November 2004 • Cleaning & Restoration 1

C

&R has reported extensively on the time, cost and

benefits of using infrared (IR) thermography to

inspect buildings in order to trace the source and

scope of water damage, and thus potential mold. In addi-

tion, IR thermal imaging is extremely fast, noninvasive

and provides evidentiary-quality, intuitively understand-

able data that have a much higher degree of accuracy and

reliability than other moisture detection technologies.

But moisture detection is only one of a number of ways

that IR cameras can earn their keep by helping cleaning

and restoration professionals locate and diagnose a broad

range of ailments—existing or potential—in buildings.

That’s important for smaller operators whose volume

might make the typical return on investment of less than a

year somewhat longer if they were to rely on using the

camera solely for moisture detection projects.

The following are actual examples of how cleaning and

restoration professionals are “exploiting” their infrared

cameras to assess energy efficiency; reveal construction

defects; inspect electrical, mechanical and HVAC systems;

Tracking Down More than Just Moisture Problems

Tracking Down More than Just Moisture Problems

By Ronald D. Lucier

Infrared Therm

ography:

Infrared Therm

ography:

Above: An IR thermogram taken in the morning of the

underside of a standing-seam metal roof. The wet section

shows up as purple; dryer areas, warmed up by sun,

appear yellow and orange.

November 2004 • Vol. 41 No. 11

The Official Publication of ASCR International

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