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!