Technology has certainly come a long way. And perhaps the most comprehensive tool for a home inspector is the thermal imaging infrared camera, as it can view what the naked eye can’t see, peering behind walls, under flooring, into attics/ceilings and more.
An added level of protection for potential home buyers or homeowners conducting maintenance checks, thermal imaging offers peace of mind while making or protecting among the largest financial purchase of your lifetime.
Following a visual inspection by your home inspector, a thermal scan of the entire structure and its components takes the inspection to another level. The thermal scan can detect anything from hot spots such as incorrectly wired electrical systems and panels, to cold areas such as missing or displaced insulation, to moist areas in attics, basement floors or anywhere plumbing lines or ventilation systems run throughout the home.
What thermal scans show
Thermal imaging may not always show exactly what’s wrong, but it will alert inspectors to areas of the home that require further investigation.
Presence of heat appears yellow/orange in a thermal image, while cold spots appear blue/purple.
A moist area also appears blue/purple, much like a cold spot, so this often requires further investigation. A moisture meter will be able to detect if the area is, in fact, wet or just cold due to missing or displaced insulation, or a blockage in the ventilation system that’s restricting the proper flow of heat.
Advanced training
In order to use thermal imaging services as part of their business, a home inspector must become certified. This involves taking a course and undergoing comprehensive training to ensure they know how to properly use the technology and interpret its results.
Thermal imaging takes the inspection process one step further by showing homeowners or buyers that the building’s heating, cooling and electrical systems are functioning properly and pinpointing problem areas that require attention.
Have questions about the use of thermal imaging during inspections or any of our services? Answers are just a call or email away.
Find an Inspector near you: https://abuyerschoice.com/locations
