Thermal imaging is one of the best ways to detect water problems in the home.
Water is the number one cause of damage to the home, as it can result in structural problems, mould, and more. Repairs for this type of damage can be expensive, so it’s important to detect any potential problems as early as possible. There are many common misconceptions about thermal imaging during a home inspection.
Thermal imaging is the use of a thermal camera to capture images which show differences in surface temperatures. These differences are shown by different colours on a colour scale. Any small differences in temperature can be the indication of moisture. It is a good idea to check areas such as walls or ceilings near plumbing fixtures and areas around appliances. If a difference is detected, it can also be measured with a moisture meter - to see if there is moisture present.
Thermal imaging is not an invasive test, and does not allow you to see through walls. Since it only detects differences in temperature, it isn’t detecting moisture directly—which is why it’s necessary to further investigate differences with a moisture meter.
Also, it is not useful for measuring insulation problems - because the indoor and outdoor temperatures may be very similar. For example, if the temperature indoors and outdoors is 20 degrees Celsius, it will not pick up any insulation problems, because there is no temperature difference. A 10 degree difference in the outdoor to indoor temperature is needed.
I offer Thermal Imaging at no additional cost to all my Calgary Home Inspection clients. I also offer Thermal Imaging stand alone services if needed. I am Infrared Certified to help you. Call Cliff at 403-862-2230 today for more information on this great technology!
Thermal imaging is one of the best ways to detect water problems in the home.
Water is the number one cause of damage to the home, as it can result in structural problems, mould, and more. Repairs for this type of damage can be expensive, so it’s important to detect any potential problems as early as possible. There are many common misconceptions about thermal imaging during a home inspection.
Thermal imaging is the use of a thermal camera to capture images which show differences in surface temperatures. These differences are shown by different colours on a colour scale. Any small differences in temperature can be the indication of moisture. It is a good idea to check areas such as walls or ceilings near plumbing fixtures and areas around appliances. If a difference is detected, it can also be measured with a moisture meter - to see if there is moisture present.
Thermal imaging is not an invasive test, and does not allow you to see through walls. Since it only detects differences in temperature, it isn’t detecting moisture directly—which is why it’s necessary to further investigate differences with a moisture meter.
Also, it is not useful for measuring insulation problems - because the indoor and outdoor temperatures may be very similar. For example, if the temperature indoors and outdoors is 20 degrees Celsius, it will not pick up any insulation problems, because there is no temperature difference. A 10 degree difference in the outdoor to indoor temperature is needed.
I offer Thermal Imaging at no additional cost to all my Calgary Home Inspection clients. I also offer Thermal Imaging stand alone services if needed. I am Infrared Certified to help you. Call Cliff at 403-862-2230 today for more information on this great technology!