Use of Infrared Thermography in Testing Building Envelopes

Moisture in building materials can destroy structuralcondensation especially walls and roof areas. Building
integrity and nurture mold. The first step in moisturedesigns and technologies have caused tighter thermal
problem remediation is to quickly and accuratelyenvelopes and have trapped moisture in impermeable
locate and remove sources of moisture. Infraredbuilding materials.o Poor HVAC distribution or
cameras instantly show you what's wet and what'sperformance caused by design and installation
dry. IR can instantly find the ultimate source with littleproblems resulting in excessive energy use and
or no physical disassembly of the premises anduncomfortable buildings.o Finding Termite
minimal disturbance of inhabitants.Infestationso Verification of Construction Details or
Infrared thermography can provide remarkable,structural performance. Great success has been
nondestructive information about construction detailsaccomplished to verify proper reinforcement in
and building performance. Often the problems, as wellconcrete masonry buildings, as well as concrete filled
as their causes and consequences can not be seengrouted cells.o Water leaks from pipes in either walls
until after costly damage has already been done.or slabs
Typically, at this stage or point the only recourse* Delamination of Fascade Materialso "Sick Building
may be extensive and costly reconstruction.Syndrome", mold growth and health related issues.o
The major building applications for IR technologyExterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS)
are:o Excessive Energy Use due to missing orconstruction is particularly susceptible to water
damaged insulation, or insulation that is performingintrusion causing mold growth and wood decay
inadequately. It is essential to know the type ofproblems.
insulation in the building and construction details,A great value of infrared thermography is that it
including how the insulation was installed.o Air Leakageenables building owners, architects, contractors, and
Locations can be excessive and account for up toinspectors to locate problems, verify building
half of the energy consumed to condition buildings.performance, and validate solutions. The primary
Adequate air exchange is essential to the health of areturn on investment in building thermography is
building. Sometimes the root cause of excessivegaining a higher level of assurance that the building will
leakage can be poor design and or construction whichperform as intended and occupants will be more
allows air to move across the thermal perimeter.ocomfortable, often at a lower cost.
Moisture intrusion and damage due to leaks or