Infrared Thermal Imaging Inspection
Moisture Detection in Walls and Ceilings – Thermal imaging is a great tool that helps
to identify water damage in walls, floors, and ceilings. Because moisture exposed to air
cools as it evaporates, thermal imaging can detect the difference in temperature between a
wet area and the surrounding dry areas. This can help detect moisture issues that would
not be visible during a limited visual home inspection. It is also great at identifying areas
where the insulation contractor failed to insulate adequately.
Plumbing Inspections – Water leaks from the plumbing system often leak undetected
until major damage has occurred. We can scan in, under, and around plumbing fixtures in
the home to determine if there is active leaking going on. Since this tool is not a moisture
meter we will use it to find heat anomalies and then pursue the issue further to attempt to
determine the source and cause of the leak.
Thermal image scanning can detect temperature anomalies in the plumbing system not
visible to the naked eye which may be a precursor to a larger issue. The resulting report
using a Thermal Image Camera can be a great aid for the repair plumber hired to address
the identified issues.
Wood Destroying Insect Activity – Significant wood destroying insect activity can be
detected using this technology due to the heat generated by active infestations. That’s
right, active termite activity produces a great deal of heat that is often visible to the
infrared camera. Minor activity may not be detectable but areas not normally visible to
the naked eye can be identified, and then a more invasive or technically exhaustive
inspection can be carried out by the appropriate professional.
Energy Audits – We do not currently specialize in performing energy audits, but thermal
imaging has been a great tool to help homeowners save money. Heat loss and/or cold air
influx can be detected and corrective actions can be taken to help improve the energy
efficiency of residential and commercial structures.
Once the energy wasting areas are identified; then changes can be made to make a
dramatic difference in energy consumption which means less money out of pocket.
Flat Roof Inspections – If you have a leak on a new to mid life flat roof and have been
told that a roof is needed, then call us first. We may be able to save you a substantial
amount of money. Thermal imaging can be used to detect the precise location of the leak
and mark the affected area so that repairs can be made to the leaking area. Obviously, if
the roof is older than you should forego the thermal imaging and invest in the needed new
roof.
Electrical Inspection – Loose or dirty electrical connections and other electrical
anomalies can cause power outages and possible fires. We can inspect the electrical
panels and receptacles to detect issues before there is a costly outage. Thermal imaging
can detect hot spots in the electrical system not visible to the naked eye which may be a
precursor to a larger issue. The resulting report can be a great aid for the repair electrician
hired to address the identified issues.
Abnormal heating associated with high resistance or excessive current flow is the main
cause of many problems in electrical systems. Infrared thermography allows us to see
these invisible thermal signatures of impending damage before the damage occurs. When
current flows through an electric circuit, part of the electrical energy is converted into
heat energy. This is normal. But, if there is an abnormally high resistance in the circuit or
abnormally high current flow, abnormally high heat is generated which is wasteful,
potentially damaging and not normal.
Infrared electrical inspections find hot spots caused by defects in connections and
components. Infrared thermography is used to find areas of excess heat (caused by
increased resistance) so that problems can be corrected before a component fails, causing
damage to the component, creating safety hazards and productivity loss. Because
increased heating is a sign of failure, infrared is the best diagnostic tool available for
finding these hot connections in the early stages of degeneration.
What Thermal Image Scanning is NOT!
MOISTURE METER – The infrared thermal imaging camera is NOT a moisture meter.
It simply identifies thermal anomalies (temperature differences). This device greatly aids
in identifying areas that need further investigation.
X-RAY VISION – The infrared thermal imaging camera is NOT an X-ray vision scope.
It does not provide the user with an immediate Superman S on their chest with the ability
to clearly see inside walls. Instead, it identifies thermal differences.
SILVER BULLET – The infrared thermal imaging camera is NOT a silver bullet
solution, but when it is used in conjunction with other technologies thermal imaging
helps us identify issues that are rarely identified during the limited visual home
inspection process.
RADIATION – The infrared thermal imaging camera does NOT give off any kind of
harmful radiation.
RISK ELIMINATOR – The infrared thermal imaging camera does NOT completely
remove the risks of concealed damage.
PLEASE NOTE: It is deceptive to claim that thermal imaging detects moisture because
the best that it can do is detecting thermal differences. Using the infrared camera to help
discover moisture issues are helpful because once the anomalies are identified then
moisture meters and other diagnostic tools can be used to identify the source of the
anomaly.
Moisture equals mold – Whenever a leak and moist conditions exist longer than 72
hours, then mold can form. This fact is a reality and the infrared camera can quickly, and
in a non-invasive manner, help identify these issues. But remember, the infrared camera
identifies the heat signatures and does not measure the moisture content.
Thermal Imaging
(239) 271-8499
