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Are Infrared Windows the Thing of the Future?

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Anyone who deals with maintaining electrical systems has likely heard of infrared windows. However, since these windows aren’t widely used, some professionals don’t know much about them. As the world of infrared detection technology continues to evolve, the use of infrared windows is expected to become more popular. These windows allow thermographic imaging professionals to do their jobs more efficiently, accurately and also save businesses money on their inspections. Here are some of the main reasons why infrared windows may be the thing of the future.

How Infrared Windows Work

Most electrical components are covered by metal or another solid material. This presents a challenge for infrared inspection services, since they need a clear line of sight in order to effectively use their equipment. These covers are necessary from a business safety standpoint, but they also come with great risks to thermographers during the infrared scan.

Infrared windows are known as the solution to this problem. The thermographers will no longer have to spend time removing panels and covers and putting them back on afterward. The infrared window has either a plastic or metal frame and supports an infrared transmissive optic, with a cover to protect the optic when it’s not needed.

Placement of Infrared Windows

It’s important for all electrical enclosures to have an infrared window. When infrared inspection services come into a business to conduct a survey, they need to have access to all equipment. Having an infrared window installed on each of the enclosures will allow the thermographer to get the thermal images they need quickly so no time will be wasted. 

However, installing infrared windows isn’t cheap, and the cost can add up depending on how many electrical enclosures you have. If your business is forced to limit the amount of infrared windows you can install, choose the enclosures that are difficult to open, have different safety hazards and need frequent inspections.

Benefits of Infrared Windows to Businesses

It may seem like infrared windows are only beneficial to infrared thermographers. That is true from a functionality standpoint, but businesses can also benefit from them. If your entire shop or workplace has infrared windows on each electrical enclosure, you could reduce the time spent on your infrared inspection significantly.

One of the main reasons why a thermographic imaging inspection takes so long is because the thermographer has to remove covers in order to get a clear view of the equipment to inspect. The quicker the process takes, the more money a business saves. Plus, the accuracy is going to be much higher with each inspection since there are no obstructions with the infrared windows.

Infrared Consulting Services has over 30 years of experience in the industry and knows exactly how to help your business save time and money. Be sure to contact us to learn more about infrared windows and to set up an appointment for your infrared testing needs.

Extending the Life of a Low Slope Flat Roof

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The old phrase of being “out of sight, out of mind” is especially true when it comes to a commercial roof. Most people don’t walk on the roof of a building every day, so it can be easy to forget about. This could be problematic after years of neglect, since a roof can be extremely expensive to repair or replace at a certain point.

Extending the life of a low slope flat roof isn’t too difficult as long as you take small steps to protect it. Using IR thermography to help identify any issues is critical in preventing roof leaks and other issues is beneficial. Here are some of the best ways you can help extend the life of your low slope flat roof.

Drainage System Maintenance

Since flat roofs don’t have much of a slope for water to run off of, you have to make sure the drainage systems are properly maintained. Standing water on a roof is a recipe for disaster, as it could cause the materials to break down and cause leaks. Most of the time, you don’t even need a thermal imaging inspection to identify when a drain outlet is clogged. Just pass by them and remove any debris regularly so they work properly when needed.

Address Issues Immediately

You don’t always have to be on the roof or use infrared detection technology to detect a roof problem. If you notice water stains on the ceiling or drips coming from a place in the building where it shouldn’t be dripping, it’s a sure sign of a roof leak. Don’t just ignore these signs. Many times, the issue can be easily fixed if detected early enough.

Re-Surface an Old Roof

If you have an older roof, you could consider re-surfacing it to extend the life. Low slope flat roofs aren’t as forgiving as steep slope roofs, so they may require a new surface after 10-15 years. Applying a new surface could extend the life another 10-15 years or more and reduce the amount of maintenance on it during that time as a result. If your roof is having constant leaking issues, this is one of the best options to consider for a long-term roof life.

Conduct Regular and Frequent Inspections

Above all else, conducting a regular thermal imaging inspection is the best way to extend the life of your roof. Many times, infrared detection technology can identify an issue in a low slope flat roof before it actually becomes a visible problem. This provides business owners with a more cost-effective way to repair the roof, since there’s usually no damage done. Conducting an IR thermography inspection a few times each year will greatly extend the life of your roof.

At Infrared Consulting Services, we’ve helped many businesses extend the life of their low slope flat roof by offering the best infrared testing in the industry. If it’s been a while since you’ve evaluated your roof, or if you want to put a maintenance plan together for it, be sure to contact us at any time.

infrared thermography

4 Types of IR Roof Moisture Surveys

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Identifying roof moisture in a commercial property’s roof system is vital to protecting a business owner’s investments and securing the safety of workers, visitors, residents and anyone else who has cause to be inside the facility. Thanks to today’s infrared detection technology, even the largest roofs can be inspected without destruction and in a timely manner.

IR thermography technicians use four types of surveys to detect moisture on commercial roofing:

  1. On-the-roof (also called on-roof or walking the roof) moisture survey

Most roof moisture surveys done with infrared thermography are performed by technicians using their equipment while standing on a business’ roof. A visual inspection by trained individuals can identify tears and poor seals around equipment and pipes on the roof where water is draining inside the facility, as well as detect places where unseen leaks may be wreaking havoc on the roof’s structure and underlying insulation.

  1. Under-the-roof (or under-roof) moisture survey

IR detection can be done from underneath the roof, between the interior ceiling and the roof structure. By using infrared thermography, IR Test technicians can find specific spots where moisture is being trapped under the roof so that you can repair only those areas.

  1. Elevated roof moisture survey

From an elevated position above the roof, IR thermographers can create a highly accurate roof moisture map of even the largest commercial roof. Few signs of leaks are missed from this perspective. Naturally, an elevated roof moisture survey is best done on a clear day.

  1. Aerial roof moisture survey

This is the most efficient way to conduct a commercial infrared roof moisture survey. Every nook and cranny of the roofing is exposed, so nothing prevents the IR thermography from detecting even the smallest signs of a leak.

Keeping a commercial building’s roofing insulation dry will help the roof last longer, keep electrical systems from malfunctioning, prevent the interior ceiling from falling in and eliminate mold growth. Infrared thermography identifies specific areas in need of repair, which means owners and contractors know exactly where to concentrate their work. Spot repair is significantly less expensive than replacing an entire roof.

Before any business owner or manager makes the decision to repair or replace the roof of a commercial building, an IR thermography roofing moisture survey is vital to saving time and unnecessary expense. Don’t assume your new roof is leak-proof, either! Get it inspected now for peace of mind (and safety) the rest of the year.

infrared detection technology

Importance of Evaluating Distribution Lines and Substation

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Working in a high voltage environment comes with a lot of risks. One minor mistake could lead to an employee become injured badly. Companies are beginning to realize the importance of using infrared detection technology in their overall maintenance plan. Not only will infrared surveys give employees a safer work environment, but they will also ensure systems run more efficiently.

Distribution lines and substations are important to evaluate accurately, so having an experienced infrared thermographer conduct a survey is critical. Here are some of the main benefits of infrared inspection when it comes to these components.

Reliability and Safety of Systems

With the high voltage equipment used in industrial environments, regular evaluation of different components is critical for safety and overall reliability of various systems. Whether it’s transformers, regulators, switches or any other component, infrared detection technology can help ensure they run efficiently and safely.

Like with other electrical testing, infrared thermography can identify points where temperature is hotter than in other areas. Most importantly, these surveys can identify heat where heat shouldn’t be. A rise in temperature in some of these components make them work harder, meaning they are less energy efficient and cost more money to operate. Plus, they are a potential hazard for fires or explosions if not operating efficiently.

Predictive Maintenance Can Prevent Disasters

When it comes to substations and distribution lines, predictive maintenance can prevent major disasters from occurring. Any given substation has hundreds, or even thousands, of different connections. If even one of these connections is faulty, it could lead to a broken machine, a dangerous environment or even a costly shutdown.

With the non-invasive infrared detection technology, these connections can be evaluated without having to put a halt to production. The technology used can determine faulty contacts or connections much better than the human eye, so most companies consider it a worthy investment. The best part about electrical testing with IR technology is it not only identifies current issues, but it can also predict future problems before they occur.

Avoid Costly Shutdowns

From a business standpoint, the last thing any company wants to do is shut down due to an equipment failure. With regular evaluation of distribution lines and substations, these costly shutdowns can be avoided. Some companies make the mistake of avoiding the use of infrared consulting services because of the upfront cost. However, the long-term risk is greatly reduced when you know your systems are functioning properly.

In addition to the reduced risk, the surveys essentially pay for themselves when you think of the money companies would have to pay for a replaced machine or a shutdown. A thousand dollars here and there is much better than paying hundreds of thousands of dollars later on to fix a major problem.

At Infrared Consulting Services, we have experienced infrared thermographers to conduct surveys on any of your distribution lines and substations. Be sure to contact us for an evaluation.

Identify roof problems early with an infrared roof moisture survey.

Six Ways You Can Help Your Commercial Roof Survive the Winter

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Winter is finally here, which means it’s time to take some precautions to keep your commercial building in top shape. It’s easy to overlook roof maintenance since it’s essentially out of sight, out of mind. However, if a winter storm hits, you’ll wish you had done some preventive maintenance.

General maintenance workers can’t always spot vulnerable areas in a roof. With the help of infrared detection technology, you can rest easy knowing the roof is in good shape. Here are six ways to ensure your commercial roof can survive the harsh winter season.

Inspect the HVAC System

All the ductwork, housings, pipes and condensation lines need to be checked closely. Infrared detection technology can help you see if there are any leaks or holes, which could mean condensation might leak to where it shouldn’t. Since the HVAC system and the roof work in conjunction with each other, inspecting your HVAC ductwork should be at the top of your list this winter.

Remove All Debris

Old autumn leaves need to be removed as quickly as possible. Not only does debris on your roof create unnecessary weight, it can also clog water drainage routes and potentially damage your roof as a result.

Check the Attic Insulation

Since heat rises, you may be unnecessarily heating up your roof if you have poor insulation in your attic. This could cause snow to melt at a quicker pace and also cause a freezing, melting and refreezing phenomenon. This could be potentially serious to the health of your roof. This is just another reasonit’s advised to do infrared testing to avoid costly shutdowns.

Trim Nearby Tree Branches

You should always keep tree branches trimmed away from your commercial roof, but doing so is especially important in the winter. The tree’s limbs could fall off and damage the roof or even rub a hole in it with constant contact. Plus, small animals will be looking for a warm place during the winter so overhanging branches give them easy access to your roof to potentially find holes to get into your building, leading to a new problem altogether.

Ensure Water Can Flow Easily Off the Roof

Any time water flow access is restricted, you’re setting yourself up for commercial roof failure. An infrared roof moisture survey can tell where water has been building up and where obstructions are. The last thing you want to happen is for water to build up on your roof or gutters and then freeze.

Schedule a Professional Inspection

The best thing you can do before the first winter storm is commission a professional infrared roof moisture survey. Peace of mind goes a long way in business, and knowing your commercial roof is in good shape prior to winter will be one less thing you have to worry about.

When you’re ready to have your infrared roof moisture survey completed, give us a call.

Identify moisture issues early with infrared thermography.

How Can Infrared Thermography Help Find Unwanted Moisture?

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What all business and property owners need to understand is moisture could be present behind walls, ceilings and floors and you may not even know it. Most of the time, you won’t know there’s a problem until you can actually see the moisture. With the help of infrared thermography, unwanted moisture can be detected before it becomes a larger and costlier issue. Not only will this save money, but it will also keep everyone safe from mold risks.

Understanding the Technology

Infrared detection technology can create images using infrared lighting based on an object’s thermal condition. Some infrared cameras will actually tell the temperature of any given object and can provide infrared images to determine temperature differences.

The key to infrared problem prevention is locating areas of temperature differences. These temperature differences could be the sign of existing moisture. Most of the time, no one can see this moisture or feel the temperature differences with the naked eye or with normal senses, but infrared cameras can detect it and bring the issue to light.

When Should Infrared Technology Be Used?

Regular infrared thermography testing is highly recommended because you never know when moisture could be present. Sometimes it is the tiniest of leaks or cracks that cause the largest issues, and you wouldn’t know it without using infrared technology. When an expert provides you with the testing results, they will also recommend a course of action to take. Most of the time the repairs won’t take long and won’t be costly, but the longer you wait, the more potential damage could occur.

Advantages of Using Infrared Technology for Unwanted Moisture

You could walk around your property looking and feeling for moisture and temperature differences or you could hire an infrared thermography professional. Testing will prove more effective since most moisture isn’t detectable with the naked eye. Plus, it will save a great deal of time since infrared technology can be used to survey large areas quickly. Once the testing is done, you will have clear images of where potential problems are rather than having to guess.

The advantages of using infrared thermography testing for unwanted moisture speak for themselves. To learn more about the process or to schedule a survey, contact us.

Find hidden moisture with infrared thermography.

How Infrared Thermography Can Find Your Hidden Roof Moisture

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One of the scary things about owning a business is not knowing what’s going on without your knowledge or control. You generally know how your employees are performing, but what you may not realize is your building is slowly deteriorating. Roof moisture is the cause of some costly maintenance fees, which can do some serious damage to your bottom line. The bad part about it is you can’t always detect roof moisture on your own. Hiring a certified thermographer is one of the best ways to prevent a larger issue from happening with your roof. Here is how it works.

Professionals Know Where to Look

With the help of infrared thermography and experience, professionals know exactly where to look to find moisture. There are many types of roofs, and moisture doesn’t get trapped in the same places in all of them. When you have an infrared roof moisture survey conducted, the operator will identify the problem areas using their expertise and the technology available to them.

Distinguishes Wet Spots from Dry Spots

The process of radiational cooling occurs when the sun radiates heat onto the roof during the day and the heat goes back into the atmosphere at night. This process is important for infrared detection technology because wet spots in the roof containing moisture will remain warmer much longer than dry spots.

The infrared thermography equipment detects the heat distribution on the roof of your building and can determine if a particular location is warmer than the others. Warmer spots are clear indicators of moisture. Once the complete analysis is done on your roof, the expert will recommend whether they think it’s time to take action to correct the problem now or if it can wait until another time. However, when you’re dealing with moisture where it’s not supposed to be, it’s usually better to take action immediately.

Finding hidden roof moisture requires an experienced professional to conduct an infrared inspection. Business owners are often surprised their building has hidden moisture since there usually aren’t any visible signs. The importance of catching the problems early can’t be understated.

For more information on the process of finding hidden roof moisture in your building, contact us. We have a staff of professionals ready to answer any questions you have and to provide you with the preventive maintenance service you need to keep your business flourishing without unnecessary repair costs.

It's important to seek infrared thermography to identify issues.

What to Consider When Seeking an Infrared Inspection

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Infrared inspection is a useful service.

Find out when you need infrared inspection service.

It's important to seek infrared thermography to identify issues.

Infrared thermography is a necessary service.

If you’ve spent considerable time on this website, you know the importance of infrared inspection for your business and have perhaps even made the decision to set up an inspection appointment for your facility. If you have, however, you don’t want to trust the job to just anyone! There are several noteworthy things you should consider before picking an infrared inspection service. To help you with this important maintenance procedure, here are a few tips on how to go about shopping around for an infrared inspection appointment.

How Much Experience and Training Do They Possess?

When you’re looking for an infrared inspection service to take care of your company, going with the least expensive option is the worst route to take. While this may work with your other shopping needs, when it comes to infrared thermography, you truly get what you pay for. You want only the highest level of service and the best quality procedures to ensure the inspection doesn’t miss any problems waiting in the wings within your equipment. Consider any extraordinarily cheap options you find to be a red flag above all else—something to be avoided because an inspection that is too cheap is the least likely to be as effective as possible. You absolutely don’t want to be told there are no problems with your equipment, only to have it malfunction and require serious repairs shortly after your infrared inspection is performed.

Because of this risk, it is best to ask the companies you’re considering about their level of certification. The more experienced the company is, the most effective inspection you can expect to receive. Try to get hard copies of any certifications they have, if possible.

What Types of Equipment Do They Use?

The best infrared thermography service will have staff members who not only are efficient with infrared procedures, but have the highest level equipment and know how to utilize it properly. Only then can you expect the most precise results possible from the inspection. With the best equipment, you’ll find the following traits: a user who is both skilled and experienced with the equipment, high-quality imagery within the equipment’s lens, the option to fine tune the equipment as needed throughout the inspection, field of view choices and a suitable amount of sensitivity in order to pick up on heat readings as easily and accurately as possible.

It is worth remembering brands don’t matter nearly as much when it comes to infrared inspection as it does the level of technology implemented within it. A piece of infrared equipment from one of the most well-known manufacturers can still be too problematic for proper usage. When you’re shopping around for the best service, be sure to ask about their infrared detection technology and its capabilities. Then you’ll know whether you have a great service to choose from.

We hope this article will help you pick the best quality infrared inspection service for your facility. At Infrared Consulting Services, we care about the well being of your facility and its equipment. Contact us to learn how we can help you!