Can a thermal imaging camera effectively see through walls to detect water?

A thermal imaging camera cannot actually see through walls, which is a common misconception. Thermal imaging works by detecting the infrared radiation emitted by objects based on their temperature. When it comes to hidden water within walls, the camera can identify temperature differences that might indicate wet insulation or water penetration issues. However, this does not equate to seeing through the wall itself.

In practice, the camera may show anomalies in temperature that suggest the presence of moisture, but it does not provide a direct visual image of what is behind the wall. Instead, it detects how heat is retained or lost in the materials, giving indications of moisture based on temperature variances. Therefore, the assertion that a thermal imaging camera cannot see water within walls is accurate, as it relies on interpreting thermal data rather than visual sight.