FAQ
Thermal Imaging leak detection — FAQ
Common questions from BC property owners and managers needing thermal imaging leak detection. Don't see your question? Call us at 604-239-9934.
- Serving all of BCSince 1999
- Licensed & insuredWorkSafeBC
- Free phone consultNo pressure
- 25+ yearsFamily-operated
- 10,000+ propertiesInspected
- Will leak detection damage my property?
- No. We use non-invasive technology like thermal imaging, acoustic sensors, and ground-penetrating radar. No drilling, cutting, or demolition required in most cases.
- Does insurance cover leak detection?
- Many policies cover detection costs when water damage is present. We provide detailed reports for your insurance claim documentation.
- How quickly can you respond?
- Same-day response is often available for urgent situations. Regular appointments are typically scheduled within 24–48 hours.
- What if you don't find a leak?
- You receive a comprehensive report confirming no active leaks were detected. This documentation is valuable for insurance, property sales, or peace of mind.
- How does thermal imaging find water leaks?
- Water has different thermal properties than building materials. When moisture is present, it creates a temperature differential on the surface that our FLIR cameras detect — even through drywall, ceiling tiles, and floor coverings.
- Can thermal imaging see through walls?
- Thermal cameras detect surface temperature differences caused by what's BEHIND the wall. They don't see through walls like X-ray, but they detect the thermal signature of moisture behind them — typically within 5cm of the surface.
- What's the difference between thermal imaging and moisture mapping?
- Thermal imaging detects surface temperature. Moisture mapping uses multiple sensors (capacitance, conductivity, IR) to create 3D moisture distribution maps. We use both for complete results.
- How accurate is thermal imaging for leak detection?
- When used by certified thermographers, thermal imaging can locate moisture within inches of the source. Accuracy depends on temperature differential, depth of moisture, and environmental conditions.
- Can thermal imaging detect cold water leaks?
- Yes, but cold water leaks can be harder to detect in cold environments because the temperature differential may be small. We often combine thermal with acoustic or tracer gas for cold water leaks.
- What equipment do you use?
- FLIR T-Series and Exx-Series cameras with 640x480 resolution, <0.03C thermal sensitivity, and multiple lens options. Radiometric JPEG and video for report documentation.
- How long does a thermal scan take?
- Most building thermal scans take 30-90 minutes depending on size. A whole-property survey of a typical home takes about 45 minutes. Commercial buildings vary by square footage.
- Will thermal imaging damage my property?
- Not at all. Thermal imaging is completely non-invasive — no contact, no drilling, no cutting. We simply point the camera at the surface and read the temperature.
- Do you need access to both sides of a wall?
- No. Thermal imaging works from one side. We can find moisture in a wall by scanning from the interior even if the leak is on the exterior side.
- Can thermal imaging find mold?
- Thermal imaging doesn't detect mold directly, but it detects the MOISTURE that causes mold. By finding and eliminating moisture sources, we prevent mold from growing.
Still have questions?
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