The use of thermal imaging has become pretty common in the restoration industry. Detecting a temperature difference behind a wall can save big bucks and time by avoiding the need for demolition, and give remediators an early idea where the source of a water problem may lie. In essence, a thermal imaging camera is like a second set of Superman-style eyes. However, while Superman could physically see through a wall, IR cameras simply show you the surface temperature difference - but often give the illusion you are seeing through a surface. It takes knowledge about thermography to truly know what all those colors on the screen mean.
Michael Stuart has been working with thermal imaging technology for the last decade. Today, he is a thermographer for Fluke, a company specializing in thermal imaging cameras. Stuart feels as a product expert, he’s better able to connect with potential customers. Until the last decade or so, thermal imaging technology was out of the reach of the general contractor. But now it’s a rather widely-adopted skill.