THERMAL CAMERAs
We can see more than what meets the eye...
Infrared thermography is helping home inspectors efficiently find areas of concern in the home. We are able to see more than meets the human eye, allowing us to find moisture anomalies, conditioned air loss, potentially dangerous electrical inconsistencies, and other trouble areas that need repair.
Plumbing Inspection: Leaks from a plumbing system are costly, often because they go without being detected for long periods of time. We are able to scan the elements of the plumbing system to determine if there is active leaking. We use our thermal camera to find heat anomalies, and then follow up with a moisture meter on ones that are found to try and determine the source or cause. A thermal camera is NOT a moisture meter.
Moisture: Thermal cameras can help identify moisture issues in ceilings, walls, and floors. Thermal cameras display the surface temperature of the objects being measured and their environment. Therefore, we are able to detect the differences in temperature of a wet area and the dry areas around it. The camera does NOT display moisture content, only surface temperatures. Thermal imaging helps to measure the areas affected by moisture damage, giving us a better clue of what needs repairs. Whenever a leak and moist conditions exist longer than 72 hours, mold can form. The infrared camera can quickly help identify these issues in a non-invasive way.
Energy Audits: With a thermal camera, we are able to identify areas in a home that were insulated insufficiently. Conditioned air loss and outside air penetration are visible to a thermal camera, and once identified, changes can be made that drastically lower energy consumption and the homeowner's energy bills ($$$).
Wood Destroying Organisms: Due to the heat generated by active infestations of insects, wood destroying pests can be detected with thermal cameras. Small infestations won't be as obvious, but larger infestations will be observable on the camera. If there is rot behind surfaces, heat deviations are frequently visible with a thermal camera. Once an anomaly has been detected, the appropriate measures can be taken for a more technical inspection by an appropriate professional.
Electrical Inspection: Electrical anomalies could mean possible danger (fire/shock/outages). Using a thermal camera, we can inspect the electrical system to detect issues not visible to the naked eye before there is a potentially dangerous and/or costly result. The electrical report can be a considerable tool for the electrician hired to repair and address the identified issues.
Thermal Imaging is NOT: The infrared thermal imaging camera is NOT a diagnostic tool. It simply identifies thermal anomalies. This device greatly aids in identifying areas that need further investigation with the appropriate tools. The camera's user is not a superhero, with x-ray vision. We are simply able to view temperature anomalies.