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Infrared Imaging and Spray Testing of Walls
Tip written by: Infraspection Institute

Infrared imaging can be useful for detecting leaks within building sidewalls; however, timing an inspection can be tricky. Controlled wetting of walls can be used to simulate storm conditions during an inspection.

Water spray racks are mechanical devices that permit controlled wetting of a building surface. Spray racks typically consist of lightweight tubing and engineered spray heads spaced at regular intervals. When connected to a water supply and placed in front of a building wall, a spray rack can be used to deliver a deluge of water to an area of interest. The amount of water delivered can be controlled by using different size spray heads and/or varying supplied water pressure.

Spray racks are commonly used for testing the water tightness of curtain walls. During an infrared inspection from the interior of a building, spray racks can provide continuous wetting of walls to aid in leak detection. Spray racks can also be used to uniformly saturate a wall when infrared inspections are to be performed at a later time to detect evidence of latent moisture.

Because spray rack operation requires special tools and presents unique challenges, it is often best done by a qualified professional. Thermographers performing imaging during or after spray testing should keep the following in mind:

• Spray testing can be time consuming due to set up and/or repositioning of spray equipment
• Spray testing can cause significant building leakage requiring an interruption of testing
• Spray testing can be messy; avoid getting your imager wet
• When imaging from the exterior of a building, allow sufficient time for surface to dry and a Delta T to develop

Thermal imaging during spray testing is one of several applications covered in the Infrared Inspections for Home & Building Inspectors training course. For more information call 609-239-4788 or visit us online at: www.infraspection.com

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