Thermal Imaging and
Moisture Mapping
Moisture mapping is a visual representation of the moisture levels detected in a building structure. If a structure has experienced water damage, or there is suspicion of a hidden leak, moisture mapping is essential and should be done immediately.
Thermal Imaging Cameras are used to detect the location and severity of water intrusion or elevated moisture based on the differences and inflexions of the temperature measurements. This is accomplished by measuring the heat signatures in walls, ceilings or floors.
THERMAL IMAGING AND MOISTURE MAPPING
Thermal Imaging Technology (also known as Infrared Technology or Thermography) is the method of using infrared radiation and thermal energy to gather information about objects and surfaces in order to formulate images of them, even in concealed or low visibility environments. Thermal Imaging Cameras are sophisticated devices comprised of a sensitive heat sensor with the capacity to pick up minute differences in temperature.
Using Thermal Imaging to Find Leaks and Elevated Moisture
​
Water can readily absorb a lot of heat, and thus objects and surfaces in contact with it lose heat and are cooler than they would otherwise be. Because humans can’t see heat energy, Thermal Imaging Cameras are used to measure the infrared radiation in a particular environment and can detect the location of the water intrusion based on the differences and inflexions of the temperature measurements. This is accomplished by measuring the heat signatures in the walls, ceilings, and floors to find temperature discrepancies that may hint at the source of an otherwise invisible leak.
The pictures captured by the Thermal Imaging Camera are translated into a false-color image, where different temperature ranges are represented by certain colors. Typically, dark colors represent surfaces that are cool (and thus not radiating much thermal energy), and bright colors like yellow, red and white represent warm and hot areas that are radiating a great deal of thermal energy.
​
This advanced, non-invasive technology allows the Environmental Technicians at TRUST Environmental Solutions to pinpoint and identify potential sources of elevated moisture or water intrusion to understand its severity and breadth. This, in turn, will allow our Technicians to make conclusions and recommendations, particularly when there is a suspicion of mold growth.
Furthermore, because mold takes moisture, oxygen and a nutrient to grow, detecting the locations of water intrusion or elevated moisture swiftly is critical to preserving the integrity of the building structure.
​
Moisture Mapping
​
Moisture mapping is a visual representation or diagram of the moisture levels detected in a building structure. Moisture levels are detected or "mapped" using devises such as Protimeter Moisture Meters, which measure the percentage of water in a given substance, or Thermal Imaging Camera which measure temperature discrepancies that indicate water intrusion. If a structure has experienced water damage, or there is suspicion of a hidden leak, moisture mapping is essential and should be done immediately. These moisture maps are extremely helpful in detailing what areas in a building structure have and have not been affected by water damage.
Having a thorough and detailed Moisture Map is critical after a water loss as it details the gravity of damage as well as the exact locations that need to be dried and/or remediated and returned to their pre-loss condition.
