Infrared imaging is a tool that helps home inspectors discover issues about a home or building that cannot be identified using traditional inspection methods. Home inspection reports with thermal images contain more information for the buyer. Infrared thermal images reveal temperature variations that show possible problems behind the ceiling, walls, and floor. An infrared camera can catch problems that might otherwise go undetected.
Infrared imaging during home inspections can identify issues in the house like electrical hot spots, moisture intrusion, and missing insulation.
Electrical Hot spots
An electrical hot spot is undetectable by the naked eye. But when seen using a thermal camera, the excess thermal energy emitted by electrical hot spots often appears orange, yellow, or white. It is important to know whether your house has an electrical hot spot because it might cause a fire.
Infrared cameras are effective at detecting other electrical issues in a house:
• Circuit breakers that should be repaired
• Overloaded circuits
• Overheated electrical components
• Electrical faults
Moisture Intrusion
Excess moisture can cause significant damage in your house. Fortunately, infrared imaging can help locate the source of a leak since it will appear as an unusually cooler spot.
Infrared cameras are effective at detecting other excess moisture concerns in a house. Below are some of the issues:
• Roof leaks
• Water intrusion around the building’s foundation that could lead to mold growth and serious structural damage
• Air conditioner leaks
Insulation or Air Tightness Issues
If your house has gaps near windows or doors, your home is less energy-efficient. Infrared imaging during home inspections can pinpoint the areas of energy loss. The best way to enhance energy efficiency inside your house is to seal the gaps to the outside. Thermal imaging helps by identifying the areas that should be repaired.
Infrared cameras are effective at detecting these other insulation issues in a house:
• Air infiltration in walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows
• Broken seals in windows
• Wet, missing, or damaged insulation
With using infrared imaging, our inspection report will include 30 side-by-side infrared images and the original to show comparison along with explanatory notes. The thermal energy emitted by different components of the home is shown in a spectrum of light on the infrared image. If a ceiling indicates a dark section on the infrared image, for example, there could be a water leak behind that section of the ceiling.
Thermal imaging is a new technology and not all inspectors use infrared cameras. For a thorough inspection with the best information, choose Home Inspector White Bear Lake! Give us a call today!