In mid-December, those of us in the Australian state of Victoria believed it was going to be a dry and hot summer. After a very hot couple of days in a heat wave in Melbourne, we were asking, “where is our summer rain?”

Thermal imaging cameras can be a very helpful tool during water damage remediation work. However, the key is knowing what you’re seeing, and how infrared technology works.

If left unchecked, water intrusion can damage a home or building. It can cause rotted wood, peeling paint, rusted metals, water stains, buckling floors, mold growth, and even pest infestations.

When drying concrete after water intrusions, it is important to monitor and measure the moisture content of the concrete in two phases: First during the drying phase; and again after the drying is complete.

Within this issue of R&R, we’ve talked about drying out spaces, when to demo, when not to demo, where to potentially place drying equipment, and so on.

Water Restoration Technicians are dependent on a wide range of tools on a daily basis, ranging from moisture meters and infrared cameras to dehumidifiers and heat drying systems. One underestimated, but essential tool is knowledge and this is gained through both industry training and hands-on experience.