[Mold Inspection & Testing Tips] [Mold-Signs-Clues] [Condensation-Mold] [Mold-Inspection-Contract] [Hygienists-Remediation-Recommendations] [Hidden-Moisture-Meter] [Thermal-Imaging] [Radar Mold Inspection] [Mold-Survey-Form] [Fiber-Optics-Inspection-Tool] [Top-10-Mold-Mistakes]

Thermal Imaging Camera and Its Uses in Mold Inspection and Mold Remediation

Q: I’ve heard some terms recently that got my interest. What’s the difference between “thermal imaging” and “thermography”?

A: Recently, I was in front of a group of about 25 restoration professionals, speaking about the benefits of thermal imaging.

I asked how many owned a thermal imaging camera.

Ten people raised their hands. Then I asked how many have attended a course on “thermography.”  No hands were raised that time.

If you bought a sewing machine and it came with a book, would you read the book?  

In order to learn the skills needed, you would read the book, but you would also need someone who is familiar with the intricacies of the machine, as well as the limitations, to help you become skilled in the use of the machine.

It’s similar with a thermal imaging camera.  

No matter which camera you purchase or already own, you need to know basic principles in order to use it effectively.

Many have added it to their list of tools in order to avoid litigation. But how much credibility would you have when the defense attorney asks how you saw a wet wall through the camera when the camera reads surface temperatures, not moisture content?  

Let me make it clear that as a thermographer, you should have learned to avoid statements regarding interpreting images that merely have to do with temperature differentials.

A thermographer calls this an anomaly, or an “area of investigation.”  

Other tools and meters are used to corroborate temperature differential findings.

Beyond simple use
That being said, the benefits of thermal imaging are being realized by restoration, insurance and legal professionals.  

However, the operator needs to be a “thermographer.”

What exactly is a thermographer? Is there such a thing as a certified thermographer, or a level 1, 2 or 3 thermographer?  

As of yet, there are no third-party certifications in thermography.

The attendee receives a certificate of completion upon successfully completing a seminar on thermography. There is an organization that offers three components, or levels, which basically correspond to the time  one has operated a camera.

So, in essence, one can be trained and have a designation as a thermographer, or a level 1, 2 or 3 thermographer, but the designation is not that he or she is a certified thermographer.  

That may change. As with any training, an individual goes through, there is no replacement for experience.

We can learn how to use the camera, but to actually use it in the field with confidence takes time. Believe me; I have lived it.

Uses for thermal imaging
The thermal imaging camera can be used in possible or definite water damage situations for moisture investigations, building envelope investigations related to heat loss or gain, HVAC duct leaks, flat roof leaks, clogs and leaks associated with plumbing systems, problems associated with excessive heat in electrical systems, post-fire hot spot identification, predictive maintenance, process monitoring issues in manufacturing, and more.

The U.S. Department of Energy stated in a 2004 article: “In addition to using thermography during an energy audit, you should have a scan done before purchasing a house; even new houses can have defects in their thermal envelopes.”

You can expect a thermography course to include three basic areas:
 

• Physics
• Thermodynamics
• Psychrometry

You must also understand radiosity along with image interpretation.

Having a camera before the class is advantageous, since hands-on learning is essential.

The first day of a class I attended was mostly about the limitations of the camera. Once we got past that, then it was all gravy.

Avoiding court troubles
In restoration, we must always think about future litigation.

Adding thermal imaging photos to your file for each job will eventually more than pay for the camera by avoiding legal fees, months or years after a job was completed.  

Just be sure the thermographer provided a written report with documentation as to what the photos represent and what other investigative tools were used for confirmation.  

The advantages one has by attending a thermography course will prove invaluable in this area.

Joe Pierron has been involved in the cleaning and restoration industry in the Atlanta area since 1995. He is an IICRC-certified Master Water Restorer, and now concentrates on water damage and mold remediation. He is also a member of SCRT and IAQA. He continues to research the area of indoor environment. He also instructs a seminar entitled, “Mold and the adverse human health effects.” Visit Pierron’s website at www.disasterexpertsinc.com or e-mail him at joe@disasterexpertsinc.com.