| Infrared Thermography? |
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Infrared Themography -- "Seeing" Moisture in Walls to Find Mould
 Fluke Thermal Imager
Infrared thermography is a complex technology that uses a camera that is capable of "seeing" the temperature differences of materials in the format of a visual picture. This picture is not what we see with our naked eye, but a picture of the infrared (IR) energy or "heat signature". In other words, we are seeing the energy of heat!
Infrared cameras can be used many ways such as electrical inspection work, understanding the main friction wear points on equipment like automobiles and turbines, assisting in the investigation of buildings for building envelope deficiencies, and mould or fungal investigations. The use of IR thermography for mould work is leading edge, but the benefits are obvious. Being able to see moisture as temperature differences without cutting holes can save time, and minimize disturbance. Fungal proliferation in a building is dependent upon an adequate supply of water. When moisture accumulates more rapidly than the natural drying process, such as with chronic plumbing leaks or sudden flooding from rainwater or sewage backflow, the ecology changes and favours the rapid reproduction or amplification of bacteria and fungi. The factors, which determine the extent of microbial contamination, typically depend on how often and how long the material is wetted and dried or cooled and dried. Therefore, the control of moisture in occupied buildings is considered to be the critical variable that will prevent or limit microbial growth.  Seeing temperature differences in a typical wall. An IR camera does not detect mould but it can detect the cooler temperatures that result when materials are wet. By identifying potentially wet materials the conditions that support mould proliferation can be rectified. An IR camera in the hands of a skilled and experienced professional can save money and time and help produce answers to questions such as: What materials are wet? How extensive is the wetting? What will have to be remediated? Most importantly, how and why did the building materials get wet? An IR camera is one tool that an investigator needs in their arsenal to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of a building. |
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