Infrared Thermography and Forensic Engineering
In the field of forensic engineering, infrared thermography provides an indication of potential resultant damages from air, water or thermal changes. The thermal image provides a visual illustration of the extent of damages from component failures. SBSA’s staff uses infrared thermography to thoroughly analyze building systems. Not only can it help investigators determine areas of thermal loss, but it can help identify areas of moisture infiltration and direct intrusive testing efforts. Thermographic imaging is non-intrusive, so it can reduce your costs in identifying and analyzing the issues.
Using Infrared Thermography in SBSA’s investigations can:
- Determine or verify damage associated with water claims
- Identify moisture or air migration paths
- Ientify thermal anomalies
Roofing
- Determine performance of cold or super-insulated roofs
- Identify dead spots and coverage of ice melt systems
- Determine the extent of damage from water
- Snow melt system performance monitoring
The Building Envelope
- Detect areas of moisture infiltration
- Determine the migration path of moisture
- Identify potential areas for further intrusive testing, as a result minimizing the need for intrusive examinations
- Provide visual illustration of thermal losses
In-Floor Radiant Heat Systems
- Evaluate in-floor radiant heat systems
- Locate effective/ineffective heat zones, breaks or ruptures in the lines, improper line placement
- Determine operating temperatures
- Allow preventative maintenance of system
- Identify location of lines to allow for drilling or intrusive examination
Plumbing Breaks
- Locate water-damaged components or materials that require fixing
- Determine plumbing line locations behind walls, ceilings and floors
- Provide an understanding of leak source if not visible with the naked eye