Thermal Imaging: Changing the Nature of Restorative Drying
Jacques Wagner Multi-Pro Plus
ABSTRACT
Thermal imaging is a non-destructive, cost-effective method for detecting water infiltration. Using an infrared (IR) imager, we can determine water penetration source and the condition of building materials, whether dry or damp. The ability to visually detect the damage from water infiltration is one of the most effective tools developed in many years to aid in the quick restoration and remedial measures of water damage.
INTRODUCTION
As an emergency company, when we arrive on a job, the experts at the insurance companies rely on what we can 'show' them. Thermal imaging is a ‘state-of-the-art’ solution. Insurance companies are now able to see what we see -- before and after images of the damaged area and the drying process. As an expert in the field of restorative drying for the last 15 years, I’ve seen the industry change in many ways, but thermal imaging is by far the most impressive evolution we are seeing in the field.
Figure 1. Thermal imaging - an innovative and important technology
Some historical data makes clear how important it is to identify water damage. In 2002, water damage claims accounted for 28% of all claims paid. In 2006 the percentage increased to 45%.
| Year | % |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 27.9 |
| 2003 | 31.3 |
| 2004 | 37.1 |
| 2005 | 57.7 |
| 2006 | 45.0 |
Table 1. Water damage claims by year
In a city of 3,000,000 homes there is an estimate of 2100 claims per month
OLD VS NEW
The challenge that restoration companies face is: “how do we show the insurance adjuster what was wet, and how do we prove that we did what we said we would do – completely dry the soiled area?”
Figure 2. Exposed framing
In the past we were mandated to do the basic work (protection of content and extraction of standing water). We would have to wait for the insurance adjuster to inspect the damage before we could take further action, and this delay would eliminate our ability to use a proper drying process as an option of remediation. The damaged material would then have to be removed and the affected area rebuilt. This method was not only very expensive but time consuming as well.
Figure 3. Drying a wet area
Today, technology allows us to dry most structures that have a clean water loss. The use of thermal imaging with conventional equipment is a perfect solution. We can use the thermal imagery as a qualitative tool to help us focus our efforts in the right area and we can then use the conventional tools for the quantitative results.
Figure 4. Thermal image showing moisture (dark area)
USED FOR FAST ACTION AND COMMUNICATION
Thermal imaging enables us to take pictures of the damaged areas, and combined with other monitoring tools, provides us with information on the degree of water saturation. The images tell us what is wet, how wet it is and if it is drying. The daily controls and monitoring enabled by thermal imaging are crucial for a successful drying process
The final inspection using the thermal imaging is usually done with the insured present. This step is done when the moisture content reading using conventional equipment has reached the desired drying level; then with the use of the imaging camera, we can show the insured images of his/her house in the best dry condition that we could possibly achieve. The images enable us to better explain, illustrate and make them understand what we can do or have done to restore their damaged goods. Our emphasis is on trying to avoid mold damage as this can only be achieved by reaching the desired drying level.
The pictures taken during the inspection become part of our report as documentation of the drying process. This documentation is invaluable as it supports the one-year guarantee which we offer on all of our work.
Often, all of the drying process from the first day to the final inspection is done before the insurance adjuster is able to visit the insured. With constant communication and access to the pictures and data on a daily basis, the adjusters are able to have complete confidence in our work procedures.
CASE STUDY
This case study was conducted in our training facility. We created leaks from water pipe. The inside walls have different finishes and we monitored the drying progress using the IR camera with conventional equipment.
Figure 5. Double drywall insulation and metal studs
Figure 6. Drywall vapor barrier and insulation wood stud
Wall 3: Inside wall -- Drywall wood studs
Figure 7. Drywall wood studs
Figure 8. Commercial wall, M.C. 40% Figure 9. Insulated wall, M.C. 40% Figure 10. Non insulate, M.C. 40%
Day 3
CONCLUSION
In Canada, the insurance industry is starting to regulate how water damage claims are processed. For many years, the question in the industry was not whether you were liable for leaving a building wet, but rather when you would be found liable since we had no way to communicate and illustrate what work was actually done. With the advent of the thermal imaging camera, we are now able to document before and after pictures of water damage and the restoration process. Insurance companies today are demanding the use of this process to be carried out by certified technicians. With the climate changes, we will see an increase in water damage claims and only the restoration company with the ability to provide quick and visual reports to the insurance company will survive the changes in the industry.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jacques Wagner was a former soldier in the Canadian Armed Forces after which he worked as a National Trainer for the cleaning and restoration division for Eatons for 5 years, before opening his own business. He is a certified technician in water damage restoration, applied structural drying; and applied microbial remediation and odor control Jacques has also completed the following in the field of thermal imaging: Level I, building science, and roof moisture survey applications.