Thermal imaging is a valuable tool used during a home inspection to identify temperature differences that may indicate problems not visible during a conventional visual inspection. An infrared camera can help locate areas of hidden moisture, missing or deficient insulation, heat loss and unusual electrical heating. Thermal imaging is included free with every home inspection performed by The Barrie Home Inspector.

A thermal imaging camera detects differences in surface temperatures that may help identify areas requiring further investigation. During a home inspection, thermal imaging can reveal patterns associated with moisture intrusion, missing or inadequate insulation, air leakage, heat loss and overheating electrical components. These temperature differences are not always visible to the naked eye and can provide valuable additional information about the condition of the home. The thermal image shown here revealed a hidden water leak beneath the surface of a flat roof that was not visible during the visual inspection.

Water leaks are not always visible during a home inspection. Moisture behind finished walls, ceilings or flooring can sometimes create temperature differences that can be detected with a thermal imaging camera. When an unusual thermal pattern is found, the area can be investigated further using other inspection methods to help determine whether moisture may be present.

Missing, damaged or poorly installed insulation can allow heat to escape

through walls and ceilings. Thermal imaging can show temperature differences that may indicate areas where insulation is missing or performing poorly. It can also help identify air leakage around windows, doors and other areas of the building envelope, providing information that would be difficult to obtain through a visual inspection alone.

The thermal image shown here revealed an area of missing insulation in a closet wall that was not apparent during the visual inspection.

Thermal imaging can help identify electrical components that are operating at unusually high temperatures. Loose connections, overloaded circuits and failing electrical components may produce heat that can be detected with an infrared camera before there are obvious visual signs of a problem. When an unusual heat pattern is discovered, further investigation by a qualified electrician may be recommended.

The infrared image shown here identifies a hot spot in an electrical panel that may indicate an electrical component requiring further investigation.

Thermal imaging can help evaluate the operation of heating and cooling systems by showing temperature differences at registers, radiators and other components. It can help identify areas that are not heating or cooling as expected and may reveal problems that warrant further investigation. Infrared imaging can also be useful when examining radiant floor heating systems because the heat patterns can often be seen through the finished floor.

The thermal image shown here clearly reveals the heating grid of an electric radiant floor system beneath the finished flooring.

Thermal imaging is an additional inspection tool and does not replace a visual home inspection. An infrared camera measures surface temperature differences; it does not see through walls or directly identify moisture, electrical defects or other concealed conditions. When an unusual thermal pattern is discovered, other inspection methods may be used to investigate the area and determine whether further evaluation is recommended.

Thermal imaging does not directly detect moisture. It identifies temperature differences that may indicate the presence of moisture or other hidden conditions. When a suspicious area is found, it can be further evaluated using a moisture meter and visual inspection to help determine whether moisture is actually present.

Thermal imaging is included free with every home inspection performed by The Barrie Home Inspector. There is no additional charge for using the infrared camera during the inspection. When conditions warrant, thermal imaging is used to help investigate areas where temperature differences may provide additional information about the condition of the home.

With more than 20 years of home inspection experience and over 9,000 inspections completed, thermal imaging is used alongside a thorough visual inspection to help provide a more complete understanding of the home.