Thermal Imaging Provides a Whole Building Approach to Finding Building Defects

Feb. 1, 2011 - PRLog -- Thermal imaging technologies are now used for a host of whole building audits.  There use in building diagnostics, energy audits, HVAC and plumbing issues has made them an invaluable tool for building science professionals.  Infrared (IR) thermal imaging cameras are also increasingly being used to identify building defects that can lead to mold growth and poor indoor air quality (IAQ).  

Equally valuable when assessing a commercial or residential property, IR cameras work by identifying changes in temperature.  Also known as thermographic cameras, they operate at wavelengths as long as 14,000 nm and create images using infrared radiation.  All objects emit black body radiation as a function of their temperature and this allows IR cameras to capture the information in the form of digital images.

Issues with building envelopes, HVAC systems and plumbing issues can all be seen by an experienced and certified thermographer.  Ed Chambers, the President of EC2, a Chicago based environmental and building sciences consulting firm received his CBST certification in 2007.  “At EC2 we find the thermal imaging cameras indispensible in many construction defect and indoor air quality (IAQ) investigations we are called upon across the Midwest,” reported Mr. Chambers.  “By identifying temperature differentials a skilled thermographer can tell a tremendous amount about a building by simply analyzing a series of images.  IR technology can help pinpoint leaks or faulty insulation leading to condensation and mold issues that are behind building materials that you can’t see with the naked eye.  As powerful as IR cameras are, it takes a trained and experienced professional to identify real problems and understand solutions when using these cameras.”

To learn more about thermography, building sciences, IAQ or services provided by EC2, please visit http://www.4ec2inc.com, email info@4ec2inc.com or call (815) 703-9000.

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About EC2, Inc.
EC2 is a leading provider of environmental consulting and inspection services for clients across the United States. Based in the Chicago area, the company provides their services to clients ranging from local companies and institutions to international Fortune 500 corporations.