Thermal Imaging Finds What the Naked Eye Misses

Barrie Home Inspector :

Thermal Imaging (infared detection) is a fairly new technology for home inspectors because of the cost of equipment. The Barrie Home Inspector has invested in this technology to provide their clients with the best possible inspection available in Simcoe County. Thermal Imaging is the measurement of energy wavelengths emitted from materials. Each product has its own energy signature and this allows your professional home inspector to record any variances from the norm. This shows up as hot spots, cold spots and even drafts when there is a temperature differential of 10 degrees or more. As shown on our Themal Imaging page, what looks normal to the naked eye can often be concealing hidden damage. We are offering our thermal scanning at no extra charge in conjunction with our home inspection package. We look forward to inspecting your home or business.

Thermal Imaging has made a significant impact on the Home  Inspection industry with the reduction in costs associated with owning a Thermal Imaging Camera. Investing in new technology has always been a priority with my company and we were the first Home Inspection company in Simcoe County to offer Thermal Imaging and also we offered it as Free service with our home inspections. Even Mike Holmes has been a vocal advocate of Thermal Imaging Cameras and I believe all his “home inspectors” now offer this service as part of the Mike Holmes package.

Thermal imaging is not magic, some people will try and convince you that it is, but simply a device that measures light  that the human eye cannot see. You can buy Infrared film for you older style film cameras and take your own Thermal Imaging pictures. There are even animals who naturally have the ability to see images in the infrared spectrum. Thermal Imaging is a tool that can aid in finding missing insulation , electrical hot spots, moisture problems, water  leaks , in-floor heating problems, flat roof problems and finding where plumbing or electrical cables are located prior to renovating. This is not magic, no more than using moisture meter or video camera snake for inspections.

Lack of or missing insulation can be detected with the proper use of thermal imaging cameras except that unless there is a temperature difference of over 10 degrees the information is basically useless. Thermal imaging will only measure differences in temperature and is unable to measure the thickness of your insulation. If the temperature difference is not extreme then the insulation will perform its job even if not installed to required R value. So as you can see Thermal Imaging does have its limitations.

Moisture can also be detected by use of Thermal Imaging camera, but once again only by detecting the visible change in temperature in the infrared spectrum. So while the moisture may be behind a wall it will affect the temperature on the surface which is what the Thermal Imaging displays.

Thermal imaging can be deceptive to the in-experienced user. I have personally come across situations where electrical cables have been identified as foundation cracks and drywall corner beads have been determined to be water leaks. Imagine the shock to that home owner, especially when in-accurate information was provided.

Beware of individuals promoting Thermal Imaging as a “magical” see through your wall technology. Infrared cameras are just another tool, which when used with experience and knowledge, become part of a professional home inspectors array of tools to bring you the best possible home inspection. If your home inspector is misleading you about what Thermal Imaging is what else are they misrepresenting?

Caveat Emptor = Buyer Beware

An educated consumer is a smart consumer. Always ask questions and check with two or three professionals before making a commitment.

We are available at the time of the inspection to discuss any deficiencies or maintenance issues found. We are always available for phone consultations after you receive your computurized report, which usually contains between 40 and 60 pictures, and after you move in we are there for you if you need any consultation.