Most home inspectors utilize infrared technology in their home inspection service during the home inspection process.

Infrared cameras are used to find possible hidden defects. A home inspector performs a scan of the home using a thermal camera. Thermal imaging equipment finds differences in temperature when thermal scans are performed. Thermal anomalies are unexpected temperature changes in areas that may indicate a problem. The temperature anomalies help to find hidden issues that could be lurking in walls, and ceilings.

A thermal inspection helps find things that normally would go unnoticed during a typical visual inspection. Since the inside of walls and ceilings aren't visible to an inspector some moisture issues would go undetected. An infrared scan can scan large sections of walls and ceilings very quickly. One quick scan can locate temperature differences.

 I  can't tell you how many issues I have found that would not have been detected without infrared technology. Thermal imaging scans allow a home inspector to find issues that are not visible to your naked eye. Utilizing thermal imaging technology for my home inspection clients is a major benefit for any home inspection service.

Thermal imaging cameras have different color palette settings so it depends on what color palette has been selected. The color palette I like to use is called iron. Cold spots look dark and hot spots look bright orange-reddish color.

Cold spots can mean a few things either cold air or moisture from plumbing leaks, moisture intrusion from roofs or walls, Condensation from ducts and supply registers, overflowing A/C drain pans, or Moist air venting into attics from disconnected dryer vents etc. It's imperative that before you call out any moisture issue you take some moisture readings of the suspicious areas with a moisture meter.

Hot spots can indicate heat loss due to poorly sealed doors or windows, missing insulation at exterior walls, or ceilings. Also, a hot spot may be a more serious issue found in electrical systems or electrical equipment. Types of electrical hazards found during a thermal scan are overheated circuit breakers, electrical faults, overheated wires, and overheated electrical equipment.

Here in our Houston climate conditions this type of inspection is best performed during the summer. The first thing that should be done when the inspector arrives at the property is to turn the A/C down even if the unit is running. Thermographic inspections need to have about a 20-degree temperature difference from the indoor temperature compared to the outside air temperature. Once this difference has been achieved thermal image scanning can begin.

Thermographic inspections are better than your regular home inspection.

Thermal imaging is an advanced non-invasive technology that can reveal a great deal of information from an infrared image that may have not been revealed using conventional methods during an inspection. Ready to schedule our inspection business includes infrared inspections at no additional cost when conditions can be met.