Thermal Imaging & Leak Detection

Nigel Hewitt

Technical Manager

What is Thermography?

• Infrared Thermography is the science of acquistion and analysis of thermal information from non-contact thermal imaging devices

What is a Thermal Image

• Photography can be described as writing with Light

• Thermography can be described as writing with Heat

Heat Transfer Modes

Radiation

Conduction

Convection• Conduction

• Convection

• Radiation

Infrared Thermography

• Building materials radiate energy

• Wet materials retain heat and change slower than dry areas of the same material.

• This allows us to locate an area with a moisture problem

Visual Image

These two glasses visually appear the

same.

Thermal Image

Thermal Imaging with an infrared camera.

“ Paints a different picture.”

Infrared Thermography

• IR thermography can be used to trace the influx of moisture to find the ultimate source of leakage with little or no physical disassembly of the premises.

• With current models of IR cameras, images can be made in seconds.

Water Damage

High Ceiling Water Damage

Infrared Thermography

• IR thermography can then be used to accurately monitor the drying process.

• IR cameras can inspect places that can’t be physically reached with a moisture meter.

Water Damage

See the Drying taking place!

Dry a building more effectively and more efficiently!

The Drying Process

Thermal Imaging

• Where can it help us– Identifying point of water ingress– Track spread of water– Identifying maintenance issues– Identify issues with insulation– Identify areas of air infiltration– Assist with trace and access

Moisture Detection on a Roof

Damaged/Missing Insulation

Building Envelop Inspection

Water leak in a concrete slab

Hydrogen Tracer Gas Leak Detection

Acoustic Leak Detection

Additional Equipment

Non-Destructive Moisture Detection

• Advantages– Quick– Non-evasive– Does not require

relocation of the occupant or the occupant’s contents

– Helps define actual source and defines its progression

• Disadvantages– Cannot see

through walls; only detects surface temperature differentials

– Cannot detect subsurface damage (i.e. mould or structural damage)

Any Questions

Thank You