What is thermal imaging/infrared?

Let me burst your bubble before we go on. Thermal imaging is nothing new. Infrared technology is so inexpensive and accessible that there is NO excuse for an inspector to not utilize it during their inspection duties. Inspection companies boasting about their use of thermal imaging is the equivalent to auto manufacturers boasting about putting power steering in their vehicles. Focus Home Inspection LLC will ALWAYS employ infrared cameras at every inspection we perform. Back to your regular programming.

 

Thermal imaging, also known as thermography, is a non-invasive technology that uses an infrared camera to measure and visualize surface temperatures. The camera detects infrared energy (heat) emitted by an object and translates it into a visible image called a thermogram. These images use a color scale, with different colors representing different temperatures, allowing an inspector to quickly identify thermal anomalies, such as hot or cold spots, that are not visible to the naked eye.

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A common misconception is that a thermal camera is like an X-ray machine. It's important to understand that a thermal camera does not have the ability to see through solid objects like walls, ceilings, or floors. Instead, it measures the temperature on the surface of these objects. A heat signature behind a wall, such as from a hidden water leak or missing insulation, may affect the surface temperature, allowing the inspector to see a thermal pattern on the wall's surface. However, the camera is not directly imaging the object behind the wall.

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Home inspectors use thermal imaging as a diagnostic tool to enhance a standard visual inspection. By scanning the interior and exterior of a home, an inspector can identify potential problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. For example, they can detect the cooler areas associated with moisture intrusion in walls or ceilings, locate missing or improperly installed insulation in attics or crawl spaces, and pinpoint overheating electrical components in a service panel. It can also help find air leaks around windows and doors, improving energy efficiency.

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Uncontrolled moisture in a home can be a menacing and harmful issue. It can lead to a variety of problems, including the growth of mold, mildew, and fungi, which can pose serious health risks, particularly for individuals with allergies or respiratory conditions. Additionally, excessive moisture can cause structural damage by rotting wood, degrading building materials, and attracting pests. It can also cause cosmetic damage like peeling paint, warped flooring, and musty odors, making the home an unhealthy and uncomfortable living environment.

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Extreme heat and a lack of proper insulation can be incredibly damaging to a home. When a house is not adequately insulated, heat can transfer easily between the interior and exterior, causing a home to become uncomfortably hot and forcing HVAC systems to work harder and less efficiently. Over time, high temperatures can also cause physical damage to the home's structure. For instance, extreme heat can cause exterior paint to bubble and chip, wood siding to warp and crack, and roofing materials to degrade. Soil around the foundation can also dry out and shrink, leading to foundation shifting and cracking.