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Thermal Imaging Inspections
Stop heating and cooling leaks in their tracks.
What is it?
Moisture Detection in Walls and Ceilings: Thermal imaging is an effective tool for identifying water damage in walls, floors, and ceilings. By detecting temperature differences between wet areas and the surrounding dry areas, thermal imaging can help reveal moisture issues that may not be visible during a visual home inspection. It is also useful for identifying areas where insulation may not have been adequately installed.
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Plumbing Inspections: Water leaks from the plumbing system are often unnoticed until significant damage has been done. We are able to inspect the plumbing fixtures in the home to detect any active leaks. While our tool is not a moisture meter, we can identify heat anomalies and then further investigate to determine the source and cause of the leak.
Thermal Image Scanning: We can detect temperature anomalies in the plumbing system that are not visible to the naked eye, which may be a precursor to a more significant issue. The resulting Thermal Image Scan report can be an excellent aid for the repair plumber in addressing the identified issues.
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Energy Audits: While we don't specialize in performing energy audits, we have found that thermal imaging is a great tool for helping homeowners save money. With thermal imaging, we can identify heat loss and cold air influx and suggest corrective actions to improve the energy efficiency of residential and commercial structures. By identifying the energy-wasting areas, we can make a dramatic difference in energy consumption, which means less money out of pocket.
What Is Looked At During A Thermal Imaging Inspection?
Electrical Inspection: Loose or dirty electrical connections and other electrical issues can lead to power outages and potential fires. Our inspections cover electrical panels and receptacles to identify problems before they cause costly outages. We use thermal imaging to detect hot spots in the electrical system that are not visible to the naked eye. These hot spots can indicate more significant issues that may be brewing. The resulting report can be a valuable resource for the repair electrician to address the identified problems.
Abnormal Heating: High resistance or excessive current flow is often the root cause of issues in electrical systems. Infrared thermography enables us to detect these invisible thermal signatures of potential damage before the damage occurs. When current flows through an electrical circuit, a portion of the electrical energy transforms into heat energy, which is normal. However, abnormally high resistance in the circuit or unusually high current flow can generate excessive heat, which is wasteful, potentially damaging, and abnormal.
Infrared Electrical Inspections: We can find hot spots caused by defects in connections and components through infrared thermography. Using this method, we can identify areas of excess heat caused by increased resistance, allowing us to correct the issues before a component fails. This preventative action can help avoid damage to the component, which could lead to safety hazards and loss of productivity. It's important to note that increased heating indicates impending failure. Infrared is the best diagnostic tool available for identifying these hot connections in the early stages of degeneration.
What Does A Thermal Inspection NOT Do?​
Moisture Meter: The infrared thermal imaging camera is not a moisture meter. It only 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 or the ability to see clearly inside walls. Instead, it identifies thermal differences.
Silver Bullet: The infrared thermal imaging camera is not a silver bullet solution. However, when used with other technologies, thermal imaging helps us identify issues that are rarely identified during the limited visual home inspection process.
Risk Eliminator: The infrared thermal imaging camera does not entirely remove the risks of concealed damage. Moisture equals mold: Whenever a leak and moist conditions exist for longer than 72 hours, then mold can form. This fact is a reality, and the infrared camera can quickly and non-invasively help identify these issues. But remember, the infrared camera identifies the heat signatures and does not measure the moisture content.
PLEASE NOTE: It is deceptive to claim that thermal imaging detects moisture because the best it can do is detect thermal differences. Using the infrared camera to help discover moisture issues is helpful. We can then use moisture meters and other diagnostic tools to identify their source.
