The following article was originally published in the Jansen/Adjusters International Newsroom.

Water damage to your property from a burst pipe or flooding can cause hidden damages that may not be easily seen or diagnosed during the typical inspection process.

The threat of mold growth and the possible compromise to the integrity of a structure means inspectors must work quickly to accurately assess water damage. Experienced professionals use specialized detection equipment called Thermal Imaging Technology as part of their building inspection regimen.

Thermal Imaging Technology

Thermal Imaging Technology relies on temperature to produce an image. Using infrared cameras (thermal imagers) can detect moisture and building failures. Thermal imaging works by revealing the temperature differences between a wet area and the surrounding dry areas of a roof or other part of a structure, such as walls or cabinetry. It picks up wet spots that a visual inspection could miss.

When water damage occurs, thermographers should perform an initial scan, utilizing a handheld device, to thoroughly check the areas where they think there may be moisture intrusion. This device can be used to detect water damage both on the roof and throughout the structure.

Rainfall, sun reflections from the sky, and ventilation caps can all affect an assessment during the thermal imaging process. The thermographers use factors like ambient temperature, reflective heat, and absorbed heat to determine favorable conditions that will yield the most accurate data.

Applying Thermal Imaging Technology to Cabinetry

A past hotelier client of our sister firm, Jansen/Adjusters International, noticed water damage in the cabinets of a pantry area and the office of their hotel. The company adjuster from the client’s insurance company indicated that he did not find moisture during the insurance company’s assessment. Luckily, Jansen/AI's thermographer was on hand and had the experience and knowledge to apply the thermal imaging camera to properly check for water and reveal hidden water damage. If Jansen/Adjusters International had not been on-site with the proper equipment, the client would not have gotten a fair assessment.

Inspectors are not left guessing when assessing water damage insurance claims.

Many people wait until they are having issues with their insurance company before hiring a public adjuster; while that is an option, we highly recommend hiring one at the beginning of your insurance claim. It will be important to get a public adjuster on the scene right away for a proper investigation. This is the only way to ensure that the insurance company’s adjusters and inspectors perform accurate investigations and tests as we advocate for you — the policyholder.

Adjusters International-MBC was founded in 1988 by Scott and Jan deLuise to assist policyholders in preparing, filing and adjusting their insurance claims. Their lean, highly experienced and tight-knit team combines complementary backgrounds in real estate, accounting, law and property restoration. Their public adjusters are licensed nationally and are members of the National Association of Public Insurance Adjusters, Rocky Mountain Association of Public Adjusters, National Association of Realtors and the Better Business Bureau. The company culture is collaborative, and their network of appraisers, estimators, inventory specialists and structural engineers provide an unparalleled scope of service.

Contact us as soon as damage occurs for assistance with preparing, estimating, negotiating, and settling your property damage insurance claim.