Visible leaks inside the building rarely directly relate to the exact spot on the roof. Since water flows down the roof slope to a vulnerable spot and into the building it can be hard to identify what part of the roof needs repair.

Most entrained moisture contamination occurs where the waterproofing termination is sealed or where there is a penetration of the roof. Since most types of roofing systems absorb some water, finding the exact spot of water contamination in the insulation can be difficult. Building leaks may not occur until well after the insulation has absorbed all the water it can hold. If the originating problem cannot be found and fixed, many building owners feel they have no choice but to replace the entire roof.

However, a commercial roof scan easily locates the compromised portion or portions of your roof. This allows you to replace just the part of the roof (and insulation) that needs to be replaced. In most cases, this extends the lifetime of your commercial roof! Roof Scans enable you to develop a more sophisticated roof asset management program, make more informed decisions regarding roofing budgets, and to plan effective repairs.

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit us on the web or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

Fixing Construction Defects

Infrared thermography is becoming a tool used to detect construction defects. After all, once a building is built, until something goes wrong, how can you "see" any potentially devastating construction problems?

Infrared imaging is an inexpensive yet comprehensive way to detect construction problems*. Did you know a thermal can find these and other problems?

1. Cold Roof Ventilation & Ice Damming
2. Roof Ice Melt Systems
3. In-Floor Radiant Heat Systems
4. Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, and Stucco damage
5. Stone Veneer moisture infiltration
6. Installation issues with Plaza Decks and Balconies resulting in water entry and leaking
7. Weather tight integrity and energy efficiency of commercial roof structures
8. Foundation Clearance from soil and concrete
9. Inadequate insulation and plumbing breaks
10. Moisture Intrusion through windows and walls


Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com/ or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!


*Ideas for this blog entry derived from:
Infrared Applications in the Fields of Forensic & Construction Defect Engineering, Fronapfel, E.L. & Amhaus, E.G., InfraMation 2003, ITC 092 A 2003-08-15

Electrial System Inspections

Do you need an electrician for your electrical infrared scan? In many cases, the answer is yes. We prefer to have a certified electrician with us to open live panels for inspection - both for safety reasons and because of arc flash potential.  You can supply your own electrician, or if you prefer we have certified electricians that work with us that can be  included in our quote. 

Re-Scan Questions

If your commercial infrared scan shows that repairs in equipment are necessary or that other issues exist, a follow-up inspection is critical!  A follow-up scan ensures the repair/remediation work has been done thoroughly and to your satisfaction. Be sure to schedule your re-scan after work is included.

Also keep in mind that regular infrared inspections should be performed periodically with re-scans that fit into your normal maintenance and repair schedule. Knowing the costs of re-scans can help with your budgeting process. IR Infrared Services has a Premier Customer Discount where we offer discounts for customer loyalty and re-scans.

Interested in learning more? Give me a call at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com/ or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!

Source: http://www.infraredprofessionals.com/thermal-imaging-infrared-resources/thermal-imaging-infrared-quick-start-package.html

Scanning a Building Structure: Checking More Than Just the Roof

I have to admit, roof scans (also known as roof surveys) are a large part of my infrared business. A Roof Scan can save thousands of dollars in roof replacement costs, quickly identify the source of roof leaks that result in water damage, and ensure your roof is energy efficient.

How many building managers stop there?

You might be surprised! However, an annual building envelope scan is also key to good preventative maintenance. What is the "building envelope?"

A building envelope includes all components of a building that enclose conditioned space. It creates a separation between the interior and the exterior environments, serves as the outer shell to protect the indoor environment from outdoor weather conditions. Clearly if the building envelope is not functioning optimally, energy costs can increase dramatically. Other potential problems exist as well, including:

• Moisture problems due to leaks or wall condensation
• Poor HVAC performance
• Insufficient verification of construction defects
• "Sick Building Syndrome" and other health related issues caused by mold growth

So, if IR Infrared Services is scanning your roof, don't be surprised if we suggest a building envelope scan to make sure your building structure is functioning as it should! Remember, the small upfront cost of an Infrared scan is usually more than paid for in saved energy costs, reduced maintenance issues and insurance savings.
Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com/ or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

We often think of infrared scans for roofs or energy scans to make sure the building envelope functions properly and energy isn't escaping. Inside the building can be just as important.

Our world today revolves around technology and computing. If your company has a network, chances are, somewhere in your offices is a data center. Data centers are usually filled with servers and other equipment - the technological backbone of your business. As you can imagine, the heat generated by so many electrical components can be intense, and so data centers are carefully monitored for temperate spikes or drops.

More than just the data center itself needs to be monitored. Along with all those servers comes a lot of electrical equipment. A thorough predictive/preventative maintenance (P/PM) program uses infrared thermography to detect excess heat radiating from those components.

What you can't see CAN hurt you!
Remember, electrical components heat up before they fail.

Loose connections, overloaded or imbalanced circuits, faulty breakers, damaged switches, faulty fuses and a wide range of other unwanted electrical conditions produce a heat signature that cannot be seen with the naked eye, but can be easily detected using an infrared scan camera. Remember, what you can't see CAN hurt you!

If you haven't had a thermal heat scan of your data center in the last six months, now is a great time!

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com/ or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

Construction Defects in Commercial Roof Build and Repair

A Million Reasons Why A Commercial Roof Can Equal Massive Opportunity for Damage

Representing an investment that can run into the millions of dollars, commercial buildings and their contents are a valuable asset that must be protected (and no, I'm not talking about insurance although you need that too)!

Commercial roofing systems protect the integrity of the building as well as the assets within. It is imperative that your commercial roof is both weather tight and energy efficient. Any compromise could result in excessive heating and cooling costs, property damage, and production loss. Of course, when you stand outside and look up, everything looks ok, right? So how do you know if the integrity of your commercial roofing system is intact?

Infrared thermography is still one of the most effective non-intrusive test methods to determine if moisture intrusion is happening (BEFORE you can actually see the damage) and if you are losing heat or cooled air. In fact, regular infrared roof scans can increase the lifespan of your commercial roof by as much as 300%!

Infrared thermography not only detects and verifies moisture infiltration, but it can also "see" and tracking moisture migration paths. Using infrared thermography can detect stone veneer, stucco, brick or other siding construction defects and it can be a valuable tool to reduce remediation costs by identifying the source of the issue. Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Twitter:  We are proud to offer the very best infrared thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

*Ideas for this blog entry derived from:
Infrared Applications in the Fields of Forensic & Construction Defect Engineering, Fronapfel, E.L. & Amhaus, E.G., InfraMation 2003, ITC 092 A 2003-08-15

Infrared Inspections for Flat Roofs

What Kind of Roof do You Have?

Infrared roof inspections work best on built up or single-ply membrane installed over, and in continuous contact with, a layer of insulation or an insulating deck. Roofs that have concrete pavers are not good candidates. Flat roofs (like those on top of condominium buildings or commercial buildings) are usually excellent candidates for roof inspections.

Scheduling a Flat Roof Infrared Inspection

Generally infrared inspections are best performed at night after a sunny day. Daytime highs should be above 40F. There are other weather factors to consider – give me a call at 803-3328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com/ or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!

Preventing Fire Loss and Insurance Costs Through Infrared Testing

In my last blog, I wrote about reducing your commercial energy bill. An added benefit to using thermography to reduce your energy output is that you might also be able to substantially reduce your insurance costs.

By performing an infrared scan as part of your preventative maintenance plan, you may identify possible sources of electrical failure. CNA estimates that more than 30% of fire losses can be attributed to electrical failure. That's a HUGE number that can be largely preventable! (Check out their safety bulletin here: CNA Commercial Property ). In fact, by preventing proof of thermal scans as part of your preventative maintenance program, many insurers will provide discounts on the cost of insurance.

CNA points out that infrared testing can prevent loss due to electrical failure or fire for several reasons, including:

1. Reducing damage caused by over-torquing connections. Infrared can pinpoint which switchgear connections actually need tightening, preventing over-correction and early failure.
2. Detecting loose or corroded connections.
3. Identifying faulty connections.

Remember, electrical connections get hot before they fail - and infrared scanning is the best way to "see" what the naked eye can't. The investment in hiring a certified infrared thermographer is well worth the knowledge that you won't see hundreds of thousands of dollars go up in smoke!
Interested in learning more? Give me a call at 803-3328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com/ or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!

Commercial Energy Bills Don't Have to Be Astronomical

If you are responsible for the maintenance of a large building or factory, rising energy bills are an ongoing concern. This past summer has seen record heat waves, resulting in increased energy consumption as we try to keep cool. When the seasons change and it begins to get cold, high energy costs continue to be a factor.

Proper building insulation is the most significant factor in reducing the energy consumption required to heat or cool a building. Unless you have a very old building, today’s insulation does not “go bad”. This doesn’t mean you can breathe a huge sigh of relief just yet.

Building showing massive heat loss

Two insulation factors can affect energy performance. First, missing insulation is a common problem. Once the walls go up, it’s hard to tell if your insulation is installed properly or if it’s missing entirely in places.

Second, if you have or have had any type of water leaks or moisture seepage, the insulation may be wet. Wet insulation has almost no insulating value at all.

Missing Insulation

Thermal imaging services can accurately identify weak areas inside a building envelope. Using infrared thermal imaging, we can accurately determine the areas where insulation is insufficient, areas where there are water penetration problems, and air leakage through the building envelope.

Commercial building thermography is non-invasive and cost-efficient. Local insulation improvement can reduce heat loss during the winter or heat escape during the summer. The larger your building, the greater your potential savings.

When was the last time you checked what was going on behind the walls? Want more information? Call me at 803-328-2889 or drop me an email!

We believe so strongly in using Infrared Thermal Imaging for your Predictive Maintenance, that we created a Discount Membership for our repeat customers. Learn more about it here: http://www.irinfraredservices.com/PremierMember.html

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!

6 Steps To Create a Predictive Maintenance Program

Creating an effective Predictive Maintenance Program requires some upfront work. Not every piece of equipment in your facility is mission-critical. Knowing the failure rate of your equipment and your manufacturer recommendations is very important. You will need to create some type of database that holds this information as well as the tracking measurements of your program. Generally, these are the basic steps to setting up a Predictive Maintenance Program:

1. List your critical processes, applications and equipment

2. Prioritize each item on your list in order of the impact a failure would have. For example, high failure impact would be equipment that:

• Directly impacts safety, the environment, revenue, or customer relations
• Is unique or costly to replace, or used constantly (24x7)
• Is difficult to find spare parts for or has a long lead time for repair

3. Determine how likely your equipment is to fail. You can use PdM software, past maintenance history and internal operator experience (e.g.: when units broke/ how often, why, and what they cost to fix) to make this estimate.

4. Create an inspection schedule based on failure probability and critical impact.

5. Set up a database that contains the above information for each process, application and piece of equipment.

6. Take baseline data and store it for each piece of equipment. Be sure to include repair histories, manufacturer recommendations and operator knowledge: when units broke/ how often, why, and what they cost to fix.

Most facilities either purchase or develop a specialized database. These databases are referred to as asset management systems (AMS) or computer managed maintenance system (CMMS). In addition to the information above, many of these systems also track warranty status, depreciation records and purchasing information.

So why am I, a certified thermographer, writing about predictive maintenance? Because steps 3, 4, 5, and 6 are generally when we get called in. The use of infrared (IR) cameras in predictive maintenance is well established. Using an infrared camera, we produce thermographic images of your equipment. These temperature measurements provide an early warning of potential equipment failures and unsafe working conditions.

We help create your baseline data, and then be part of your regular inspection schedule. Most mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment can be measured and tracked for your preventative and/or predictive maintenance program using infrared thermography. Most of our clients find that bringing us in while they are creating their programs is most cost-effective and efficient way of creating initial baseline data (and many times we find immediate issues that need attention!)

Interested in learning more? Give me a call at 803-3328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com/ or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!

This article series was developed using ideas from http://www.plantservices.com/articles/2009/124.html?page=full and http://www.myflukestore.com/crm_uploads/part_one_of_a_predictive_maintenace_series.pdf for source material.

Creating a Predictive Maintenance Program for Your Facility

Maintenance programs aren’t “one size fits all”. Each predictive maintenance program should be developed based on your facility's size, equipment, regulations, and your productivity goals. So how do you create a predictive maintenance program?

First, it’s important to understand what some of the most common predictive maintenance methods are. Reactive maintenance is the kind of program that depends on you doing absolutely nothing. You run it til it fails or breaks. Remember that knock in your car engine? You have two choices – keep running it til the engine fails completely (mega car repair bill and lots of downtime!) or take it in to get it fixed. Letting your car engine fail when all it needed was regular oil changes is the equivalent of Reactive Maintenance.

Preventive Maintenance (PM) is when you create a schedule and perform maintenance repairs on your equipment whether it “needs it” or not. The schedule is based on either a specific amount of calendar time or machine run time. This is cheaper than reactive maintenance, but you still need personnel and a large inventory.

What this series is about is Predictive Maintenance (PdM). This means you track indicators over time to predict when equipment needs repair. An effective predictive maintenance program measures equipment on a regular basis, tracks those measurements, and then takes corrective action when measurements are about to go outside the equipment operating limits. This option is the most cost-effective method, but it does require some commitment on your part in order to effectively track performance.

Infrared surveys are particularly important for electrical equipment because failure of electrical equipment usually translates into critical mission failure. And, as you are aware, certain kinds of electrical failures pose life-threatening risks to workers.

Interested in learning more? Give me a call at 803-3328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!

This article series was developed using ideas from http://www.plantservices.com/articles/2009/124.html?page=full and http://www.myflukestore.com/crm_uploads/part_one_of_a_predictive_maintenace_series.pdf  for source material.

Do Infrared Roof Scans Work on All Roofs?

Here’s a few key factors to consider when thinking about whether infrared inspections should be part of your roof maintenance program:

1. Roof construction: Infrared roof inspections work best on built up or single-ply membrane installed over, and in continuous contact with, a layer of insulation or an insulating deck. Roofs that have concrete pavers are not good candidates.

2. Time of Day: Generally infrared inspections are best performed at night after a sunny day. Daytime highs should be above 40F. There are other weather factors to consider – give me a call at 803-3328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial and residential end users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit www.irinfraredservices.com or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North and South Carolina!

What is Infrared Thermography? Does it Work?

I cover alot of information about infrared thermography, roof scans, preventative maintenance, and energy audits. I thought it might be time for a "back to basics" review!

I'm often asked why I think thermography is so effective. What makes it better than a normal inspection?

A normal inspection uncovers what the eye can see. An infrared inspection finds what the eye can't see - and remember - what you can't see CAN hurt you (and your building!)

All components within a building generate infrared radiation. This heat is invisible to the human eye and can only be detected by infrared thermography. Generally, right before an electrical or mechanical component fails, it generates heat. While the component might appear fine, imminent failure may not be readily apparent. This is why infrared is often used for preventative and predictive maintenance.

The building itself may have issues that you can't see. If insulation is missing or wet, if the grout in a CMU wall is missing (or worse, once we found an entire section of a supporting wall that was missing multiple blocks!), an infrared scan by a certified thermographer will be able to locate these construction defects. And of course, if a roof is leaking, a thermal image during a roof scan can detect the location of the source leak.

These types of findings simply cannot be done through a "standard" inspection, or require intrusive and destructive methods. IR infrared inspections are cost-effective, non-invasive, and accurate.

The following list details some of the types of surveys we routinely carry out:

• Location of leaks on flat roofs
• Identification of water leaks or damp
• Assessment of energy loss from buildings
• Identify faults or leaks in underfloor heating systems
• Location of pipes in floors or walls
• Survey and inspect underfloor heating systems
• Identify insulation defects in walls
• Locate drafts or air infiltration in buildings
• Check cold store insulation and air integrity

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Twitter:  We are proud to offer the very best infrared thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

Why Use Infrared for Building Inspections?

Is it possible that an owner doesn't want to know about building problems? Of course! Inspecting a building to determine its condition can have many implications.

In many cases, buildings are leased to another company. Tenants want the building to be energy efficient to reducing utility costs. However, if the building is not energy-efficient, it can be expensive to re-insulate the building or to fix air leaks. A building owner may not have any financial motivation to make expensive changes to make the building energy efficient since he/she is not responsible for the utility bills. On the other hand, if building energy costs are low, that can be to a building owner's advantage during a sales/rental negotiation.

Inspecting a building can sometimes uncover major problems - and once those problems are documented, they may require repair.

Infrared thermography is an easy and inexpensive way to document energy leaks or repair needs. For tenants or potential building buyers, it can be a way to make sure a building owner has done the necessary building upkeep and maintenance to make the financial investment a sound business deal.

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Twitter:  We are proud to offer the very best infrared thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

The ideas for this series of blogs are derived, in part, from Greg Stockton's excellent article Infared (IR) Thermography for Building Managers.

Can Infrared Detect Mold?

Have you ever been inside a building and looked up at the ceiling and seen that tell-tale black mold in the ceiling tiles? Or seen a discoloration around a bulge in a wall? Eeew yuck, right?

Mold, rot, and mildew can be a real threat to a building. Mold is a microscopic fungus that can destroy a building, and cause serious health issues in individuals. It can be exceedingly hard to remediate. Painting over the problem doesn't solve the issue.

How does mold occur? Several ways - all of which have to do with undetected moisture sources. Design flaws, entrained moisture in roofs and walls and water leaks can all be sources of mold growth. This sources of moisture intrusion can often be tracked to poorly installed insulation and vapor barriers.

When insulation and water vapor barriers are missing or poorly installed, condensation problems can occur - creating a nice, dark, moist place for mold to flourish. By the time the mold is actually visible on a ceiling or interior wall, it can be quite a severe infestation.

The answer to the question, "Can Infrared Detect Mold" is No. Mold doesn't exhibit a heat reaction strong enough to be seen by an infrared camera. What a certified infrared thermographer CAN do, however, is to detect moisture. Without moisture, mold growth is very limited.

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Twitter:  We are proud to offer the very best infrared thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

The ideas for this series of blogs are derived, in part, from Greg Stockton's excellent article Infared (IR) Thermography for Building Managers.

4 Types of Buildings Where Infrared Thermography is Effective

How can a building manager manage the building asset in such a way as to save energy and money?

Infrared thermography is a useful tool for four different types of commercial buildings:

1. Residential
2. Commercial
3. Industrial
4. Institutional

Residential buildings include multi-family dwellings like apartments and condominiums. A condominium facilities manager can make effective and cost-efficient decisions regarding roof replacements and other moisture intrusion issues by using a thermal scans of the roof and building envelope.

Commercial buildings include office buildings, retail stores, and malls. In this case, building managers successfully engage commercial thermographers to determine building integrity, and areas of heat loss. E especially in the case where the buildings are spread out over several acres, many commercial building managers are turning to aerial thermography where large areas can be scanned quickly from above.

Industrial buildings including manufacturing facilities and factories. Apart from the obvious use to make sure the building envelope is functioning as it should, infrared thermography can be used for predictive maintenance of electrical and mechanical systems, and quality assurance within the manufacturing process.

Institutional buildings such as colleges and universities, hospitals, and government buildings are great candidates for infrared thermography. Many these institutions are housed in aging buildings where it might be difficult to ascertain where moisture intrusion or heat loss originate. For example, at one university client of mine, we used infrared thermography to detect a break in steam pipes buried in the ground that provided some of the power for the older section of the university.

Infrared thermography is simply not a one-size fits all solution, but can be used for many applications depending on the building type.

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Twitter:  We are proud to offer the very best infrared thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

The ideas for this series of blogs are derived, in part, from Greg Stockton's excellent article Infared (IR) Thermography for Building Managers.

Infrared Thermography for Building Managers

With building and energy costs rising, many building managers are under increasing pressure to save money by reducing energy costs.

 First, what do I mean when I say "building managers?" Because the core of my business is infrared thermography scans for commercial buildings, including roof surveys, energy audits, and the like, I work with building managers who are responsible for the smooth functioning of buildings, with managers who manage tenant expectations, and with facilities management.

Each of these positions may play a slightly different role and have a different viewpoint about commercial infrared thermography. The next few blogs are going to address 4 areas where building infared can be used detecting heat loss, moisture intrustion, insulation quality, and structural and pest surveys.

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Twitter:  We are proud to offer the very best infrared thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

The ideas for this series of blogs are derived, in part, from Greg Stockton's excellent article Infared (IR) Thermography for Building Managers.

Detecting Hidden Leaks Using Infrared Thermography

As we have discussed, infrared thermal imaging is becoming the tool of choice for professionals in the construction industry, building maintenance, and even construction law.

Infrared imaging is an amazing diagnostic tool for large college campuses as well. I came across this really terrific blog the other day - it's a great read and I thought I'd pass it along to you!

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Twitter:  We are proud to offer the very best infrared thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

Condominium Association Best Practices Part 2

Moisture Intrusion (a fancy way to say something is leaking!) is one of many reasons why scheduling an annual infrared scan of your condominium should be on your list of Best Practices.
Another reason to schedule a commercial infrared scan of your condominium is to ensure that the walls themselves are structurally sound. After all, once the outside walls have been stuccoed or veneered and the inside walls have drywall, how can you "see" if there is a problem?

Commercial Infrared: Condominiums with Concrete Block Walls

Concrete block walls are not structurally sound without proper rebar and grouting. Grouting is concrete that is pumped into the center of the blocks; this ties the blocks, the rebar, and the entire wall system together. Without proper grouting, concrete walls are dangerous. Another issue is that if the cells of the concrete blocks don't have enough grout, they can collect water. Over time, these "water pools" can lead to moisture intrusion, corrosion of the reinforcement rods, and other structural issues in the condominium building. In the past, the only way to see if the block walls had been grouted and sealed correctly was to randomly drill or hammer holes into the concrete wall. This very small sample size wasn't very efficient - it couldn't show that major issues with grouting or missing rebar existed just a few feet away from the intrusive sample hole! Infrared Thermography is the best practice for making sure grout has been correctly placed in a block wall. It is non-destructive, inexpensive and accurate - and best of all - covers the entire surface, not just a few randomly placed holes.

Why an Infrared Scan Can Reduce Liability for Condominium Developers, Buildings, and Owners

1. A documented record exists of the structure.
2. Any areas that need repair are easy to pinpoint and remediated. Extensive and unnecessary repairs are avoided.
3. A follow-up scan verifies requested repairs.
4. Being able to prove the wall and structural components were sound upon delivery reduces liability in the case of failure due to extenuating circumstances.

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Twitter:  We are proud to offer the very best infrared thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

Condominium Associations Best Practices: Part I

If you are part of a Condominium Association Board, you have many maintenance and upkeep decisions to make. Unfortunately, some associations wait too long before doing more than the usual maintenance and upkeep and end up with severe issues that must be addressed - resulting in major increases in association fees and unhappy condo owners. Infrared scans are affordable and non-invasive. They give you the knowledge you need to schedule effective maintenance programs, may save you thousands of dollars in avoiding unnecessary roof replacements, and can serve as a selling point. How can an infrared scan on your condominium accomplish this? I'm glad you asked(you did, didn't you?)!

Condominium Leaks: Moisture Detection

Moisture penetration is a common problem seen in many condominiums. Unfortunately, it can be hard to pinpoint exactly where the leak is coming from - especially in a building with multiple units. It could be a roof leak, improperly sealed windows, plumbing issues, exteriors walls (improperly installed or missing flashings), the HVAC system, or (most frustrating of all - it may not be coming from anywhere near the condominium unit where the moisture actually appears.)

What is an Infrared Moisture Scan?

An infrared moisture scan detects even minor temperature changes. Areas that are wet (even if they appear dry to the naked eye) have different temperatures than surrounding dry areas. This allows the commercial infrared thermographer to "see" where the moisture incursion started, the path of the water, and how far it has penetrated.

Advantages of Condominium Building Infrared Scans

1. An infrared scan covers a larger area and is much faster than conventional moisture meters, which can give off false positives.
2. An infrared image shows how extensive the water leak is and where it started.
3. An infrared camera can easily be used to target high ceilings, so you do not need extra ladders and scaffolding.
4. For legal purposes, you can print and use Infrared images to prove presence and extent of the moisture.
5. Since an Infrared scans pinpoints the areas that need repair, precise repairs can be made, lowering both the cost and the inconvenience.

Using an Infrared Scan to Sell Condominiums

Providing an infrared scan can prove to the buyer or occupant that the structure was moisture free upon transfer of ownership or occupancy. The new owner can be assured that the condominium is free of any structural defects or unseen mold issues due to hidden or excessive moisture. While researching this topic, I came across these pictures of condominiums where infrared clearly showed extensive moisture penetration. One of them shows a roof drain leak that actually showed up two floors below the actual source of the leak! If your Condominium Association doesn't schedule an affordable annual infrared scan, perhaps you should ask why!

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Twitter:  We are proud to offer the very best infrared thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

Construction Defects: Missing Insulation and Plumbing Breaks

The most challenging construction defects are those you simply can't see because they are hidden behind or inside of walls or flooring. It is not uncommon for a thermal imaging scan to find missing insulation in the walls - or missing or improperly installed insulation around plumbing lines or pipes. Missing insulation can lead to obvious issues like higher energy bills but in some areas, it can result in physical damage because water in pipes or plumbing lines can freeze. Water from plumbing leaks can migrate much further than anticipated, which means that initial remediation efforts may not be adequate. Another issue involving water lines are defects in valves or connections. Again, you can't "see" these issues with the naked eye until water damage or mold overgrowth occurs. Infrared imaging can detect missing insulation by identifying temperature fluctuations. Plumbing and other leaks can be identified by a thermal scan, but more importantly, can be traced both to the source and to the end of the intrusion.

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Twitter:  We are proud to offer the very best infrared thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

*Ideas for this blog entry derived from:
Infrared Applications in the Fields of Forensic & Construction Defect Engineering, Fronapfel, E.L. & Amhaus, E.G., InfraMation 2003, ITC 092 A 2003-08-15

Construction Defects: Foundation Clearance

Last week I blogged about commercial roof structure defects. What about the opposite problem? How about construction defects at the very foundation of your building?

At-grade foundation clearance refers to ensuring that not only the building foundation but also any facade materials have clearance from at-grade soil and concrete flatwork. Why is this important?

If at-grade foundation clearance is not properly observed, significant moisture intrusion can occur into the facade materials and the structure interior as well. Imagine having to rip out significant portions of both facade, drywall, and framing for repair and remediation of mold, biological growth and rot!

Infrared thermography can detect moisture intrusion problems and water migration paths that lead to deterioration of sheathing, sill plate and framing - before the problem becomes insurmountable. Is it time to pro-actively check your at-grade foundation clearance?

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Twitter:  We are proud to offer the very best infrared thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

*Ideas for this blog entry derived from:
Infrared Applications in the Fields of Forensic & Construction Defect Engineering, Fronapfel, E.L. & Amhaus, E.G., InfraMation 2003, ITC 092 A 2003-08-15

Commercial Roof Construction Defects

A Million Square Feet of Roof Equals Massive Opportunity for Damage

Representing an investment that can run into the millions of dollars, commercial buildings and their contents are a valuable asset that must be protected (and no, I'm not talking about insurance although you need that too)!

Commercial roofing systems protect the integrity of the building as well as the assets within. It is imperative that your commercial roof is both weather tight and energy efficient. Any compromise could result in excessive heating and cooling costs, property damage, and production loss. Of course, when you stand outside and look up, everything looks ok, right? So how do you know if the integrity of your commercial roofing system is intact?

Infrared thermography is still one of the most effective non-intrusive test methods to determine if moisture intrusion is happening (BEFORE you can actually see the damage) and if you are losing heat or cooled air. In fact, regular infrared roof scans can increase the lifespan of your commercial roof by as much as 300%!

Infrared thermography not only detects and verifies moisture infiltration, but it can also "see" and tracking moisture migration paths. Using infrared thermography can detect stone veneer, stucco, brick or other siding construction defects and it can be a valuable tool to reduce remediation costs by identifying the source of the issue.

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Twitter:  We are proud to offer the very best infrared thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

*Ideas for this blog entry derived from:
Infrared Applications in the Fields of Forensic & Construction Defect Engineering, Fronapfel, E.L. & Amhaus, E.G., InfraMation 2003, ITC 092 A 2003-08-15

Construction Defects: Stone Veneer, Stucco, Brick and Siding

Is Your Siding Leaking?

We've all seen the gorgeous look of stone or brick on the outside of both residential and commercial buildings. Not only do they look great, but these types of material can provide weatherproofing as well.

However, these beautiful facings can hide big problems. If the detailing is overlooked or improperly installed, water can infiltrate the wall assembly. Detailing can include flashings, backer rod and sealer joints. These typically are seen in terminations where the facade and dissimilar materials meet. For example, if veneer is improperly terminated or sealed to a window frame, moisture can enter around the frame itself, leak into the wall cavity and mold and excessive deterioration can occur long before it becomes visible.

Infrared thermography not only detects and verifies moisture infiltration, but it can also "see" and tracking moisture migration paths. Using infrared thermography can detect stone veneer, stucco, brick or other siding construction defects and it can be a valuable tool to reduce remediation costs by identifying the source of the issue.

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Twitter:  We are proud to offer the very best infrared thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

*Ideas for this blog entry derived from:
Infrared Applications in the Fields of Forensic & Construction Defect Engineering, Fronapfel, E.L. & Amhaus, E.G., InfraMation 2003, ITC 092 A 2003-08-15

Is Water Leaking Into Your Building?

One of the most troubling aspects of construction defects is that they are not often detected until well after the fact...it can take years for the damage to show up in a way that is visible. For example, one condominium building didn't experience problems for several years until leaks started to show up throughout the building. One of the condos replaced interior drywall several times before the source of problem was finally identified!

What was the problem? The contractor had not installed proper flashings. This could have been quickly and inexpensively identified using a certified thermographer to conduct thermal scans of the building.

Plaza decks and balconies can also be sources for water entry when flashings aren't properly installed (or aren't installed at all). Water can leak into occupied spaces or into structural components. Improperly installed or blocked perimeter or internal drainage systems can be the source of moisture intrusion, leading to massive mold overgrowth and structural rot. Since all of these areas aren't visible, how do you know where the problem is?

One way is to demolish the stucco to figure out where the damage is, and how far it goes back. Of course, this just shows water, mold, and rotting wood damage - but not the source. Do you really want to go to that expense? Or roll the dice and hope you figure out the source before you've ripped into too much of the building? A better idea is to choose a certified thermographer to scan your building and find any issues - before they become expensive problems.

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Twitter:  We are proud to offer the very best infrared thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

*Ideas for this blog entry derived from:
Infrared Applications in the Fields of Forensic & Construction Defect Engineering, Fronapfel, E.L. & Amhaus, E.G., InfraMation 2003, ITC 092 A 2003-08-15

Construction Defects: Infrared Services - The First Step in Finding and Fixing Water Leaks

This is what I get for bemoaning an early spring - all the sudden it's gotten chilly again! We have frost warnings on the books for this week - how about you?

This week I'm continuing the series about construction defects and the use of infrared cameras to detect the source of any issues. For a brief review, please feel free to visit my main webpage - so far I've discussed, roof ventilation, ice damming, roof ice melt systems and in-floor radiant heat systems (which would feel very good right about now!)

Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS) and stucco can also manifest problems, especially if they are improperly installed. EIFS in particular has received a bad rap due to a rash of bad installations in North Carolina in the mid-90s. Problems included lack of flashing, water infiltration (with corresponding mildew and rot issues) and structure damage because of water infiltration behind or around windows.

The most common EIFS issue is typically water intrusion into the the facade of the building because of missing or inadequate metal flashings and sealants.

As you know from past blogs, infrared thermography is often used to detect the source of moisture infiltration - and the same is true of water leakage due to improperly installed EIFS or stucco. Thermal imaging can provide an immediate "picture" of moisture migration paths. It's certainly much cheaper than making large test cuts to see what's going on behind the walls! Finding the source of the problem means it can be fixed quickly and effectively.

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Twitter:  We are proud to offer the very best infrared thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

*Ideas for this blog entry derived from:
Infrared Applications in the Fields of Forensic & Construction Defect Engineering, Fronapfel, E.L. & Amhaus, E.G., InfraMation 2003, ITC 092 A 2003-08-15

Infrared Services for Radiant Heat Systems

What happened to spring? It feels like we skipped right through spring this year and into summer. Bookmark this series as a helpful reminder on construction defects that can be detected when it gets cold!

This series discusses forensic use of infrared thermography to detect construction defects. So far we've talked about roof ventilation, ice damming, and Roof Ice Melt Systems.

Here is the third of those ten:

In-Floor Radiant Heat Systems can heat both inside and outside floors or slabs. There is just nothing greater than hopping out of bed on a cold winter day onto a floor that is gently producing heat to warm your house. It's cost-effective and efficient. Outside - well, what is not to love about not having to shovel snow or worry about ice build-up?

But what if something goes wrong? How can you tell where breaks or line ruptures are if they are covered by flooring? Or what if improper line placement or incorrect operating temperatures just start to melt the snow but the inconsistency due to line failure causes ice build-up?

If you are using in-floor radiant heat systems, it is vitally important that you use infrared thermal imaging BEFORE the concrete is poured to make sure everything is working correctly. Once the concrete is poured, correction of any defects can be labor intensive, time consuming and expensive.

Of course, if you have problems long afterward the system is installed, an infrared camera can pinpoint the exact location of the malfunction. Save yourself time and money by using infrared services for radiant heat systems both during the installation process and if you run into any issues.

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com/ or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

*Ideas for this blog entry derived from:
Infrared Applications in the Fields of Forensic & Construction Defect Engineering, Fronapfel, E.L. & Amhaus, E.G., InfraMation 2003, ITC 092 A 2003-08-15

Infrared Imaging Detects Construction Defects

When I started this series, the heater was on and threats of snow flurries. Barely three weeks later, and it's almost 80 degrees outside! So, try to stay cool as I discuss roof ice!

This series discusses forensic use of infrared thermography to detect construction defects. We started off discussing 10 Ways to Use Infrared Imaging to Detect Construction Defects. Here is the second of those ten:

Roof Ice Melt Systems help control ice damming. Since many roofs have areas where the sun doesn't reach, they sit in shade and remain colder than other areas of the roof. As we have seen, ice damming can be dangerous.

Many ice melt systems are woven across the roof using either heat tapes or cable systems. Other systems use a metal rim plate cover along the eave and valley of the roof to conduct the heat, providing a consistent warming area.

Infrared thermography evaluates deficient conditions in roof ice melt systems by finding dead spots, and insufficient coverage areas. It can "see" whether the operating temperatures are operating correctly and evenly - not just on the roof itself, but also gutters and rainspouts.

You don't have to wait until a snow falls to make sure your system is operating correctly. In fact, checking BEFORE snow falls and you experience a problem can ensure your peace of mind that your building will be safe, secure, and dry during the winter season.

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com/ or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

*Ideas for this blog entry derived from:
Infrared Applications in the Fields of Forensic & Construction Defect Engineering, Fronapfel, E.L. & Amhaus, E.G., InfraMation 2003, ITC 092 A 2003-08-15

Infrared Scanning: Roof Ventilation and Ice Damming

This series discusses forensic use of infrared thermography to detect construction defects. We started off discussing 10 Ways to Use Infrared Imaging to Detect Construction Defects. Here is the first of those ten:

Ice Damming is when snow or ice collects at upper roof sections, melts and flows to cold eave sections and then re-freezes. It damages both the inside and outside of buildings and can become a safety issue.

Many construction companies use "cold roof design" to prevent or reduce ice dams. A cold roof design provides consistent cross-flow ventilation, resulting in temperature equilibrium. By maintaining a roof temperature that is closure to the outside ambient air temperature, ice damming is significantly reduced because "hot spots" are reduced.

Infrared thermography evaluates deficient conditions in cold roof construction. Measuring changes in temperature can indicate where repairs needs to be made or where construction has been faulty, perhaps due to missing metal rim plates or defects in the ice and water protection membrane of the roof.

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com/ or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!


*Ideas for this blog entry derived from:
Infrared Applications in the Fields of Forensic & Construction Defect Engineering, Fronapfel, E.L. & Amhaus, E.G., InfraMation 2003, ITC 092 A 2003-08-15

10 Ways to Use Infrared Imaging to Detect Construction Defects

Infrared thermography is becoming a tool used to detect construction defects. After all, once a building is built, until something goes wrong, how can you "see" any potentially devastating construction problems? The next several series in this blog will discuss each of the following examples in detail. Be sure to bookmark me so you don't miss anything!

So, without further ado, here are 10 ways infrared imaging can detect construction problems in new buildings*:

1. Cold Roof Ventilation & Ice Damming
2. Roof Ice Melt Systems
3. In-Floor Radiant Heat Systems
4. Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems, and Stucco damage
5. Stone Veneer moisture infiltration
6. Installation issues with Plaza Decks and Balconies resulting in water entry and leaking
7. Weather tight integrity and energy efficiency of commercial roof structures
8. Foundation Clearance from soil and concrete
9. Inadequate insulation and plumbing breaks
10. Moisture Intrusion through windows and walls


Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com/ or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!


*Ideas for this blog entry derived from:
Infrared Applications in the Fields of Forensic & Construction Defect Engineering, Fronapfel, E.L. & Amhaus, E.G., InfraMation 2003, ITC 092 A 2003-08-15

More About Aerial Infrared Imagery

Last week I wrote about a new trend in infrared imaging: aerial infrared scans. By scanning buildings from above, the entire picture of a complex can be seen.

This doesn't entirely eliminate the need for "boots on the ground," so to speak.  For example, in a building with a steam distribution system, you have to check boilers, lines and steam traps inside the buildings and steam tunnels from the ground.  On the other hand, the distribution and condensate return lines are best surveyed from the air. "The entire system can be flown, a mosaic thermal image produced and the areas with suspected problems can be pinpointed and documented. Owing to recent developments in infrared technology and the availability of high thermal sensitivity/high spatial resolution (large format) thermal imaging systems mounted on an aerial platform, the on-ground survey has become outdated."*

So how does it work? Well, it's very similar to how regular aerial photographs are made. A plane flies over a specified area with a camera mounted to the airframe and oriented looking straight-down to the ground (NADIR). The imagery is stored on a computer hard drive and later post-processed. Where aerial infrared thermography differs from aerial visible photography is the time of day when the survey occurs. IR aerial thermography is done at night to "see" sources of heat and the relative differences in heat from one object to another.

Here's a great link if you want to learn more - we will be offering aerial thermal imaging in North and South Carolina - let me know if you want to learn more!


Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!Edit Posts

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com/ or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

Schools and Universities - The Time to Use Infrared is Now

Earlier this month, I wrote about my concerns about mold and mildew in the roofing materials and insulation in schools. Thermal scans can accurately detect areas of water intrusion, helping to save costs on remediation. It's not just our public school system that's in trouble, though.

Universities, often buildings built decades ago (or in some cases, buildings that are hundreds of years old - Harvard, for example, was established 1636!), may be notoriously energy inefficient. Buildings may be sitting on top of steam lines that are old and crumbling. Roofs may be disintegrating in areas, leading to potentially dangerous environments. The costs of heating and cooling buildings that are, shall we say, less than energy efficient, can be mind-boggling.

A relatively new form of infrared thermography, aerial imagery, offers several advantages to university school systems.Because we can take high-angle, straight down infrared images, we can capture large images at once, so we can see all of the building and "hot spots" in context. So - although might sound super expensive, the infrared report is actually less expensive to produce and more accurate than if a thermographer spent days walking the campus. Call me if you want to learn more or if you'd like a quote on aerial infrared thermography!


Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!Edit Posts

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com/ or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

Infrared Thermography for Roofs Saves Millions

Whoa! Came across this article and thought I'd share - Chevron Texaco saved $5.6 million dollars by using infrared thermography on its roofs. That's right - $5.6 MILLION dollars - not a typo (although I've been known to do that too!)

Seems the company execs decided it was time to replace the roofs. George Horn, superintendent of operations and maintenance for ChevronTexaco Real Estate Management, thought the roofs did not need to be replaced. What did he do? He called in an infrared thermographer to do an infrared scan of the building roofs. The thermal roof scans showed that the roofs did NOT have to replaced.

Since then, Chevron Texaco has continued to use infrared thermography as part of its ongoing building maintenance programs. Read the whole story here!

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!Edit Posts

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com/ or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

Mold Remediation - EPA Guidelines

Did you know that one of the major problems facing our educational system today is "sick schools"? I was a little shocked to learn that the average age of most school buildings is 42 years old! Alot of our schools are using those portable classrooms - about 600,000 of them across the United States.*

The age of our schools and the liberal use of portable classrooms is having an unintended effect - major mold infestations as moisture leaks through roofs and walls. Now, I have grandchildren in school, it is really worrying to think they could be exposed to the health risks that major mold exposure can cause. What can be done?

The EPA has a great set of mold remediation guidelines. Notice what steps 3 and 5 are, respectively:

Assess size of mold problem and note type of mold-damaged materials.
Identify source or cause of water or moisture problem.

I've written alot about how the source of water leaks and moisture is usually NOT where the water seeps through. The same is true of mold (both the mold you can see and the mold you can't see!) - especially since mold grows and spreads as it feeds off moisture. Fixing the visible problem may not fix the ACTUAL problem.

A thermal scan using infrared thermography can identify the source of the water leak/moisture and it can also find insulation, wet drywall and other areas that you may not be able to see that may be harboring mildew that your children and grandchildren could be breathing as they study. Isn't it time to see when or if your child's school has had an infrared scan?

*Stats from the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities.

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com/ or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!

Infrared Thermography for Data Centers

Happy 2012! I hope your holiday season was a good one.

So many people receive electronics over the holidays - computers, smartphones, ipads - so much data. Which is a not so subtle way of leading into January's Infrared Scanning Series on Data Centers.

Does your company use networked computers? Then chances are, somewhere in your offices is a data center. Data centers are usually filled with servers and other equipment - the technological backbone of your business. As you can imagine, the heat generated by so many electrical components can be intense, and so data centers are carefully monitored for temperate spikes or drops.

More than just the data center itself needs to be monitored. Along with all those servers comes a lot of electrical equipment. A thorough predictive/preventative maintenance (P/PM) program uses infrared thermography to detect excess heat radiating from those components.

What you can't see CAN hurt you!
Remember, electrical components heat up before they fail.

Loose connections, overloaded or imbalanced circuits, faulty breakers, damaged switches, faulty fuses and a wide range of other unwanted electrical conditions produce a heat signature that cannot be seen with the naked eye, but can be easily detected using an infrared scan camera. Remember, what you can't see CAN hurt you!

If you haven't had a thermal heat scan of your data center in the last six months, now is a great time!

Interested in learning more? Call me at 803-328-2889 and let’s talk!

IR Infrared Services provides top quality thermographic service at a competitive price to commercial users in North Carolina and South Carolina. For more information, visit http://www.irinfraredservices.com/ or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/infraredscans. We are proud to offer the very best thermography services in North Carolina and South Carolina!