Leaky House Detection in Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, and Surrounding Areas

Thermal Imaging For Detecting Water and Roof Leaks

Thermal imaging, also known as thermography, gathers information about objects using an infrared radiation tool. Thermography has been utilized in various industries for decades, particularly those involving low-visibility environments. Because a thermal visor can collect object data in a complete absence of light—at night, in fog, or smog—it is commonly used in electrical maintenance, plumbing, mechanical and building construction management, and pest extermination.

These sophisticated devices help quickly identify the source of a problem, even if it’s otherwise invisible to the human eye. Consequently, specialists and customers can save plenty of money and get better results by eliminating the issue early.

Water leaks can cause significant building damage and interfere with the homeowner’s everyday life. Repairs can be costly, especially if prompt action isn’t taken. For this reason, detecting the water leak source as early as possible is critical. Unfortunately, it isn’t always obvious. Without special equipment, contractors may need to check the entire house for potential causes, including water pipes, which takes time and costs money.

Moisture can be hard to detect with the naked eye. However, a contractor can scan the house with a thermal imager to identify the leak source faster. Water leaks are always displayed as temperature anomalies. On the thermal map, most wet spots tend to be colder and appear blue or black; hot water leaks appear orange or white.

Often, homeowners assume that a leak is caused by the most apparent issues, neglecting the less common reasons. A thermal imager can show the actual moisture distribution. For instance, leaks caused by roof damage always show up on the thermal map as a continuous anomaly descending from the ceiling to the floor. Further investigation is required if the moist spot only shows up on the floor.

Not all thermal cameras are suitable for water leak detection. Moisture tends to cause only minor temperature differentials. The thermal visor must have high sensitivity of under 50mK. Such thermal imagers are costly and are recommended for professional use.

There are many reasons a roof may leak, including wind damage, improper tile installation, or membrane deterioration. Unfortunately, roof leaks often go unnoticed until they make their presence known in damage to furniture, wallpaper, and flooring. Being proactive is critical. Identifying the problem early during an annual check-up can help to save money.

The actual roof leak source may be challenging to identify, even for professionals with years of experience. Inspecting the roof and attic without special tools is cumbersome and inefficient. Visibility can be obscured by obstacles such as a roof membrane or walls.

The best way to detect a minor roof leak is using a thermal imager. It instantly captures thermal anomalies, helping to identify problem spots, and the contractor can focus on the real problem. A thermal imager shows moisture distribution and migration over time, assisting in planning repairs.