Magic Leak Finders

"We're On A Different Wavelength"

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CALL NOW - (818)305-4804

 

(In Los Angeles Area)

 

A BRIEF EXPLAINATION OF INFRARED RADIATION

AS USED IN "ITI" (Infrared Thermal Inspection)

 

As human beings, we are limited to seeing light only in the visible spectrum called white light. This is the light that bounces off everyday objects whether that light is being emitted by our Sun or an artificial source such as a light bulb. Without assistance from technology, we are unable to see surface temperature variances, and it is the ability to see these variances that allows us to more-accurately identify potential, and immediate, problems in your home that would have otherwise been missed.

THE INFRARED SPECTRUM


Watch short movie about Infrared HERE-->Infrared movie

 

The unique aspect of seeing surface temperature variances is that such variances can be caused by issues that may lie below the surface of a floor, behind a wall, or above a ceiling - places that are "out of sight" and are thus often out-of-mind until there is a visible problem. Also, surface temperature variances can be caused by airflow such as cold air seeping under a door or warm air leaking from central heating ducts. The air itself changes the surface temperature of the objects that it comes in contact with. This is called "conduction".

 

    RED IS MOISTURE                    RED/YELLOW BAND IS HEAT LEAK                YELLOW IS HEAT LEAK                YELLOW IS MOISTURE UNDER ROOFING

 

Surface temperatures can also be changed by living organisms such as mold, mildew and household pests like termites or bees. Because these organisms often thrive in places that cannot be seen by the naked eye (such as behind walls or wall paper), the use of ITI technology allows us to pinpoint exactly where a problem area might lie in your home without the need for any immediate invasive damage to the structure.

 

DARK AREAS ON WALL IS MOISTURE CAUSED BY

CONDENSATION FROM COLD AIR LEAK (WHISPY PATTERN ON CEILING)

Finally, thermal imaging technology allows us to more-accurately identify potentially dangerous faults in your home's electrical systems. By being able to pinpoint "hot spots" in fuse boxes and household wiring. We can provide you and your electrician with detailed imagery that will help the electrician to identify defects and make repairs more quickly to save you money and protect your house and family from a potential fire.

 

 

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS


In short, ITI technology is purposefully designed to provide you with a level of service that increases the speed by which many building problems can be identified, reduces the collateral damage required to fix those problems, increases the accuracy rate of correctly identifying problems, and helps you to catch small problems sooner so that don't become expensive or unmanageable problems that can affect your family's health or your financial well-being.   

 

The U.S.Department of Energy Now Recommends That A Thermographic Scan Be Done Before Purchasing A Home, Even On New Homes.


 The use of Infrared Technology is an important addition to moisture assessments and visual observations as it identifies temperature anomalies that could indicate areas with hidden sources of mold growth and water damage.

This information source should be considered an enhancement to visual observations and a screening method to investigate moisture intrusions. Additional findings of thermal anomalies may be detected which have no moisture-related connection despite the observed temperature differential (ΔT). These observed anomalies could be caused by improperly installed or missing building insulation, or air entering or exiting the building.

It should be strongly emphasized that Infrared Cameras do not "see thru walls". This is a myth and simply not correct. Although the camera appears to have such capabilities, due to it's design, it detects thermal anomalies at the surface of a material. Additionally, the unique picture generated by the camera has an interesting x-ray quality image which could mislead the layperson.

While the advancement of infrared technologies allows for a more thorough assessment of homes and buildings, these tools require correct data interpretation.

 

Proper training in Thermography is required to educate the building science investigator in the collection and interpretation of the information provided by this state of the art tool and to report those findings in a meaningful way.

 

Magic Leak Finders & Thermal-Diagnostics

are operated by a 

Certified Level 1 Thermographer

Certificate # 9289

with over 30 years in the construction trades.

Examples of infrared inspection applications:

  • Water intrusion: scanning interior surfaces of a building with an infrared camera can reveal excess moisture due to plumbing leaks, roof leaks, leaks around windows, etc.  Wet areas of building materials cool when energy is transferred during the water evaporation process; therefore, a wet (“cooler”) area will stand out from the surrounding dry (“warmer”) surface.
  • Insulation deficiencies: appreciable temperature differences, due to variations in thermal energy (heat) transfer, allow for detection of deficient or missing insulation when scanning ceiling and wall surfaces.
  • Roofing leaks: scanning roof coverings can reveal water intrusion and accumulated moisture below the surface. Due to its thermal properties (high thermal capacity), water typically gives up heat at a much slower rate than the surrounding roof materials. The areas of accumulated moisture can therefore be detected when scanning the roof surface.  This type of roof inspection is best done in the evening or early nighttime after thermal energy imparted during the daytime is transferred or released.
  • Electrical systems: deficiencies within the electrical system can be made visually apparent by use of an infrared camera.  For example, a deficient connection between electrical components can result in resistance which will manifest in an apparent temperature elevation when compared with similar types of connections under similar load conditions.
  •  Structural issues: differences in thermal capacity, conductivity, and other intrinsic qualities of building structural components can allow for their detection when scanning walls, floors, and ceilings with an infrared camera. Under the right conditions, missing structural components, and portions of structural components which are damaged (to the extent that their intrinsic qualities are significantly changed), can be detected.