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Thermography uses specially
designed infrared video or still cameras to make images
(called thermograms) that show surface heat variations.
This technology has a number of applications.
Thermograms of electrical systems can detect abnormally
hot electrical connections or components. Thermograms of
mechanical systems can detect the heat created by
excessive friction. Property owners use thermography as
a tool to help detect heat losses and air leakage in
building envelopes.
Infrared scanning allows the customer to check the
effectiveness of
insulation
in a building's construction. The resulting thermograms
help assessors determine whether a building needs
insulation and where in the building it should go.
Because wet insulation conducts heat faster than dry
insulation, thermographic scans of roofs can often
detect roof leaks.
In addition to using thermography during an property
assessment, you should have a scan done before
purchasing a house; even new houses can have defects in
their thermal envelopes.
The most accurate thermographic inspection device is a
thermal imaging camera, which produces a 2-dimensional
thermal picture of an area showing heat leakage.
Preparing for a Thermographic Inspection
To prepare for an thermal scan, the homeowner should
take steps to ensure an accurate result. The most
accurate thermographic images usually occur when there
is a large temperature difference (at least 20°F [14°C])
between inside and outside air temperatures. |
