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    Revealing the invisible

    Reliable detection of moisture and water damage in buildings.
    With thermal imagers from Testo.

    The existence of moisture and water penetration in buildings has far-reaching effects on their value, structure and the health of their occupants. Particularly in times of more extreme weather events such as heavy rain, storms or monsoon rains in Asia, for example, this problem is exacerbated. In this context, infrared thermography is proving to be a valuable tool for building inspectors and renovation specialists to help them identify and resolve damp problems from a variety of sources (see right).

    Not every case of moisture in walls is due to a burst pipe. Damp walls and ceilings can also be caused by water penetration (e.g. leaking roofs) or rising damp. Damp damage can also be caused by blocked drains or inadequate drainage.

    Using thermal imagers from Testo allows you to reliably identify the cause of rising damp or rainwater ingress before these problems result in any serious damage.

    Ground moisture (groundwater)

    Ground moisture (pressure)

    Seepage water

    Driving rain

    Heavy rain

    Damage to the roof

    Defective guttering

    Examples of moisture and water damage

    Water intrusion

    Roof leakage

    Rising damp

    What should I look out for when choosing the right thermal imager?

    High thermal sensitivity (NETD) for detecting the slightest differences

    Precision-adjustable temperature interval (span) for higher-contrast imaging

    High infrared resolution for optimal image quality

    Our recommendation: testo 883-1

    • Very good NETD of

    • Temperature interval adjustable up to 1 K

    • IR resolution of 320 x 240 pixels
      (with SuperResolution 640 x 480 pixels)

    • Wide-angle lens for large field of view in confined spaces

    • Manual focus for sharp thermal images

    How to successfully thermograph damage caused by penetrating water and rising damp

    For flat roofs: Roof surface must be unobstructed (no green roof or gravel stones), sunlight during the day, imaging is carried out in the evening, damp area stores solar heat longer and becomes visible as a warmer area in the thermal image

    Penetrating or rising damp results in evaporative cooling. This is best visualized when the temperature interval on the scale (span) is as narrow as possible.

    Do not take thermographic images from outside in high humidity, moisture (rain, snow) or strong winds

    Use a material moisture meter for support

    After eliminating the cause, carry out comparative measurements of the drying process

    Find the right thermal imager for every requirement

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    At Testo, you’ll also find the ideal humidity measuring instrument for your multi-point measurements

    Theory, practice, tips and tricks

    Pocket guide thermography

    Download the exclusive application guide for free now.

    To download

    Emission, reflection, transmission

    Measurement spot and measuring distance

    Measuring object and measuring environment

    Sources of error in infrared measurement

    Practical determination of ε and RTC

    And much more ...

    More information about building thermography

    Brochure building thermography

    Find out more

    testo 883 brochure

    Find out more

    Brochure testo 865/868/871/872

    Find out more

    Our services

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    We would be happy to help you.

    Customer services

    If you experience any malfunctions, please send in your measuring instrument with a brief description of the fault. Please also give us your telephone number for any inquiries. Normally, you’ll get your measuring instrument back within one week.

    Calibration

    Our subsidiary company Testo Industrial Services supports you daily in ensuring quality while always adhering to the relevant norms and guidelines. You get all the services you need from one provider.