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Thermal Imaging Defects  – Pictures from Home Inspections

Thermal Imaging Defects are unique because if your Home Inspector is not using a Professional Infrared Camera then your home is not being fully inspected.  Infrared Cameras detect heat and cold temperatures by reading heat Thermal Imaging Defectssignatures that the human eye cannot see.  So potentially you could have a roof leak which has not shown up on the drywall finish yet,  so with no visible signs leak would typically go un-noticed and not noted by Home Inspector.  Thermal Imaging would detect the moisture, even though no visible signs of leak are visible, enabling you to have problem repaired prior to purchasing the home.

With the modern home’s Building Envelope becoming tighter and tighter, moisture has become an issue inside newer homes.  Without the proper airflow moisture from your bathroom, laundry or air conditioning can create mould or mildew in your home.  New homes can have moisture from construction and wet soil conditions trapped between your basement walls and your insulation’s vapour barrier.  Thermal imaging Inspections, combined with a moisture meter can identify areas of hidden moisture which can then be repaired preventing mould growth and wood rot.

View Thermal Imaging Pictures from Home Inspections in Barrie and Local area

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Thermal Imaging with Infrared Camera

Infrared (thermal imaging) is an advanced, non-invasive technology that allows the inspector to show clients things about their homes or buildings that can’t be revealed using conventional inspection methods.  Ancillary inspection reports are just as important as the reports  generated for standard inspections.  For something as specialized as a thermal imaging inspection, it’s critical that the information presented meets the clients’ needs for information they can use and act on.

The art of an IR inspection is to interpret the results as accurately and reasonably as possible such that the client is given actionable information in order to proceed with necessary repairs.

An Inspector should:

  • Explain the limitations of thermal imaging, including the fact that, as with any type of inspection, it can’t predict future conditions.  However, a roof that is experiencing moisture intrusion which has been detected through thermal imaging will very likely lead to serious structural issues, if left unaddressed.
  • Explain the capabilities of thermal imaging and  how it can benefit your clients.  Do you have marketing materials to  give your clients that outline the various conditions that can be detected  through infrared technology?

An infrared inspection can identify and document moisture intrusion, energy loss, and even unexpected hot spots.

In terms of energy loss, an IR camera can detect:

  • heat loss and air infiltration in walls, ceilings, floors, windows and  doors;
  • damaged and/or malfunctioning radiant heating systems;
  • air-conditioner compressor leaks;
  • under-fastening and/or missing framing members, and other structural defects that can lead to energy loss; andThermal Imaging Defect in Ceiling
  • broken seals in double-pane windows.

In terms of detecting moisture intrusion, an IR camera can locate:

  • plumbing leaks;
  • hidden roof leaks before they cause serious damage;
  • missing, damaged and/or wet insulation; and
  • water and moisture intrusion around penetrations and at the foundation and building envelope that could lead to structural damage and mold.

IR cameras are equally effective at locating hot spots in the home, including:

  • circuit breakers in need of immediate replacement;
  • overloaded and undersized circuits;
  • overheated electrical equipment and components;  and
  • electrical faults before they cause a fire.

Additionally, based on the color gradients that thermal images provide, an inspector can locate:

  • possible pest infestation, as revealed by energy loss through shelter tubes left by boring wood-destroying insects;
  • the presence of intruders, such as rats, mice and other larger pests hiding within the structure and detected because of their heat signature that the IR camera captures; and
  • dangerous flue leaks, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning of the home’s residents.

Standard Images with Infrared Images

The report is user-friendly. The Inspector  provides standard digital images side by side with your IR images.  This gives clients an accurate point of reference for the IR data, which is essential for mapping out improvements and repairs.

Read about the advantages of have a Free Thermal Imaging Scan during your Home Inspection.

View some of the Common Defects found during home inspection