Michigan IR LLC 3588 Plymouth Road #222 Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (734) 660-2669 |
| About Infrared Imaging |
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| A Brief Overview Infrared imagery is the science of converting the non-visible infrared spectrum into a visible form. Infrared cameras cannot see through wall or anything else. Infrared cameras record the energy (or heat) on the surface of an object and then the camera converts the energy differences to a visible image. The reason it appears to see through wall is that the cameras are very sensitive and a slight heat variation will show up on the exterior of a surface. An example of this is a wall stud will maintain its energy differently than an insulated or vacant wall cavity giving the illusion of 'seeing into the wall.' Although with the Infrared camera we can't see into the wall the information provided, when reviewed by a trained technician, can give us a very accurate idea of what is going on within a building structure. The same principle is used when detecting missing grout fill on cinder block walls or when we are inspecting for insects, mammals or water intrusions within a building structure. Infrared imagery is not 'night vision' either. Night vision relies on technology to magnify light.Infrared imagery doesn't use light the way your eyes or a traditional camera does. The images you see with an infrared camera would be exactly the same if they are taken in a pitch black or bright daylight (as long as the energy on the object remains the same). |
| Why are some pictures in Color? Infrared Cameras take pictures using non-visible energy it is an internal processor that converts the images so we can see them. The conversion by the processor can be set to show up in a variety or color palates. Generally 'Black and White' gives the most sensitive contrast and is used for initial inspection and 'rainbow' is used to show dramatic contrast. The images below are all the exact same picture with only the palate being changed. IRON RAINBOW BLACK AND WHITE |
| What can infrared imagery be used for? Infrared imagery has been used by the government for years to help forecast weather and to spot military targets. Just recently the use of IR has made its way to the public sector. Doctors can use it to spot cancer in humans, vets use it to spot problems with the ankles and hooves of horses, the DNR uses it to count deer, BMW is installing it in cars for the most advanced 'night site' available, and of course there are the building science applications. Michigan IR has decided to concentrate on the Building Sciences side of IR development. Anywhere a heat difference can appear an IR investigation can identify the differences. Differences between inside and outside air allows us to pinpoint leaks in the building structure or the HVAC systems. Differences between insulated cavities and non-insulated cavities allow us to pinpoint gaps that need to be filled. Differences between wet and dry surfaces allow us to quickly pinpoint water intrusion or water damage long before it can be seen with the naked eye. Differences between grout filled cavities and voided cavities allow ;us to check for proper cinder block wall construction Differences between the heat produced by an insect nest and normal wall temps allow us to spot termite nests or hives within walls. Differences in heat on a circuit panel allows us to find failing or overloaded circuits. |
| IR helps us quickly Identify inadequately insulated or sealed areas. Differences in the colors on a palate signify differences in temperatures. In the image to the left the darker the color the colder the object in the image. The numbers represent the temperatures in a given spot. |