Strata Reserve Planning, one of BC's larger Depreciation Report firms, is glad to announce that it now has In-House Thermographic Imaging Inspection Services.
Thermographic imaging is usually required if there are complaints of air leaks, drafts, cold exterior walls, or poor insulation. Thermographic imaging uses a specialized infrared camera to determine the conditions between the interior and the outer walls without invasive testing. The scope of a typical Depreciation Report does not include thermographic imaging.
This camera "looks" at heat, which is the transfer of energy from one object to another. Heat flows from a hot object to a cool object, and the transfer is "measured" by the change of temperature of the area of interest with infrared imaging. Unexpected temperature changes may indicate design flaws, improperly installed, damaged or water-saturated insulation and/or structural building components.
Cold walls on the building exterior are usually an indicator of poor insulation. Insulation can condense and settle, thinning out in specific locations or at the top of walls, and disappear. It aids in determining a failure of the insulation, water ingress, overheating of electrical components, or air leaks.
In the most common cases, a review of the exterior wall materials that separate the outdoor envelope and the environmentally controlled interior is completed to detect changes in heat by measuring electromagnetic radiation. Temperature is one of the first observable parameters to indicate the health of a building envelope component, system, or process. Infrared camera technology provides superior imaging quality in displaying temperature variations and helps you accurately evaluate potential problems before failure occurs. During an infrared inspection, components are analyzed, and equipment performance is assessed in a real operating environment. This Infrared inspection technique is a powerful and definitive means of monitoring and diagnosing the current condition of the building envelope without making incisions in the wall.
This approach can also be used to determine moisture in walls or roofs. For many developments, the first signs of a moisture problem may be "standing" water on the roof, discoloration of the siding, or a persistent musty odour. By measuring the "relative" moisture content, thermal imaging can aid in identifying water pathways and areas of entrapped water within a space. Some of these early warning signs of excess moisture can be difficult to spot early on, which is why it is essential to inspect a building for moisture, particularly after a major storm or other events that can cause damage to the integrity of a structure.
Additional indicators like discoloration of the interior ceilings, damp walls, or a continuing persistent musty odour may occur as issues persist. Hygroscopic materials, like fibreglass insulation or wood, are porous materials that can take on and hold moisture. The problem occurs when they do not give off moisture within a certain period. This can allow mould to take hold. While the imaging methodology will not show if there is mould, it will show if there is a change in the transfer of heat, indicating further investigation is required.
Electrical and electronic equipment are often reviewed with this technology. In general, the overheating and resulting failure can only be captured when parts begin to corrode or become damaged or dust gets in a breaker box. Corrosion can wear away wires and electrical conductors, increasing their resistance. Accordingly, the increased resistance due to corroded components will result in overheating. Imaging can be a cost-effective monitoring system.
A certified professional should be the only one interpreting thermographic images. Certification is earned after rigorous training and proven experience in interpreting thermographic images. Our in-house Level 1 Certified Thermographer is available before or during the Depreciation Report inspection.
Call us today at 604-638-4960 to let Strata Reserve Planning provide thermographic imaging services.