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Thermal imaging can be completed for the entire building along with a separate report containing saved images and highlighting any potential deficiencies or anomalies.  Thermal imaging can help identify insulation deficiencies, moisture issues, and air or water leakage.  The gallery shows several examples of what a thermal imaging camera “sees”.

 

Fee?

$100 and up, as an add on to a home inspection (price increases with house size) – no report

$250 and up, as an add on to a home inspection (price increases with house size) – includes report

$350 and up, as a stand-alone service (price increases with house size) – includes report

Note that thermal imaging could be incorporated into a Problem Inspection.

 

FAQ

Can you actually see into walls and ceilings?  No – a common misconception is that a thermal imaging camera is some kind of x-ray machine – in fact it only sees surface temperatures of walls, floors, and ceilings.  Often there are things happening behind these surfaces that cause the surface temperatures to change – these patterns revealed by the thermal imaging camera can then be interpreted by the thermographer to deduce the cause of the temperature difference.  For example a rectangular cold spot on a wall is very likely an area with less or altogether missing insulation – however you cannot see directly that there is no insulation present.  If you’re looking for a leaking plumbing pipe, you may be able to see where the dripping water is causing a colder surface and therefore narrow down your search, however you can’t see through the ceiling drywall and see the actual pipe.

Can you use a thermal imaging camera anytime of the year? Yes, but thermal imaging is limited by the temperature difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures – generally at least a 5 degree difference is needed.

Examples of ideal conditions:

In the summer, the house is being air conditioned and kept at 20-25 degrees, and the outdoor temperature is 30+ degrees.

In the spring/fall/winter, the house is being heated and kept at 20 degrees and outdoors it is 10-15 degrees or colder.

Non-ideal conditions include the following:

Summer/spring/fall days when the outdoor temperature is around 20 degrees and the indoor temperature is about the same.

On sunny days, the sides of the house being warmed by the sun can limit the effectiveness of the images.

 

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