Infrared Thermal Imaging

Thermography is a “heat diagram” or a visible picture using infrared wave lengths. This imaging technology is a powerful and noninvasive means of monitoring and diagnosing the condition of a building. Typically, water on building materials will evaporate and cool by about 6 degrees. A wet spot observed with an IR camera is visible as a distinct cool spot.

How can this technology be useful?
Thermography Allows Us To See What Our Eyes Cannot!

  • Moisture Detection in Walls and Ceilings - As demonstrated above, thermal imaging is a great tool that helps to identifying water damage in walls, floors, and ceilings. By detecting the difference in temperature between a wet area and the surrounding dry areas thermal imaging can help detect moisture issues that would not be visible during a limited visual home inspection. It is also great at identifying areas where the insulation contractor failed to insulate adequately.

  • Stucco & EIFS Inspections - Thermal image scanning has greatly improved our ability to perform stucco and EIFS moisture intrusion inspections. If there is rot behind the stucco it is often visible with thermal imaging in the form of heat anomalies. Thermal image scanning also helps to quantify the affected areas of moisture damage. By adding this tool to our stucco inspections we have been able to better identify where the trouble areas are that need repair.

  • Wood Destroying Insect Activity - Significant wood destroying insect activity can be detected using this technology due to the heat generated by active infestations. That's right, active termite activity produces a great deal of heat that is often visible to the infrared camera. Minor activity may not be detectable but areas not normally visible to the naked eye can be identified, and then a more invasive or technically exhaustive inspection can be carried out by the appropriate professional.

  • Energy Audits - We do not currently specialize in performing energy audits, but thermal imaging has been a great tool to help homeowners save money especially now that energy rates are on the rise. Heat loss and/or cold air influx can be detected and corrective actions can be taken to help improve the energy efficiency of residential and commercial structures. Once the energy wasting areas are identified, then changes can be made to make a dramatic difference in energy consumption which means less money out of pocket.

  • Flat Roof Inspections - If you have a leak on a new to mid life flat roof and have been told that a new roof is needed, then call us first. We may be able to save you a substantial amount of money. Thermal imaging can be used to detect the precise location of the leak and mark the affected area so that repairs can be made to the leaking area. Obviously, if the roof is older then you should forego the thermal imaging and invest in the needed new roof.

  • Electrical Inspections - Loose or dirty electrical connections and other electrical anomalies can cause power outages and possible fires. We can inspect the electrical panels and receptacles to detect issues before there is a costly outage. Thermal imaging can detect hot spots in the electrical system not visible to the naked eye which may be a precursor to a larger issue. The resulting report can be a great aid for the repair electrician hired to address the identified issues.

  • Plumbing Inspections - Water leaks from the plumbing system often go undetected until major damage has occurred. We can scan in, under, and around plumbing fixtures in the home to determine if there is active leaking going on. Since this tool is not a moisture meter, we will use it to find heat anomalies and then pursue the issue further to attempt to determine the source and cause of the leak. Thermal image scanning can detect temperature anomalies in the plumbing system not visible to the naked eye which may be a precursor to a larger issue. The resulting Thermal Image Scan report can be a great aid for the repair plumber hired to address the identified issues.

A/C Unit Problem

A/C unit overheated and shut down after running for aproximately 30 min. After visual inspection from ground level, maintenance was unable to pin-point trouble.

A decision was made to use infrared thermography to determine the reason for overheating.

After taking a thermal image of the A\C unit, it was determined that there was excessive heat build-up at the connection of the HI pressure line to the condenser. This in turn created excessive pressure in the compressor causing the overtemp switch to kick off. Visual inspection verified there was a crushed HI pressure tube at the condenser.

Repair: Evacuated A/C system and replaced HI pressure line from Condenser to Compressor, recharged system with 6.50 LBS of Freon 22.

Total Parts & Labor: $890

Moisture equals mold. Whenever a leak and moist conditions exists longer than 72 hours, then mold can form. This fact is a reality and the infrared camera can quickly find problems in a non-invasive manner and help identify these issues. But remember, the infrared camera identifies the heat signatures and does not measure the moisture content.

We are often hired to help our clients with preventive maintenance programs or to pinpoint leaks in homes and businesses. Adding this service during the normal home inspection saves 40-50% off the normal stand-alone thermal image scanning fee.

For more information or to book an inspection
Click Here

Or call our office at 813-334-5249 or 1-888-474-9017