FREE Thermal Imaging Inspections Barrie | Orillia | Alliston

 

 

 

 

 

We provide Free Thermal Imaging scans of your exterior walls and electrical panel as part of your home inspection.
Infrared testing is based on the principle that heat flow in a material is altered by the presence of some type of anomalies. These changes in heat flow cause localized temperature differences in the material surface. The imaging or study of such thermal patterns is known as Thermography.

Heat can be described as the energy associated with the random and chaotic motions of the atomic particles from which matter is composed.
Heat transfer can occur by conduction, radiation, convection, or a combination of these. When a surface is heated, there is an increase in energy of the atomic particles leading to a corresponding increase in temperature and emitted energy. The chaotic thermal agitation of atomic particles produce a form of radiant electromagnetic energy known as infrared radiation (that is , radiation of frequencies beyond red). All materials (hot or cold) contain heat and radiate infrared energy.

The thermal imaging camera has a lens which focuses on the infrared light being emitted by object camera is pointed at. The camera typically has a phased array which will detect the infrared elements and depict them as a thermogram.

The thermogram is interpreted by the circuits in the camera and transmitted to the display. Most cameras can display in black and white (grayscale) or in colour (rainbow) depending on settings the operator chooses.

Infrared cameras scan at a rate of 29 to 31 times a second and can read temperature from minus 20 degrees C to over 2000 degrees C. These cameras can detect a change in temperature as small as 0.2 C.

 

Thermal imaging can identify Moisture Intrusion in ceilings, windows and walls. Wet insulation caused by roof leaks can also be identifed. This is especially valuable on Commercial Roofs as water penetration can be detected prior to actually leaking into building. Hot spots in electrical equipment can also be detected by professional use of Thermal Imaging camera.

Light is basically divided into two categories for the purpose of thermal imaging, visible light and invisible light. There is an almost infinite range of light beyond human range of vision. Light, as described in physics, is an electromagnetic wave that propagates through space at a fixed speed. This wave is further identified by its wave length, frequency and energy. As displayed below the actual wavelengths visible to the human eye is quite small.

Although most moisture problems are visible there are times where an area may have been repaired but there is still a minor leak which has not become visible, this is where a thermal image scan will detect hidden moisture.

As shown in the pictures below, thermal imaging using an infrared camera has no problem finding and identifying missing insulation in the ceiling.

Typically, when people are looking for an insurance type of inspection, a visual inspection is conducted to determine if there is evidence of any problems with the installation. This includes examining clearances, chimney heights and visual signs of deterioration. If there are concerns identified, then the inspector should make a recommendation that the appliance be checked and, if necessary, repaired by a certified technician or chimney sweep.

The Thermal Imaging Advantage

Infrared thermal imaging scans can easily verify insulation inside walls and ceilings. The camera will reveal where there is missing, settled, or wet and damaged insulation. As an added benefit, when we scan your home, we can also identify where cold air is coming through your walls.

Home owners now understand the importance of infrared home inspection. From seeing what you are getting in a new home purchase, pre-post renovations, to finding current home problems in making corrective action determinations and cost decisions, to knowing how and where you need to make improvements in cutting down your energy bills making your home as efficient as possible. Realizing that infrared can do this for you and show you the actual images of exactly where you need to spend money and resources make an infrared home inspection very appealing to knowledgeable home owners.

“Today, more and more home owners are becoming knowledgeable about infrared’s benefits”

Book a “Risk Free” home inspection. Call Barrie Home Inspections now.

Phone 705-795-8255 or Toll Free 888-818-8608

If your home has a wood burning appliance, most insurance companies will now require a Certified WETT Inspection prior to insuring your home.  Certified WETT Inspection in Barrie | Orillia | Alliston for only $50.00 when included as part of home inspection package.

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Mould and Home Inspections go together when you are buying a new home

Mould can be present in any home!  Mould is a microscopic fungi that only needs heat, moisture and any organic substance to grow in a 48 hour period.   Water leaks and penetrations are prime
causes of mould in basements.  That is why it is so important to dry out any wet areas within 48 hours of occurrence.  Fungus will grow on wood when it has a 15 percent moisture content and the wood itself will start rotting when it reaches 20 percent.

Mould and Your Health

Certain species of mould can be extremely toxic and other are only a problem to individuals with allergies or unusual sensitivities. Buy mould reactions include pneumonitis, allergic rhinitis, 
asthma, watery eyes, coughing, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fever.  Some varieties can cause problems in the digestive system, joints, lungs, eyes and ears. Some are considered carcinogenic.  Health Canada has not set safety standards for mould.  Everyones immune system is different and can react accordingly to contact with mould.  The most common side effect is flue like symptoms.

What We Look For

The Barrie Home Inspector looks for three items that coincide with mould growth:  visual evidence of mould growth, visual evidence of moisture intrusion (e.g. leaks), or areas that may be susceptible to mould in the future.  Your inspector will be particularly alert when inspecting wall or ceiling recesses, under floors or floor coverings, or areas behind furnishing or stacked boxes.

Our Air Quality Mould Test is sent to an accredited laboratory where samples are tested and a written report is created.  Along with any positive identifications of the presence of mould, methods of remediation will also be recommended.

Moisture Detection

Our inspection includes the use of specialized moisture detection equipment and infrared technology (see thermal imaging) and other various tools to track hidden moisture and locate possible areas of mold contamination.  Read out comprehensive article on Protecting Your Attic,  details concerning common issues homeowners can find in their attic.

Mould Myths

Myth #1. Clean it with bleach

Bleach is an effective antimicrobial however it is caustic and dangerous or deadly if mixed with other common household chemicals. Regular dish soap and hot water is safer and just as effective as long as the vegetative growth is properly removed prior to the introduction of moisture and, the surface is properly dried after cleaning.

It is known if you apply moisture to an active dimensional mold the resulting growth can cause the spreading of its seeds or “spores” about the environment, causing more serious contamination in other areas of the home, often through forced air heating systems.

Myth # 2. When mould is dormant it is not a problem

This is false. When mould is in an active state of growth it emits Mycotoxins as it absorbs its food source. These toxins can significantly affect those with heightened sensitivities or weakened immune systems. When mold is in a dry state the mold spores can more readily travel with natural air currents in the home, also causing potential health concerns.

Myth # 3. All molds are dangerous

Mold is part of our natural environment, and without it we would not have the biological breakdown of organics, penicillin, or blue cheese! Some molds have been linked to possible health issues. These molds include but are not limited to Stachybotrys, Fusarium and Chaetomium. These molds are not common to our outdoor environment and are clear indicators of an indoor mold growth issue when found in any amount in an air sample. Other molds are common to our outdoor environment include but are not limited to Penicillium/Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Basidiospores, and are found in most air sampling we perform to some extent, as long as the levels are not excessive. Because we share our indoor environment with the outdoor environment it would not be realistic to expect a mold free home in most cases.

If you hire the Barrie Home Inspection Service for you next property purchase you will also receive a Free Thermal Imaging Scan of entire home which can find hidden moisture that might other wise go undetected.

 

 

 

 

As an added bonus when you are purchasing a home with a woodstove, fireplace or pellet stove, you can obtain a Site Basic Certified Wett Inspection for only $50.00 per unit, as part of Home Inspection package.