Infrared Water Leak Detection

The problem faced by most property owners is that moisture behind walls, over ceilings, and under floors is often impossible to detect until the problem is excessive and visible to the naked eye.

There is no practical way to permanently eliminate mould spores in an indoor environment. The best way to control mould growth is to control moisture. Mould can begin growth in as little as 24 hours. Roof leaks, building envelope defects and water pipe leaks are common sources of water accumulation that may cause mould growth.

Moisture tends to be cooler or warmer than normal construction materials depending on the environmental conditions. This means it can generally be detected by an infrared camera and therefore detect conditions that promote mould growth. Mould related problems can be detected before the mould is visible to the eye or detectable by the nose. Infrared Imaging carried out by an operator with thermographic and construction expertise provides valuable diagnostic tools for construction related problems of water intrusion and mould growth.

Wall and ceiling damp not visible to the naked eye

Water leak ingress into wall via window installation defect

Ceiling moisture not visible to the naked eye

Insulated roof moisture ingress

The speed of using infrared, and the larger areas covered rapidly by an IR Camera, can save time and money by providing a faster, more efficient and more reliable survey. An IR camera can detect moisture located behind interior walls under the right conditions. The temperature difference created by the presence of moisture on the inside surface of a wall will appear differently than the surrounding area.

Infrared Imaging experts recommend that property owners or their insurers should use Infrared Imaging cameras for moisture detection under the following circumstances:

After any water damage event like a flood, broken water lines, equipment failure, roof leaks, etc.
Before warranty expiration on new construction
Before acquiring a building suspected of having hidden moisture damage. (Don’t believe the story about the house has been vacant - Musty odours are caused by moisture.)
When isolated walls are covered by new finish materials out of context within a building
When suspected plumbing leaks have occurred from in-slab water supply and/or waste lines
When doors, windows, or other openings in the structure are suspected of leaking
When performing an energy audit of the building to determine areas of infiltration and exfiltration
To determine adequacy of insulation. Wet insulation is a poor insulator but is a great conductor of heat
Locating hidden leakage and/or dampness under resilient flooring
Locating wet areas in non-accessible crawlspaces.