The problem with damp is that it is not always visible to the naked eye. There could be damp issues in inaccessible areas that you cannot see. If you’re concerned about damp in your property, the use of thermal imaging in a damp survey is invaluable. These devices are an aid to surveyors in diagnosis and help provide an accurate description of the problem facing a property. It is also less invasive, reducing the likelihood of causing damage and can provide a clear image of the problem.
Thermal imaging cameras can be used to identify changes in temperature on surfaces such as walls and ceilings, which can provide evidence of leaks, lack of insulation, cold bridging and other structural problems. If there is moisture leaking through externally into internal plasterwork, this damp plaster will have a lower temperature to dry plaster.
It can help surveyors pinpoint the issue and find optimal solutions. For example this tool could pick up a lack of insulation in a roof space, which had led to cold spots and condensation/mould forming in certain areas.
In this article, we’ll explore how thermal imaging works in a damp survey. We will also explain the role it plays in identifying damp issues before they escalate.
How Does Thermal Imaging Work?
Infrared thermography uses thermal imaging cameras to detect temperature variations on the surfaces of objects or structures. It’s now becoming increasingly popular in property preservation and building inspections, uncovering hidden issues not visible to the naked eye.
Thermal imaging generates images of objects by capturing the infrared radiation they emit. Although invisible to the human eye, thermal imaging cameras detect this radiation and help determine an object’s temperature, shape, and surface texture. In simple terms, the hotter an object, the more infrared radiation it emits. This means it will appear brighter in the thermal image. These cameras capture the radiation and present it as a visual image. In the image, colours represent different temperature ranges.
Analysing these patterns helps surveyors identify property issues such as damp and cold surfaces that lack insulation.
How Can Thermal Imaging Identify Damp?
Our damp surveyors use thermal imaging to identify cold spots in a building. The thermal imaging can reveal cooler areas of the building. This is because as moisture is lost from a surface by evaporation, it cools that surface. This means that damp areas will often appear cooler than other areas of the building.
However, a cold surface does not always indicate dampness. Once thermal images find an area of interest, this area should be inspected using more traditional methods. This tool is also handy at identifying leaks from waterpipes.
Benefits of Thermal Imaging
Speedy Process:
Identifying damp early can prevent extensive damage. Thermal imaging aids in identifying damp before it becomes visible or results in structural issues.
Finding the Source:
Beyond identifying cold damp areas, thermal imaging helps pinpoint the moisture source by interpreting thermal image patterns, enabling targeted remediation efforts.
Non-Intrusive:
Thermal imaging surveys are non-invasive. It reduces the need for tearing down walls or lifting floor coverings, provided a thermal anomaly appears at the surface.
Final Thoughts
Thermal imaging can be a powerful tool to help damp surveyors identify damp. That’s why all of our surveyors carry thermal imaging equipment, which can be used when necessary to highlight a damp problem. For more information on damp surveys from Rentokil Property Care, visit our website now.