Why Include Thermal Imaging as Part of a Home Inspection?

Thermal imaging includes a type of camera that finds spots of increased heat rather than producing images. Thermal imaging is often used by law enforcement to find criminals hiding in the dark, or by hunters who are out at night. While this type of camera and equipment may seem very high-tech, it's actually becoming more popular as part of a home inspection. You might consider having thermal imaging done for your home by a company like Safe House Property Consultants if you suspect it needs repairs or as part of a home buying and inspection process. Note why and how thermal imaging can help.

1. Air leakage

When air is leaking around windows, doors, and other entry points of a home, it can be difficult to simply see or feel the air if it's not particularly hot or cool. However, thermal imaging can note differences in temperature around windows and doors so you can see if air is getting in and out, and how much. This can alert you to poor-quality caulking jobs or to doors that don't fit well and in turn, you can make repairs or replacements that will save you money on your utility bills.

2. Water leaks

Water leaks often mean areas of a home that are cooler than the surrounding area. If you use thermal imaging on carpeting and walls, you may be surprised to see water leaks around patio doors from poorly installed tracks or around walls where there are leaks in the plumbing pipes. These types of leaks may not be visible to the naked eye as the water is absorbed by the carpeting, drywall, and other building materials. You may not feel the dampness on the one side of the carpeting and materials, but if there is water being absorbed behind the walls or under the floors, a thermal imaging camera can pick up these cool spots. You can then address them before they allow for mold and mildew growth.

3. Missing insulation

To find areas of missing insulation you would normally need to remove a wall itself so you can see what is behind it, but thermal imaging can do this quickly and easily. If you notice large square patches of cool areas in an attic or outside wall, you can typically assume your home has missing or very poor-quality insulation. This can alert you to areas that need new insulation, or if the heat readings are similar in all areas, tell you if the current insulation is working well and doesn't need attention.