POWER SEARCH

Minimize risk and liability by knowing your building inside and out with FLIR thermal imaging

4/18/2008

Over the past decade, infrared cameras have found many uses. From industrial equipment and facility predictive maintenance to gas leak detection and factory automation, FLIR Systems’ infrared cameras have been helping people to see problems not visible to the natural eye. With recent innovations, thermal imaging has found its place in the building diagnostics arena. It has quickly become a valued tool in identifying problems related to energy loss, HVAC systems, radiant heating, water damage to roofs, missing insulation and much more. With energy costs at an all-time high, and concerns about our environment, going green is about energy conservation and managing the bottom line.

An infrared camera is a non-contact device that detects infrared energy (heat) and converts it into an electronic signal, which is then processed to produce a thermal image on a video monitor and perform temperature calculations. Heat sensed by an infrared camera can be very precisely quantified, or measured, allowing you to not only monitor thermal performance, but also identify and evaluate the relative severity of heat-related problems. Infrared thermography is the only diagnostic technology that can instantly visualize and verify thermal performance.

For those in the business of buying, selling and managing commercial properties, there is always a risk in the unknowns of a structure. Before making decisions, it is a good idea to seek the help of a professional thermographer to do an independent assessment. Whether it is past water damage or understanding a building’s state of energy efficiency, identifying these types of common problems can prevent a host of more serious problems down the road. Richard Hale, vice president of The WassHale Group, a building inspection, infrared technology and energy conservation services company, explained, “People want assurances when making large investments and it can be an important part of the buying negotiation. On the other hand property management companies don’t want the reputation of selling problem buildings. In the commercial world, it can do damage to your reputation and impact long-term prospects.”

Insurers have also taken great interest in thermal imaging and used infrared to verify issues and claims. However, insurers are now looking to use infrared to take a more predictive approach. Understanding liability and preventing serious problems is a more cost-effective approach for all involved. Insurance companies are hiring professional thermographers to inspect large properties on a regular basis.

Good maintenance is about making good, informed repair decisions. Without accurate information about a problem, it would be easy to pay more for a repair than is really necessary. For example, by pinpointing the location of water damage on a roof -- often limited to a particular area -- it might be possible to do a partial roof repair. A partial repair on a commercial roof versus a complete tear off and new roof can mean big savings -- up to 75% savings.

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