Any Ideas what this is.

Specific Inspection Topics Thermal Imaging, Infrared Cameras & Energy Audits
1

IR_0424.jpg

I found this today with the IR camera. It is a inside drywall, there is no damage to the wall or stains. There are no water pipes inside it and the wall backs onto a closet. We did find termite tubes in the garage I am thinking that this could more termite damage.

Thanks
Carl

2

wild guess…snake in the wall

Or active termite chute.

anyway both “wild” guesses!

Curt

3

Carl, did you check it with a moisture meter? just as back up. But from what you said it could be termites, less sheetrock behind the paper would result in a higher temperature but that’s depending on your delta t.

Keep us posted.

4

Yes it was checked a moisture meter no problem there. I did find a leak in a closet behind the shower but that was the other side of the house.

5

Carl,

I see that the temp in Orlando was 75 today, which is close to the temp of your measurement. What are the conditions before during and after the inspection. Did you guys already turn on your furnaces with such a chill in the air? What kind of wiring did the home have? Hard to determine the reason for the anomaly without some background. Recent rain?

-Steve

6

Are you sure it’s not a branch circuit with a load on it?

7

No I thought of that but there was no elec near it.

8

Carl,

I say termites

9

You mention things that are “not in the wall”. How do you know this?

I have found piping for hot water loop systems in the strangest places.
I have found overheated electrical wiring.
I have found HVAC refrigerant lines inside and outside on many, many occasions.

Any other photographs/ scans? How about some information on the attic/crawlspace investigation.

Kurt, you can’t see snakes in the wall. They’re cold blooded animals. They’re the same temperature as their surroundings. Unless you can silhouette them.

10

I knew they are cold blooded but seems like if it was on the move up a wall it might be a different temp (moving from outside in)…I am not sure how much of a difference it takes to make a COLOR change like shown. But Termites was my other guess.

it was a “wild” guess…:mrgreen:

Curt

11

I had a similar pattern on an inspection yesterday and it was a whirlpool tub leak from the bathroom above.

Larsen IR 006 [640x480].jpg

Larsen 019 [640x480].JPG

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I do not think termites have any temp difference .
From what I have read it is those nest it is the Bacteria that are in the stomach of the fermenting ones that show heat.
…Cookie

13

Plumbing vent pipe, appliace flue, central vacuum pipe, electrical. What ever it is it is big or warm enough to creat a temp difference on the SURFACE of the drywall. As stated before did you look in the attic to see what was above this location?

Any chance at a reflection?

Chuck

http://www.nachi.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=18453&stc=1&d=1202573599

IR_0566.jpg

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I did go in the attic. Yes there was a roof leak but not near this area. Like I said the WDO/WDI inspector found termite damage here there and everywhere in the house. Which is why I am leaning towards it being them. I will state that I cannot be 100% sure of the problem and further evaluation is needed.
Buyer said within 30 minutes of the inspection she was not buying the house paid me my check and said I will see her next week when she finds another house. Her realter was the listing agent as well and she told him he can have the report she does not need it.

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Termites are considered cold blooded insects, but they can absolutely generate heat? Termites are hosts to bacteria, which live in their gut, and these bacteria help break down and digest cellulose, the main component of wood. It is this digestion and chemical reaction that generates the heat.

That’s why infrared technology and termite inspection makes the location of termites much easier thus allowing Thermographers to target the specific areas where termites are located and make the treatment effective.

But in this particular situation, the runs are too straght to be Termite tunnels.

http://citybugs.tamu.edu/FastSheets/images/Termitetube1.gif

My belief is that this is an elbow area of hot piping behind that surface.

16

Very nice sketch of T-tubes.

The depth and reality you’ve captured is fantastic. :wink:

17

Barry,

It’s a very special pencil.

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You can never be 100% with IR and further evaluation is always needed…

Curt,
If the snake is “on the move” you will see it out in the open, but inside the wall it must give off enough heat to warm the wall (against all other factors) and give us a couple degrees delta T. That is a lot of heat, or a little heat for a long time. The thing is, when the snakes heat is given off , the snake cools down and blends in with the delta T and again begins fade from sight.