Moisture Intrusion
Detecting moisture intrusion problems is an excellent application for thermal imaging or infrared (IR) cameras. Moisture intrusion may be identified through basic visual inspection if it has lead to obvious defects, such as staining or mold growth. By the time visible evidence has presented itself, however, significant damage may have already been done. In many cases, moisture or water intrusion may have been developing for a while before obvious signs become apparent. By employing thermal imaging and a moisture meter, I can locate moisture issues before they become large problems and lead to serious damage, as well as gather details in cases where moisture intrusion has already become obvious.
Detecting moisture intrusion problems is an excellent application for thermal imaging or infrared (IR) cameras. Moisture intrusion may be identified through basic visual inspection if it has lead to obvious defects, such as staining or mold growth. By the time visible evidence has presented itself, however, significant damage may have already been done. In many cases, moisture or water intrusion may have been developing for a while before obvious signs become apparent. By employing thermal imaging and a moisture meter, I can locate moisture issues before they become large problems and lead to serious damage, as well as gather details in cases where moisture intrusion has already become obvious.
Advantages
Using an infrared camera provides certain advantages in locating moisture problems. Thermal patterns created by latent moisture become readily apparent when viewed through an IR camera, even when they are not visible to the naked eye. This is because the IR camera sees the apparent temperature difference between wet spots and building materials. Water intrusion and excessive moisture within walls, under floors, and above ceilings will show up in the thermal image. Water intrusion implies that the house has been compromised somewhere, perhaps through the roof, in the basement, or as the result of a mechanical or plumbing leak. Thermal imaging can help me locate the sources and extent of moisture intrusion. Here’s a list of its advantages.
- It's time-saving.
- It's easy to set up.
- It allows examination of areas that are not visible to the naked eye.
- It allows examination of areas that are difficult to access, such as tall ceilings.
- It allows for larger areas to be examined quickly.
- It helps locate sources of moisture intrusion.
- It helps determine the extent of moisture intrusion.
- It allows me to trace the moisture intrusion through other affected areas.
- It provides visual documentation of moisture intrusion.
- It identifies moisture without the need for direct contact in potentially unsanitary areas, such as behind toilets.
Applications for Finding Moisture
Since infrared technology provides so many advantages for inspecting for moisture intrusion, it is applicable in many situations.
A few examples are:
A few examples are:
- during an energy audit. Thermal imaging makes apparent any areas of moisture intrusion (and air leaks) of the building envelope;
- after a water-damage event, such as a flood or pipe rupture. Thermal imaging can help document the scope of the damage, as well as find affected areas that may not be immediately obvious;
- behind finished basement walls. I can view inside for moisture in a non-intrusive way;
- if an in-slab water supply or waste line is suspected of leaking;
- when windows, doors or other openings are suspected as points of moisture (or air) intrusion. Thermal imaging can help confirm such suspicions;
- to help identify wet spots in insulation;
- to locate hidden leaks under resilient flooring; and
- to find wet areas in inaccessible spots, such as a narrow crawlspace and inside duct work.
Important Areas to Check
When inspecting for moisture intrusion, there are many areas that may be more obvious than others to search, such as below-grade window wells and basement walls. It can be helpful to consider several areas that may be at risk so that a thorough inspection can be conducted without overlooking less-obvious areas. Thermal imaging can be employed effectively to find moisture:
- in the kitchen around the sink, under the dishwasher, behind the refrigerator, and under the cooking range, as well as around vents and exhaust fans;
- in bathrooms around plumbing fixtures and outlets, shower and bathtub enclosures, fixtures and vents, the toilet and bidet, and windows;
- the HVAC system;
- the water heater;
- in the attic, including roof penetrations, connecting walls, vents and fans, and recessed lights;
- in the basement, including walls, duct work and crawlspaces;
- in the laundry area around the washer and dryer hookups, drip pans and exhaust vents, as well as utility sinks.