Thermal Imaging Inspection
Thermal Imaging Inspection – the Whats and the Whys
A complete home inspection is to check your whole home. These cover your home’s roof, walls, plumbing, electrical, and other areas.
However, an inspection without thermal imaging can miss certain issues like hidden leaks, overheated electrical outlets, HVAC thermal variations, etc. These issues can lead to major problems down the line, both financial and physical.
A thermal imaging inspection employs special cameras that detect infrared radiation (heat). Hot parts of your home appear bright, while dark areas in the image show that the temperature is low. This helps identify any temperature difference that the naked eye may miss, even in hidden areas like behind a wall.
There are certain benefits that only a thermal imaging inspection service can offer.
Non-Invasive
To find any hidden leaks or insulation breakage, you don’t need to break open the wall or tear the HVAC system down. A certified inspector from Total House Inspection will check the temperature difference and pinpoint exactly where the issue is – for targeted repairs.
Early Detection
Even if you haven’t had any issues as of late, that doesn’t mean there will not be any issues in the future. Instead of letting them grow into costly problems, an infrared thermal imaging inspection can highlight these issues early on – saving you from hassle later on.
It’s a good idea to get a thermal imaging inspection from certified inspectors like those at Total House Inspection. For more details, call 248.688.8004.
Common Issues Detected during a Thermal Imaging Inspection
- Water Intrusion and Leaks
- Insulation Issues
- Electrical System Problems
- Structural Defects
- HVAC System Inefficiencies
- Pest Activity
Water Intrusion and Leaks
A leaking pipe behind a wall, for example, can go unnoticed for months until you see visible damage. Such water intrusion can damage your property’s structure and lead to mold growth.
If you get a thermal imaging inspection, you’ll see such issues early on and can take the necessary steps for swift repair – with minimal damage.
Insulation Issues
Uneven or missing insulation can make living uncomfortable in summer and winter. It can also spike energy bills, which is never good.
A thermal imaging inspection service can detect insulation issues because there will be a temperature difference between well and poorly insulated areas. You can change the insulation in those areas without redoing the whole home.
Electrical System Problems
An overheated electrical socket or wire is a fire hazard waiting to happen.
Thermal imaging can help identify any such issues so you can replace the faulty equipment – ensuring your family’s safety.
Structural Defects
Uneven foundations or hidden cracks can cause major structural complications in the years to come. However, thermal imaging inspection can detect these issues.
There’s usually a temperature difference between properly set and uneven/cracked foundation. Once you identify these areas, you can ask for a detailed structural inspection.
HVAC System Inefficiencies
A blocked duct, leaks around the vents, or any other issue in your HVAC system can appear as a temperature anomaly in a thermal imaging inspection.
By identifying these, you can do surgical repairs – reducing costs and increasing comfort.
Pest Activity
Pests usually hide themselves very well. But they tend to gather in areas, creating a distinct heat signature.
Infrared thermal imaging inspection can detect those signatures and help you get rid of these pests.