Thermal Imaging and the Asphalt Industry?

Author : dan | Published : Feb 28
pave_1_ir

I found this very interesting and felt the need to share with all of you, a new and emerging application for Thermal Imaging uses. Just the other day I was reading a unique article by Flir Corporation explaining the new found use of quality control; regarding the asphalt industry. It only makes sense that hot asphalt creates a very hot energy signature, but needed to read more on the direct ins and outs.

Washington State had first enabled the science of infrared and new road placement, and found that infrared had the ability to map the temperature signatures of the asphalt that was being laid, thus the ability to monitor specific guidelines and to better determine procedures for creating a better, longer lasting product for motorists. I found this very interesting that someone thinking outside the box found an application, with the use of infrared cameras for quality analysis during road construction.

I see a direct application her in Minnesota, due to the fact that the expatiation and contraction of our road materials are constantly subjected to the extremely hot and cold seasons we endure. Just another example of the versatile applications of Infrared Imaging!

Inspecting Solar Panels with Thermal Imaging

Author : dan | Published : Feb 20
solar panel

Lately more than ever solar panels are springing up everywhere, and why not! Solar is a great method in which to create energy cleanly and help reduce the emission of CO2 from traditional electrical generation. But with all things, frequent preventative and predictive maintenance are usually required.

One great way to do just that is with the aide of thermal imaging. Over time, solar panels develop defects which can be repaired easily if detected in time. The down side to that, other than the inconvenience of your investment not performing as it should, is the severe decline in energy production and the potential to start fires. Thermal inspections are a great way to preserve your investment, ensure safety and productivity of your overall solar system.

One primary way to detect anomalies within your solar system is by using infrared cameras at a distance to locate any potential hot spots. Some of the issue possible to locate are not strictly the panel or cells themselves, but even the controls, fuzzes, inverters and all other electrical components.

Call us for a free quote today……763-314-0240

Have a Commercial Roof Leak?

Author : dan | Published : Feb 13
Internal Roof Leak

Believe it or not here in Minnesota and all across the upper Midwest roofs do leak in the winter. With the cold snaps and thaws of periodic warmer weather, this can spell disaster for a great number of commercial and residential roofing applications. Depending on the membrane of your building, this type of expansion and contraction with the elements can create a number of issues during the winter, including leaks.

I’ve had the opportunity to help some area roofing companies use thermal imaging to locate unusual leaks and unseen leaks that at times conventional leak detection is unable. If you have seen or read some of my earlier posts on flat roof leak detection, you will know that it is far more conducive to perform roof inspection from an exterior standpoint under a number of different weather conditions. Although an internal inspection of a suspiciously leaky roof can be done. I would prefer to conduct exterior inspections as to pinpoint the exact cause to the issue regarding the location on the membrane for repair. But an interior scan can and will provide useful information to most roof solutions.

Have a leak that is consistently causing problems? Give us a call today!

763-314-0240

What’s an Invisible Pipe Leak?

Author : dan | Published : Feb 8
Pipe leak

What does an invisible pipe leak mean? Do you own, manage or work in a building that has drain pipes or water pipes that are wrapped with insulation? The reason I ask is that I recently performed an inspection of a warehouse for a company wanting to know the condition of the roofs insulation. They had some leaks and wanted to know the extent of the saturation.

During the inspection I noticed that a roof drain pipe I scanned had some moisture anomalies located within the pipes insulation. I took notice and confirmed the suspicion with a contact moisture meter, and come to find out the pipe was indeed leaking. Not only is this tool a great way to locate moisture with in a structure, but for things like a hidden leak to the naked eye.

 

Contact us today for an inspection of your property……763-314-0240

Insurance Claims and Thermal Imaging

Author : dan | Published : Jan 30
blog jan

Many of us have had the unfortunate experience, or may even know others that have had to deal with a commercial or home insurance claim. Believe it or not, the majority of these claims could have been avoided, eliminating equipment failure, loss of output, personal injury, operational downtime, loss of property and damage to company reputation.

There is a noninvasive means in which to maintain a preventative / predictive maintenance plan in the home and business, Thermal Imaging. Increasingly, insurance companies in many cases are likely to reduce their premiums to companies that participate in annual Thermal Imaging surveys. Some insurance companies are even insisting that certain companies have a thermal inspection prior to coverage.

With the aid of a thermal imaging inspection, faults can be found, identified and re-mediated at a minimal cost in comparison to equipment failure, resulting in one or all the above scenarios.

Preventative and Predictive Maintenance Plans

Author : dan | Published : Jan 23
Blog

When it comes to preventative and predictive maintenance plans, this is a great example, listen to this.

I had just finished a meeting and proceeded to walk into a sandwich shop for lunch, as I walked through the door the entire room was filling with smoke. There seemed to be a degree of panic but a nice young gal had apologized for the current emergency and asked everyone to exit the building as the fire department had been called. I briefly asked a few questions to the young lady as the smoke smelled very electrical. There was no sign of fire, but I asked if I could use my thermal imaging equipment to help locate the potential source of the fire, or at least find the cause to all of the smoke. She agreed for only a brief period, so I retrieved my camera and began the search. As I proceeded with my search, the local fire department arrives and asked me to vacate as they proceeded with their own IR device.

I was a bit disappointed not being able to finish and find the source, but there again I’m not a trained fireman. I was able to speak with one of the fireman regarding their findings using there camera, and come to find out that it was indeed and electrical fire that had started in the electrical panel.  An in depth investigation was needed for further details, but I can’t stress the value of not only using thermal inspections for detection purposes, but as a preventative tool on a continuous schedule for this very reason.

I would rather find suspicious or potential hazardous issues and resolve them before this happens.

Give us a call today to schedule your next inspection.

763-314-0240

 

 

Thermal Imaging for Electrical Applications?

Author : dan | Published : Jan 17
electrical

Yes there is a thermal imaging application for electrical inspections. Be it a residential or commercial application, if you want to hear more listen up. I’ve had several commercial companies calling about preventative and loss control electrical inspections, related to their insurance provider premium base. I love electrical inspections just based on the fact that this is a completely non-contact process. The temperature readings are the most important process during the inspection. Finding the temperature anomalies is what we are looking for that may determine the possibility of a lose connection, corroded termination and so on. It’s quick and gives a complete visual image to you and your electrician for immediate repair.

Safe guard your family, your property and your future.

 

Call us for a free quote today…..763-314-0240

Strange Leaks?

Author : dan | Published : Jan 3
leak

I was recently called out to a job as a ride along with a commercial roofing buddy of mine. He had explained that a new residential roof had been put on and that the home owner was having leaks in an area that had previously been leaking prior to the new roof being installed. He had mentioned that the area replaced was directly over a unique additional internal roof line that comprised the front entry area vaulted ceiling in the home.

We proceed to inspect the external roof itself finding no signs of potential leaks.     Next we entered the home and found signs of previous water damage in the areas of concern. Using the thermal imaging camera it took very little time to identify all area of moisture in the home. This part was quite easy, but we still needed to find the cause of the moisture issues. I proceeded to the attic above the leaks and found that the cause of the water ingression was condensation between the cold attic space and the heat loss from the entry way. The home owner proceeded to have the space filled with an expansible foam process to better insulate the hot and cold roofs from condensation in the future.

Another example of how beneficial thermal imaging can be in residential and commercial buildings.

Call us for a free quote….763-314-0240

Infrared Inspections for Building and Facilities Maintenance

Author : dan | Published : Dec 27
Apartments

When it comes to thermal inspections, temperature makes all the difference in the world. Surface temperature can tell you a lot about a buildings structural components, plumbing installations, and HVAC and electrical systems. Problems that are traditionally unseen to the naked eye are suddenly transformed and are clear as day when viewed through an infrared camera.

That is why thermal imaging inspections regarding building and facility maintenance has become so recognized over the past few decades. The ability to perform regular “checkups” so to speak, has proven not only to be economical in terms of identifying potential early warning signs related to costly repairs, but more so to protect the big picture the investment or integrity of the structure.

Let us help you protect your investment, your livelihood and your future.

 

Call us for a free quote today… 763-314-0240

The Versatile Aspects of Thermal Imaging.

Author : dan | Published : Dec 12
dog IR

As many of you who follow my weekly blog posts have noticed, that the majority of my topics area related to homes, business and structures. But there are far many more applications where thermography is used.

Breast cancer detection has been a huge advancement with the aid of infrared capabilities. Not to mention the conformation of sports related injuries in the form of blood flow, surface skin temperatures, sprains and strains to name a few. One of the largest advancements in the thermal imaging world has been in the equine and large animal field. Animals including horses can’t communicate pain and injuries as people do, so with the ability to use thermal imaging to map animals for potential injuries is just plain astonishing!

To learn more about all of the amazing applications regarding thermal imaging give us a call, ask for Dan.

763-314-0240