Infrared Cameras or IR Cameras
IR Cameras are great tools for Wall Cladding Inspections; however, by themselves they are inconclusive:
There are numerous IR cameras available today with various features that can impact the quality of the IR images. Environmental conditions can also impact the quality of the IR images. Infrared Cameras are great tools; however, a proper Moisture Analysis Inspections still requires probing of the wall cladding to confirm moisture content and condition of the substrate.
- IR cameras do not “see” moisture. Rather they see surface temperature differences.
- Low resolution IR cameras may not be able to provide the temperature differentiation required to be able to see anomalies.
- The skill level of the Thermographer and the environmental conditions can significantly impact the quality of the images.
- If there is not a large enough Delta T or temperature difference nothing may show.
- If there is direct sun light on the wall the images will not provide the anomalies one needs to use this tool.
- If there has been no rain for an extended period of time you may not get a temperature difference even though water intrusion has occurred in the past.
- If there is no substrate left to retain moisture the IR images may show a deteriorated wall as dry.
- For the above reasons even if an IR inspection shows no temperature difference there may still be water intrusion and damage that will only be found by probing.
Use of an IR camera with no probing is not a proper Moisture Analysis Inspection and should not be sold as a conclusive inspection