Using Thermal Imaging Technology to Find and Fix Common Roof Problems

Thermal imaging cameras, also known as infrared cameras, are well known for their applications in medical care, firefighting, and astronomy. However, these thermal imaging devices can also be used with great success by commercial roofing inspectors to identify leaks, defects, moisture, and mold. A trained thermographer will be able to interpret these infrared scans and suggest remedial action for these common roof problems.

Thermal imaging devices work by measuring the amount of thermal radiation emitted by objects into the atmosphere. The device will then represent these measurements graphically in the form of a colored image. Objects or parts of objects that are emitting more thermal radiation than others, and are thus warmer, will often appear as a bright yellow, red, or white on a thermal imaging camera. An area of an object that is emitting a low level of thermal radiation will often appear as a darker blue, purple, or green.This technology allows thermal imaging devices to provide a visual representation of heat and thermal energy. A thermographer can then examine this image to identify any problems that need to be fixed. For example, a pipe may be leaking an invisible gas into the atmosphere. A thermal imaging device could identify the heat pattern of the gas and visually pinpoint where the leak is originating.

In the same way, commercial roofing inspectors can use a thermal imaging camera to identify and fix problems with installed roofs. There are a variety of tasks that can be accomplished using these cameras. Moisture within the fabric of the roof or building can be identified using the thermal imaging device. The camera can also identify any air or heat leakage, due to holes or leaks in the roof. This sort of analysis can save money, as roof inspectors know where to patch the roof in order to prevent unnecessary heat loss, resulting in savings on energy bills.

Finally, the thermal imaging camera can verify that any leaks in the roof were repaired successfully, by comparing images taken before and after the repair by the roof inspector. Thermal imaging technology is quick and relatively inexpensive. Also, thermal technology provides the additional benefit of being non-intrusive: it can check for problems in a structure without requiring any sort of deconstruction. Through the use of a infrared camera or thermal imaging device, a commercial roofing inspector is able to easily identify and fix roof problems that, prior to the development of this technology, would have been costly and time-consuming to locate and repair.

References:

1. "Thermographic Imaging." GreenerSmarter. Accessed 29 April 2009.

2. "Introduction - Thermal Imaging." Irisys. Accessed 29 April 2009.

by Mike D. Wittman

Growing need of Home Energy Audit

The need of the home energy audit is increasing day by day. The is requirement of maintaining the correct temperature is the requirement of each and every homeowner. There are several devices and equipment available in the market which are used everywhere to maintain the appropriate temperature. The requirement of these devices is to maximize the difference between the temperature of the interior and the surrounding. But having all those devices do not assure that you will get the desired results. There may be many defects in the home which does not allow those devices to function properly. A lot of money is gets wasted due to the high energy consumption of these devices.

The energy resources are depleting day by day and to use these energy resources efficiently is the necessary for energy conservation. Due to some defects in the structure of the house there may be high amount of heat loss. This heat loss not only increases the consumption of the energy but also increases the load on the operating devices.Therefore there is need of regular energy audits. Energy audits should not only be carried out in homes, but also in the commercial and industrial areas where the energy requirements are much higher than the residential areas.

Now we should discuss Why Energy Audit is so important?There are many problems in the home and its structure which results in unnecessary heat loss taking place from the interior to its surrounding. Some of such problems are:
1.Improper insulation.
2.Leaks and hindrances in the air conditioning and ventilating devices.
3.Improper structure of the home.
4.Overloading of electrical circuits.
5.Problems in electrical connections.
6.Unnecessary air infiltration from the surrounding.

Due to all the problems listed above the devices are not able to maintain the required temperature.Therefore the defects in the home need to be identified in order to conserve energy and prevent loss . This is easily done with the help of thermal imaging cameras. The defects that are present in the home are not usually visible by the naked eye. Due to this, many homeowners often commit the mistake of changing the other things instead of the actual defect. You may end up spending thousands of dollars on anything that you feel may be the defect and yet have no results. It is very important to find out the actual area of defect which needs to be corrected. Therefore it is wise to spent money on the energy audit inspection which could save you a lot of money and also saves precious energy resources.

The thermal inspection process helps you to find out the actual defect. All the areas of the house that may consist of the probable defects are checked through thermal examining. This involves inspecting the structure of the home, roof, heating and cooling equipments, electrical connections, exterior of the home, etc. This is easily accomplished with the help of thermal infrared imaging. They see heat through walls and measure in terms of thermogram. Infrared cameras sense the temperature and produce the required images useful in finding the defects.

There is a certain process which is carried out during the inspection.

1.First of all you need to discuss the area of concern with the inspector also you need to tell him your requirements and also about the problems you are facing.The inspection can take several hours depending on the size of the home and the severity of the problem you are facing.

2.He will carefully inspect all the areas with the help of thermal inspection cameras which would take the images of the areas discussed above and will show the defects. He will record the findings and will note them down.

3.On the completion of the inspection he will discuss his observations with the home owner.He will tell you about the areas which are defected and the way to remove those defects.He will show you the infrared images which will help you to identify the problem.

4.He may also visit later if required.

Therefore getting a Energy Audit done at your home will save you money as well as reduce your carbon footprint as it saves resources.

by Ankit Tiwari

References:
http://www.infrared-buildinginspections.com
http://www.infraredcamerasinc.com
http://infraredinformation.blogspot.com/
http://infraredinspections.blogspot.com/
http://www.predictive-maintenance.com
http://www.correnergyconsulting.com
http://www.nrgbydesign.com

Infrared Building Inspection - Information

Infrared building inspections are beneficial services that can help the customer find or diagnose issues with the building in question. Thermal imaging uses infrared as an advanced non-destructive technology that allows a technician to show the customer issues with their building that no one can see with conventional inspection methods.

Infrared inspections and surveys are increasingly requested for residential, industrial and commercial applications. These inspections utilize the same technology found in military, aerospace, and medical applications. Infrared thermal inspections have assisted home owners, real estate investors, potential home buyers, commercial properties, industrial preventive maintenance, building management firms, and commercial management firms.

In the private sector analysis of residential properties, general contractors, renovators, home inspectors, real estate specialists, home builders, and home improvement specialists.

Thermal infrared inspections are exceedingly important for any region due to changes in climate and seasonal conditions. At some point in time, everyone becomes affected by high energy costs; an infrared inspection can assist with environmental and building concerns and significantly reduce damage and repair costs associated with them.

An infrared inspection can identify and document the following issues:

• Electrical faults before they cause a fire.
• Overloaded and undersized circuits.
• Circuit breakers in need of immediate replacement.
• Missing, damaged, and/or wet insulation.
• Heat loss and air infiltration in walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors.
• Water and moisture intrusion that could lead to mold.
• Possible pest infestation.
• Hidden roof leaks, before they cause serious damage.
• Air conditioner compressor leaks.
• Under fastening and/or missing framing members.
• Structural defects.
• Broken seals in double pane windows.
• Energy loss and efficiency.
• Dangerous flue leaks.
• Damaged and/or malfunctioning radiant heating systems.
• Unknown plumbing leaks.
• Overheated equipment.

Keith Dartez

For more information please visit the links below:

Infrared Thermal Imaging Inspections
Infrared Inspection Cameras