thermal imaging is incredibly useful for detecting moisture intrusion in walls, windows, and doors. While it doesn't directly see water, it reveals the temperature differences caused by water's presence, which helps you pinpoint potential problem areas quickly and non-invasively.

đź’§ How Thermal Imaging Detects Moisture

When water enters a wall, window frame, or around a door:

  • It often cools the surrounding materials.

  • Wet areas retain and lose heat differently than dry materials.

  • A thermal camera picks up these differences, showing them as cold spots (typically blue or purple in IR images).

You’ll often see:

  • Cooler patches along the base of walls (rising damp)

  • Around window sills and corners

  • Streaks under roof lines or ceiling areas (from leaks above)

🧰 Common Moisture Intrusion Areas Thermal Imaging Can Help Inspect

  • Window frames and sills (bad seals, flashing failures)

  • Door thresholds and jambs (especially patio sliders)

  • Behind exterior walls or siding

  • Roof-to-wall intersections

  • Under eaves or gutters

  • Around plumbing penetrations and shower walls

  • Basements and crawl spaces

🧪 Best Practice: Pair with a Moisture Meter

Thermal imaging is excellent for locating anomalies, but it doesn’t confirm moisture by itself. Once you find a suspicious area:

  • Use a moisture meter (pin or pinless) to verify moisture levels.

  • This two-step method gives accuracy and confidence in your findings.

âś… Benefits of Using Thermal Imaging for Moisture

  • Non-invasive (no tearing into walls)

  • Quick scans of large areas

  • Helps detect moisture before visible damage (like staining or mold)

  • Supports better repair planning or insurance claims

⚠️ Limitations

  • Requires some thermal contrast (difference in temperature between wet and dry areas)

  • Best used when there’s recent rain or HVAC operation to exaggerate differences

  • Can’t tell what the anomaly is — could be air leakage, moisture, or insulation gaps without further testing

🛠️ Pro Tip:

  • Run the AC or heat for a bit before scanning — it exaggerates the thermal differences and makes moisture easier to spot.

  • Scan exterior walls just after rain or early morning when the temperature differences are most visible.