When completing inspections, IR cameras are used to determine what we call ‘apparent’ temperature. When it comes to temperature, there are a number of factors that can affect the result including emissivity and the weather conditions so the exact figure can be difficult to attain. Therefore, an apparent figure is given and potential problems can be recognised.
For example, if the ceiling shows a darker area to the rest, this suggests moisture. Whilst the exact temperature isn’t important, a moisture meter can then come in and do the rest. By using the camera, an exact location of the moisture can be found as well as the size of the problem. As the investigation continues, the IR camera can also be used to find the source of the problem. When a problem such as this is spotted, the exact temperature is completely irrelevant because it is the amount and source that is important.