THERMAL IMAGING INSPECTIONS
What is Infrared Thermal Imaging?
Infrared thermal imaging uses infrared technology to detect very small differences in temperature. Every material has a unique thermal signature and when moisture, heat, cold, or wood destroying insects are introduced into the structure the thermal signature changes. These subtle or dramatic thermal signature changes become detectable with this incredible technology. Thermal image scanning technology is now commonly used to evaluate residential and commercial structures. As a non-invasive inspection tool it can quickly help discern where there are suspected issues, helping to limit the areas where time-consuming evaluation and destructive discovery is needed.
WHAT THERMAL IMAGE SCANNING IS NOT
Moisture Meter
The infrared thermal imaging camera is NOT a moisture meter. It simply identifies thermal anomalies. 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.
We Cover Every Nook And Cranny!
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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 can help to identify issues rarely identified during a visual home inspection.
Risk Eliminator
The infrared thermal imaging camera does NOT completely remove the risks of concealed damage.
Please note that it is deceptive to claim that thermal imaging detects moisture because the best that it can do is detect thermal differences. The infrared camera can be used to help discover moisture issues by identifying anomalies allowing the inspector to then use moisture meters and other diagnostic tools to identify the source of the anomaly.
Moisture equals mold!
Moisture equals mold. Whenever a leak and moist conditions exists longer than 72 hours, mold can form. This fact is a reality and the infrared camera can quickly, and in a non-invasive manner, help identify these issues. However, the infrared camera can only identify the heat signatures, not measure the moisture content.
When moisture intrusion is located and corrected then further structure deterioration and widespread growth of mold can also be stopped. Although thermal imaging inspections can be expensive, they greatly help in the detection of structurally damaging leaks, which can lead to higher repair costs, if the leak goes on undetected. When detected early, structural repairs and any needed mold remediation are significantly less costly.
How can this technology be useful?
- Moisture Detection in Walls and Ceilings – Thermal imaging is a great tool that helps to identifying water damage in walls, floors, and ceilings. By detecting the difference in temperature between a wet area and the surrounding dry areas thermal imaging can help detect moisture issues that would not be visible during a limited visual home inspection. It is also a great tool to use in identifying areas where the insulation is inadequate.
- Stucco & EIFS Inspections – Thermal image scanning has greatly improved our ability to perform stucco and EIFS moisture intrusion inspections. If there is rot behind the stucco it is often visible with thermal imaging in the form of heat anomalies. Thermal image scanning also helps to quantify the affected areas of moisture damage. By adding this tool to our stucco inspections we have been able to better identify where the trouble areas are that need repair.
- Wood Destroying Insect Activity – Significant wood destroying insect activity can be detected using this technology due to the heat generated by active infestations. 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 – Thermal imaging has been a great tool to help homeowners save money, especially now that energy rates are on the rise. 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 inefficient areas are identified, then changes can be made to improve energy consumption and reduce costs.
- Flat Roof Inspections – If you have a leak on a new to mid-life flat roof and have been informed that a new roof is necessary, 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, rather than replacing the entire roof or a significantly larger area. It is recommended to forego the cost of thermal imaging on older roofs, as it is likely a new roof is required.
- Electrical Inspections – 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 inspection report can be a great help for the repair electrician to address the identified issues before they cause major problems.
- Plumbing Inspections – Water leaks in the plumbing system can often go undetected until major damage has occurred. Your Guardian Inspector using Infrared Thermal Imaging can help find these leaks, determine if they are active, and help identify the damaged areas . 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.
