What is Thermal Imaging?
Thermal imaging is simply the use of equipment or a thermal camera that reads temperature differences. By using a thermal camera, we can evaluate conditions that could go unnoticed or were not visible to the naked eye.
Uses for thermal imaging in the home include:
Please keep in mind!
We use our camera as any other tool when we feel it is necessary. It's not a comprehensive full thermal evaluation. We will not scan your entire home during a home inspection (unless we are contracted to as an additional service). The thermal imager is no different than any other tool we carry. We use it when see areas of possible concern.
Areas we generally check are:
The thermal camera is not x-ray vision and will not see through walls or pipes etc.
The right time of day, temperatures or conditions must be present to properly use the camera. Only proper training can allow the thermoghrapher to fully understand and evaluate conditions accordingly.
All concerns found are verified by use of other tools such as a moisture meter.
A word of warning!
Many home inspectors have now started using thermal technology. Just because they purchased a camera does not mean they're educated to use them.
You get what you pay for. A camera that costs $2,000.00 isn't capable of sometimes evaluating or finding certain issues. Most average to high quality cameras can run from $4,000.00 to over $30,000.00. What's worse is there are a few individuals out there who are offering discount or low quality training to inspectors. These low budget certificate classes offer little training but provide the inspector with a neat logo to proudly boast they are certified!
Before hiring someone who offers thermal imaging, ask them if they had any training or certifications to know how to use the camera. We recommend training offered only by nationally recognized thermograaphy institutions.
Here are a few examples of home inspections findings.
Thermal imaging is simply the use of equipment or a thermal camera that reads temperature differences. By using a thermal camera, we can evaluate conditions that could go unnoticed or were not visible to the naked eye.
Uses for thermal imaging in the home include:
- Water leaks or moisture intrusion
- Heated electrical connections or circuits
- Air infiltration or air leaks
- Missing or poorly installed insulation
- Verification or diagnosing leaks for radiant floor or ceiling heat.
Please keep in mind!
We use our camera as any other tool when we feel it is necessary. It's not a comprehensive full thermal evaluation. We will not scan your entire home during a home inspection (unless we are contracted to as an additional service). The thermal imager is no different than any other tool we carry. We use it when see areas of possible concern.
Areas we generally check are:
- Any place of concern or that we know is an issue. The image only provides visual reference.
- First floor ceiling in two story homes. We will always scan ceiling under bathrooms above to ensure no hidden leaks exist.
- Main electrical panels if we feel there is a concern or need.
- Areas with hidden or concealed attic spaces.
The thermal camera is not x-ray vision and will not see through walls or pipes etc.
The right time of day, temperatures or conditions must be present to properly use the camera. Only proper training can allow the thermoghrapher to fully understand and evaluate conditions accordingly.
All concerns found are verified by use of other tools such as a moisture meter.
A word of warning!
Many home inspectors have now started using thermal technology. Just because they purchased a camera does not mean they're educated to use them.
- A thermographer should be properly trained and hold a certification
- They should understand building science principles
- Not all cameras are created equal
You get what you pay for. A camera that costs $2,000.00 isn't capable of sometimes evaluating or finding certain issues. Most average to high quality cameras can run from $4,000.00 to over $30,000.00. What's worse is there are a few individuals out there who are offering discount or low quality training to inspectors. These low budget certificate classes offer little training but provide the inspector with a neat logo to proudly boast they are certified!
Before hiring someone who offers thermal imaging, ask them if they had any training or certifications to know how to use the camera. We recommend training offered only by nationally recognized thermograaphy institutions.
Here are a few examples of home inspections findings.
Heated Electrical Circuits
Both images are examples of overheated or loose connections. The left image, wasn't visible but had an audible buzz, which sometimes indicates a loose connnection.
The one of the right was more obvious and the wiring was burnt.
Both images are examples of overheated or loose connections. The left image, wasn't visible but had an audible buzz, which sometimes indicates a loose connnection.
The one of the right was more obvious and the wiring was burnt.
Hidden Roof Leak
This leak had showed no staining on the drywall in this garage. No other indications were present.
This leak had showed no staining on the drywall in this garage. No other indications were present.
Water Leaks
This image was taken during a rain storm while we were inspecting the home. None of the windows were flashed or sealed correctly and we were fortunate enough to get this image. Obviously all the windows had to be removed to make the repairs.
This image was taken during a rain storm while we were inspecting the home. None of the windows were flashed or sealed correctly and we were fortunate enough to get this image. Obviously all the windows had to be removed to make the repairs.
Completely missing insulaton.
Someone forgot or didn't care about the insulation during construction. This home was 12 years old.
Someone forgot or didn't care about the insulation during construction. This home was 12 years old.
Poorly installed insulation.
Even if insulation has been place in the walls, unless it's done correctly you can experience energy loss and possible condensation. Consider the image, then add up all the walls. This home was experiencing quite a bit of energy loss.
Even if insulation has been place in the walls, unless it's done correctly you can experience energy loss and possible condensation. Consider the image, then add up all the walls. This home was experiencing quite a bit of energy loss.
A bad retro fit job.
This image was taken at a historical home where a company retro-actively sprayed a foam product into the walls to prevent removing walls to traditionally insulate. The buyer called us because they really didn't notice a difference after paying thousands of dollars to have this done. The blue areas are places where little to no insulation was present.
This image was taken at a historical home where a company retro-actively sprayed a foam product into the walls to prevent removing walls to traditionally insulate. The buyer called us because they really didn't notice a difference after paying thousands of dollars to have this done. The blue areas are places where little to no insulation was present.
Radiant Flooring Inspection
Thermal imaging can verifiy that radiant floors are working or possibly determine where one could be leaking.
Thermal imaging can verifiy that radiant floors are working or possibly determine where one could be leaking.
Unsealed ceiling registers or vents
This image shows how some air loss can happen when metal boots are not sealed as they pass through the ceiling. Hey it's only your money right!
This image shows how some air loss can happen when metal boots are not sealed as they pass through the ceiling. Hey it's only your money right!