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Essential uses of Infrared Thermography

1. Helping to source water intrusion from within walls, ceilings, floors, and other substrates in conjunction with other test methodologies.
2. Assists in identifying potential locations of water leaks at interior finishes.

In our case, performing Infrared Thermography Scans during one of our tests is most essential in sourcing water intrusion within building walls, flat areas, windows, and doors. The thermal images helps us to locate potential water intrusion without having to perform destructive testing to visually spot an entry point.

One of the main benefits of performing an Infrared Scan during preliminary water intrusion testing is that it helps to limit the destructive nature of a full-scale forensic investigation.  

Disclaimer: Utilizing infrared technology “does not” replace the need for physical verification of water leakage which is ultimately a definitive answer in whether or not test personnel classify something as a leak or not.   Infrared images are to be used as a supplemental tool only in the investigative test process.

With that said, “Destructive Testing” will always be a factor that must be considered because it is inevitable at some point, and is just a matter of when, not if.   The value of of using the infrared imaging camera during a preliminary water intrusion test is that is can assist in narrowing down the entry point to a smaller region thereby reducing the amount of overall destructive testing necessary. In simple terms, thermography is just another useful tool to be utilized by our team of experts. 

With the understanding that thermal imaging does have a high rate of ‘False Positives’ by nature it should never be your only source of information in determining a water leak whether it is a surface, component or a substrate leak.

What is Infrared Thermography?

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Infrared energy or radiation not visible to the human eye is emitted from everything. The infrared camera helps us to see these thermal images as it displays this infrared energy and variation in temperatures as color, within the camera.

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It’s the differences in color that allows us, the operators to see cooler temperature things like water within walls or warmer temperature things such as heat, in the case of electrical issues.

When Do I Need an Infrared Thermographic Scan

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As an alternative to the old methods of sourcing water intrusion issues which is simply a wait and see approach, the use of thermal imaging will cut down water intrusion sourcing by more than half the time it takes otherwise.  We prefer to use a hybrid style of testing that combines all of our tools and mixes in some destructive testing in combination with our infrared cameras and moisture meters along with our exterior water spray equipment.

Before the use of infrared on water intrusion tests, one would have to either wait for the water to penetrate the interior of the building which by that time in some cases, could result in a catastrophic loss to the interior. Or, the testing operator would use a moisture meter alone to literally scan an entire area for elevated moisture readings.

We like to think that the uses for infrared thermography are endless especially when it comes to sourcing water intrusion. Some other areas where the use of infrared technology is helpful:

1. Identifying electrical hazards
2. Locating missing insulation in ceilings or walls
3. Air Leakage Testing for energy efficiency of a home

Are you Qualified?

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Our test managers and technicians are all versed in the uses of infrared technology, but more importantly, we are laboratory trained to utilize thermal imaging technology in conjunction with the use of our exterior spray equipment to source and identify potential leak locations.

How Do I Request for an Infrared Thermographic Test?

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It’s actually already included in our Forensic Water Leak Detection Service so you are covered!  When we test a home or building it is standard operating procedure for our team to bring infrared cameras to assist in the test process.  No special requests are necessary.

How Do I Contact You For Los Angeles Infrared Thermography Inspections

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WIS is available to perform infrared water intrusion testing throughout the entire State of CA in addition to AZ and NV.  Be sure to give us a call for your project.