29  Application examples

It is often possible to detect moisture and water damage in a house by using an infrared camera. This is partly because the damaged area has a different heat conduction property and partly because it has a different thermal capacity to store heat than the surrounding material.

Many factors can come into play as to how moisture or water damage will appear in an infrared image.

For example,‎ heating and cooling of these parts takes place at different rates depending on the material and the time of day. For this reason,‎ it is important that other methods are used as well to check for moisture or water damage.

The image below shows extensive water damage on an external wall where the water has penetrated the outer facing because of an incorrectly installed window ledge.

Depending on the type of connection a socket has,‎ an improperly connected wire can result in local temperature increase. This temperature increase is caused by the reduced contact area between the connection point of the incoming wire and the socket ,‎ and can result in an electrical fire.

A socket’s construction may differ dramatically from one manufacturer to another. For this reason,‎ different faults in a socket can lead to the same typical appearance in an infrared image.

Local temperature increase can also result from improper contact between wire and socket,‎ or from difference in load.

The image below shows a connection of a cable to a socket where improper contact in the connection has resulted in local temperature increase.

Depending on the type of socket and the environment in which the socket is installed,‎ oxides may occur on the socket's contact surfaces. These oxides can lead to locally increased resistance when the socket is loaded,‎ which can be seen in an infrared image as local temperature increase.

A socket’s construction may differ dramatically from one manufacturer to another. For this reason,‎ different faults in a socket can lead to the same typical appearance in an infrared image.

Local temperature increase can also result from improper contact between a wire and socket,‎ or from difference in load.

The image below shows a series of fuses where one fuse has a raised temperature on the contact surfaces against the fuse holder. Because of the fuse holder’s blank metal,‎ the temperature increase is not visible there,‎ while it is visible on the fuse’s ceramic material.

Insulation deficiencies may result from insulation losing volume over the course of time and thereby not entirely filling the cavity in a frame wall.

An infrared camera allows you to see these insulation deficiencies because they either have a different heat conduction property than sections with correctly installed insulation,‎ and/or show the area where air is penetrating the frame of the building.

When you are inspecting a building,‎ the temperature difference between the inside and outside should be at least 10°C (18°F)‎. Studs,‎ water pipes,‎ concrete columns,‎ and similar components may resemble an insulation deficiency in an infrared image. Minor differences may also occur naturally.

In the image below,‎ insulation in the roof framing is lacking. Due to the absence of insulation,‎ air has forced its way into the roof structure,‎ which thus takes on a different characteristic appearance in the infrared image.

Draft can be found under baseboards,‎ around door and window casings,‎ and above ceiling trim. This type of draft is often possible to see with an infrared camera,‎ as a cooler airstream cools down the surrounding surface.

When you are investigating draft in a house,‎ there should be sub-atmospheric pressure in the house. Close all doors,‎ windows,‎ and ventilation ducts,‎ and allow the kitchen fan to run for a while before you take the infrared images.

An infrared image of draft often shows a typical stream pattern. You can see this stream pattern clearly in the picture below.

Also keep in mind that drafts can be concealed by heat from floor heating circuits.

The image below shows a ceiling hatch where faulty installation has resulted in a strong draft.