What is Thermal Imaging?
Infrared Thermal Imaging is the process of interpreting surface temperatures into a visual image that we can easily observe and interpret. It allows you to pinpoint problem areas in your home without knocking down walls.
How does it work?
Thermal imaging measures radiated IR (infrared) energy and then converts the data to corresponding maps of temperatures, referred to as thermographs. Even very cold objects, like ice cubes, emit infrared.
What can it do for you?
Thermal Imaging can help diagnose problems that the naked eye cannot see. It offers a non-invasive means of monitoring and diagnosing the conditions of buildings by providing immediate high-resolution thermal imagery, revealing potential structural and moisture issues, energy efficiency and even rodent or pest discovery.
- Pinpoint water damaged areas quickly
- Reduce heating and cooling expenses
- Detect poor electrical connections, overloaded circuits and other electrical imbalances.
- Locate missing, improperly installed, wet or damaged insulation in walls, floors, and ceilings
- Identify water and moisture intrusion
- Locate possible pest infestation
- Locate unknown plumbing leaks/blockages
- Analyze radiant floor heating systems
- Heating and cooling duct placement/leaks
- Identify air leakage and energy loss
In terms of energy loss, an IR camera can detect:
- heat loss and air infiltration in walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors;
- damaged and/or malfunctioning radiant heating systems;
- air-conditioner compressor leaks;
- under-fastening and/or missing framing members, and other structural defects that can lead to energy loss; and
- broken seals in double-paned windows.
In terms of detecting moisture intrusion, an IR camera can locate:
- plumbing leaks;
- hidden roof leaks before they cause serious damage;
- missing, damaged and/or wet insulation; and
- water and moisture intrusion around penetrations and at the foundation and building envelope that could lead to structural damage and mold.
IR cameras are equally effective at locating hot spots in the home, including:
- circuit breakers in need of immediate replacement;
- overloaded and undersized circuits;
- overheated electrical equipment and components; and
- electrical faults before they cause a fire.
Additionally, based on the color gradients that thermal images provide, an inspector can locate:
- possible pest infestation, as revealed by energy loss through shelter tubes left by boring wood-destroying insects;
- the presence of intruders, such as rats, mice and other larger pests hiding within the structure and detected because of their heat signature that the IR camera captures; and
- dangerous flue leaks, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning of the home’s residents.