Home

Infrared Imaging Home and Commercial Inspections

Infrared Thermal Imaging

Infrared imaging provides important information relating to otherwise inaccessible areas of a residential building. Infrared detects extremely small but crucial differences in temperature from one area of a house to another. These temperature variations show up on the camera’s view screen as cold or hot spots, which reveal hidden problems that often cannot be detected in the  course of a traditional visual inspection.


Click to watch video 

 

 

 

These problems may include:

Faulty wiring, breakers and fuses
Hidden moisture intrusion
The moisture sources of mold
Pipe and duct work leaks
Roof and ceiling leaks
Foundation cracks
Heat/energy loss
Structural concerns
Missing insulation
Ventilation problems
Moisture associated with termite nests
Rats, mice in stud cavities
Information on grouted masonry construction and infrared imaging

Sample Report for basic Infrared Inspection

Here is a list of things to consider prior to an infrared inspection or investigation

Visit IRINFO - Infrared Information for the real world!

Infrared and Mold

Infrared thermographers must recognize the limitation of infrared surveys in mold detection. It is always best to recommend that the client also hire an expert mold inspector. In all types of buildings, moisture information gathered by an infrared thermographer is extremely valuable to the mold inspector because it narrows down the search for mold, so long as the IR survey is performed quickly after the event. This saves the client time and money. Experts in both fields are needed – one dealing in moisture detection and the other in mold detection. The final objective is to help the client determine whether and where water damage has occurred and if so, whether there is a mold problem in the building. The cost of hiring both experts is minimal when the owner considers the preservation of structural integrity of the building and safeguarding the health of its occupants.

Examples of infrared inspection applications

Detect Plumbing Issues
Blockages in pipes may be quickly located using infrared; enabling immediate response if required. The use of this non-destructive technology provides for proactive action to be taken, before the problem worsens.

Termite Nest Discovery
Infrared cameras in building inspections can even be used for rodent and pest discovery, as their lairs emit heat greater than the surrounding area. A great method to identify yet another hidden problem area when looking to purchase, lease or invest in a building.

Locate HVAC Problem Areas or Heat Loss
Loose, ill-fitting or disconnected heating, ventilation and cooling system fittings can lead to moisture issues and poor building airflow, as well as wasted energy and money. Early detection and correction of these issues using infrared technology should be priority.

Check energy efficiency
Locate and address heating and cooling losses in residential, commercial and industrial buildings with ease and pinpoint accuracy, enabling not only repairs and adjustments to be made, but accurately verified after the fact.

Quickly locate areas of cost savings
Many commercial and industrial organizations can easily locate and address ways to save money on energy cost through infrared analysis.

Verify proper systems operation
Infrared Inspection may be used to inspect and verify heating and cooling systems - for example to ensure the proper operation of radiant heating pipes located in the flooring to check for crimps in tubing and post-installation validation concerns.

Locate electrical problems
Issues with electrical connections, wiring or other system components are clearly highlighted as "hot spots" with infrared imagery - making them easy to locate and repair part of an ongoing restoration project or building addition.

Quickly diagnose building conditions
Buildings may be quickly and thoroughly scanned via infrared, identifying problem areas that can't be seen by the naked eye - ensuring the integrity of both structural and environmental systems for building inspection, repair verification and insurance purposes.

Easy noninvasive/non-destructive testing
Facilitate repairs quickly, easily and safely as infrared minimizes the need for building disassembly - for minimal repair time, labor costs and distrubance of habitants, as well as verification of a job well done.

NOTE: Although infrared thermal imaging is a far better diagnostic tool than the naked eye, it does not guarantee 100% accuracy, unless removal or destruction of components can be achieved to validate findings. When possible, other tools are used to verify thermal images, but even with these considerations we do not claim to have x-ray vision. Conditions may change and cause the apparent temperatures revealed on thermal images to be different at any given time.