InfraMation 2004 Proceedings

ITC 104 A 2004-07-27

The Use of Infrared Thermal Imaging

in Indoor Environmental Investigations

Mary A. Finn,

The Finn Group

ABSTRACT

Infrared thermal imaging has been increasingly used to identify wet building materials that can be sources of

mold growth and degraded indoor environmental quality. However,

infrared

cameras are

also an important tool

in the evaluation of HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) systems, which are the primary pathways

for the distribution of contaminants in a building. Through identification of temperature differentials,

infrared

cameras can be used to pinpoint areas of unwanted pressurization or depressurization within a building,

negative pressure indoors with respect to outdoors, and problems with HVAC system components. I

nfrared

cameras can be used to rapidly identify areas of concern so that an in-depth evaluation and corrective

action can be taken to correct degraded indoor environmental quality.

Keywords

: indoor environmental quality, HVAC, contaminants, infrared, thermal imaging

INTRODUCTION

Infrared thermal imaging has been shown to be a useful tool in the detection of unwanted moisture that can

lead to degraded indoor environmental quality (IEQ). It is also a useful technique in rapidly evaluating the

temperature differentials associated with HVAC systems and building air pressures that can be the

transportation pathways for indoor contaminants associated with IEQ problems.

MOISTURE INTRUSION AND WET BUILDING MATERIALS

Figure 1 is the IR image and photo showing water intrusion into the wall and carpeting from a plumbing leak

within the wall cavity.

Figure 1. Thermogram/photo showing water intrusion from plumbing leak inside wall behind fountain