Thermal imaging (thermography) is a type of infrared imaging. Thermal imagers detect radiation in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum and produce images of that radiation. Infrared radiation is emitted by all objects based on their temperatures. It's basically the science of taking pictures of heat and reading the data accordingly. Thermal imaging makes it possible to "see" one's environment with or without visible illumination. As a result, thermography's extensive use can historically be ascribed to the military and security services.

Firefighters can use it to see through a smoke filled room to locate people inside and also locate the base of a fire. We also can use thermal imaging to prevent overheated electrical components such as fuse boxes, electrical panels, motors, etc. Above all this is something we can relate to; poorly insulated walls and attic space, as well as water infiltration. By detecting these problems at an early stage can save money in heating and cooling costs and decrease the amount of damage caused by water.

The structures we live and work in are susceptible to quality and performance problems during construction and maintenance that can impact performance and may, in some cases, render them dangerous. Regardless of the building type involved, infrared thermography can provide remarkable, nondestructive information about construction details and building performance.

Buildings of all sorts, from homes to factories to high rises, can be troubled by problems related to design, construction and maintenance that can be difficult to diagnose and resolve. The major problems found in buildings include:

   ¬   excessive energy use due to missing or damaged insulation, insulation that is
        performing inadequately and excessive air-leakage across the thermal perimeter
   ¬   moisture damage due to leaks or condensation, especially in the walls or roofs
   ¬   ice damage to sloped roofs
   ¬   poor HVAC distribution or performance
   ¬   inadequate verification of construction details or structural performance
        delaminations of facade materials
   ¬   "sick building syndrome," mold growth and other health related issues

A great value of infrared thermography is that it provides a means of seeing the invisible thermal signatures related to many of these problems in building. When properly used, thermography enables building owners, architects, contractors and inspectors to locate problems, verify building performance, and validate solutions. When people act on this information, significant savings result and buildings are more comfortable!

Building applications for thermography
The major building-related applications for the technology are detailed below.

    Insulation checks

    Air leakage location
        Excessive air leakage can account for up to half of the energy consumed to
        condition buildings. Of course adequate air exchange is essential for the
        occupants' health and safety, but most buildings have a far higher rate of
        air exchange than is necessary. The root cause is often poor design and/or
        construction which allows air to move across the thermal perimeter. The
        problems can be as straightforward as a failed door weather seal or as complex
        as an air pathway through a plumbing chase in an interior wall or ceiling plenum.
        The leakage pathway is often complex and, without infrared, extremely
        difficult to visualize.

     Moisture intrusion or condensation
        As building designs and techniques produce tighter thermal envelopes,
        moisture (from leaks or condensation) has created more and more problems.
        The water can intrude through a small crack but it is then trapped between
        the relatively impermeable building materials. Good building techniques typically
        must deal with both air sealing and moisture retarders to keep moisture from
        accumulating inside the wall sections.

      EIFS construction
         The growing popularity of buildings using Exterior Insulation and Finish
         Systems (EIFS) has been accompanied by numerous cases of moisture-related
         structural damage. Although often attributed to leaking windows, water
         typically intrudes where sealing or flashing systems were inadequate or have
         begun to fail. Moisture is then trapped under the relatively impervious foam. In
         warm climates the decay of structural wooden elements, which can occur very
         rapidly, is a major problem. Mold growth also often accompanies the moisture
         resulting in health concerns.
        
      HVAC performance
         HVAC systems can be plagues by design and installation problems resulting
         in excessive energy use and/or uncomfortable buildings. Thermography helps
         building specialists visualize the otherwise invisible impact of this poor
         performance as indicated by excessively hot or cold areas. Once these have
         been located, the root causes can be determined; these may include reversed
         or misdirected airflow or poorly placed supply ducts, leading to short-
         circuiting of air directly to the return ducts.

      Subsurface heat sources
          Heating coils are being used more and more either to keep outside walkways
          or entrance ramps snow free or to provide heat to areas and rooms via hot
          water or electric cables. Thermography provides a quick way to verify location
          and performance of these subsurface devices. Typically the thermal pattern
          shows up very clearly even when the heat source is embedded in several
          inches of concrete. Similarly, water pipes in wall sections can usually be
          located quite readily.
          Water leaks from pipes, whether in a wall section or under a slab, may also
          be located using IR.

      Verification of construction detail
          No area of application is more important these days, particularly in
          commercial buildings, than the verification of construction details and
          performance. Thermography is being used with great success to verify bond
          beams and placement of reinforcing in concrete masonry unit tip-up walls.
          How? The solid portions of the wall is in a thermally transient condition - typically
          in the early evening as it cools down. Because the inspection is conducted
          during construction, deficiencies can be corrected prior to occupation with
          relatively minor inconvenience.

      Sick-building syndrome
          When buildings are too tight or too moist, health-related problems quickly
          come to the forefront. Grouped together as "sick building syndrome," these
          can stem from inadequate HVAC performance, moisture trapped in walls, mold
          growth on cold, damp surfaces and inadequate air change rates. Many of
          these can be visualized and diagnosed, at least in part, with thermography to
          help solve these very serious - and common - problems.

      Roof moisture inspections
          The inspection of flat roofs, especially built-up roofs (BUR) has been proven
          for a number of years. The technique allows for the detection of moisture
          trapped in a roof system; over time the moisture leads to the pre-mature
          degradation of the roof.

Here is a before and after shot of what we found when we took off the original siding of this home: 

   

Before	After

We had suspected some damage but did not know to what extent. At this time we did not have thermal imaging equipment.  Notice how clean and un-disturbed everything looks with the original siding.  This could possibly be your home or your potential next home.  If you are in the market of buying a new home, we would be able to assist
you in finding any areas like these that you were not expecting to encounter. The bottom line is that you spent pennies compared to what you would have spent in repairs.

The interior of your home is just as important as the exterior. Water can find its way inside the home through cracks and cavities that thermal imaging finds.  It can seep in under carpets and padding as well as hardwood flooring leading to costly repairs and the development of mold growth. 

For more information regarding these services or to schedule an appointment please contact our office by phone or email anytime between 7:30 - 4:30 Monday through Friday.

 Click here for examples of how Thermal Imagers detect these issues

Below is a map of the counties that we are able to accommodate with this service but not limited to. If you live outside the service area please contact us.  Pricing is based according to your area and payment is required at time of service.

Anderson, Blount, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon,
Monroe, McMinn, Meigs, Roane, Sevier