Association for Neighborhood Rehabilitation, Inc
110 Ogden Street, Ogdensburg, New York 13669
Phone 315-393-4610        Fax 315-394-1815
Serving the community since 1977
Infrared Technology
A thermographer is a thermal evaluator and imaging expert. He or she will have a solid understanding of heat transfer laws, thermal dynamics and properties of why objects are hot or not or appear to be hot or not. 
A thermographer is a person who uses an Infrared Camera and his or her knowledge of the subjects they look at in combination with other non-destructive testing tools to evaluate the condition, (good or bad) of any object, subject or body ... as long as there is a thermal difference to be detected. Otherwise objects with the same thermal radiant pattern or temperature will be invisible to each other. A thermographer is trained to interpret the results of the thermal radiant pattern or temperature and offer recommendations based upon the images gathered.
Infrared is an invisible portion of the light spectrum extending from 0.75 to 1000 microns. All objects warmer than absolute zero (0 Kelvin or -275.15°C) emit energy somewhere within that range. The warmer the object, the brighter we see it in our thermal camera. White is hotter, black is colder. Additional palettes are available such as rainbow; rainbow palette was utilized in this report.

Infrared technology makes thermal information visible so that distinguishing heat patterns can be identified. Heat patterns can then be measured to reveal building, equipment or environmental flaws which, left uncorrected, can lead to expensive damage or equipment failure. Infrared is also used for search/rescue missions, electrical, plumbing/heating and air conditioning inspections.
What Is Infrared Technology
What Is A Thermographer
Infrared imaging is yet another service that ANR has incorporated into it's housing rehabilitation program. The images provide valuable insight to where the areas of cold air infiltration are located, these instruments are so sensitive it has picked up bees nest behind sheetrock, overheated wiring, and moisture within the wall from a leaky window or often a roof. All valuable information for the Housing Rehabilitation Coordinator to know when he is developing a work write-up for contractors.
Why Utilize Infrared Thermography?
This is a typical view that our inspectors encounter. Often lath and plaster is covered with sheetrock without adding insulation as was this renovation.


The dark blue areas show a heavy concentration of cold entering the room through the sidewalls, corner plates, and attic area. When conducting renovations take the time to add insulation!
Sample Images
Infrared is the best tool for detecting hot spots in service panels.

When you enlarge the photo you will notice a kink in the service line.

Under infrared imaging the kink appears to be generating a hot spot. This condition is not that unusual for our inspectors to find. Left uncorrected this could lead to line burn out or fire!
View of a typical sidewall, the wall appears to be in good condition and the home was well maintained.





The dark blue areas indicate excessive cold air entering the home. This may be due to deteriorated, little or no insulation in the lower wall.