thermal images
infrared light & thermal imaging explained
What is infrared imaging?
Also known as thermal imaging, infrared light is unseen by the naked eye, created by heat signatures from objects and structures in your home, and is visible through a special camera. Everything emits a radiant heat signal, even in a completely dark room. Because this camera can read heat signals, we can see things that would not normally be observed.
What am i looking at?
The highest heat signal, in red, shows anything within view that is warmer than the surrounding objects. Colder areas, in blue, contrasts the higher heat signature and allows us to see cooler surrounding areas.
What does this image tell us?
Don't be alarmed by the high contrast in this image. A warm heating duct flowing to the 2nd floor, a floor lamp, and a cooler outside wall to the right, in blue, is no cause for concern. This is simply a warm room with an exterior wall that is about 12 degrees cooler than the lamp lights.
How do we apply this technilogy?
Infrared, or thermal imaging, allows us to identify any areas in your house that may have a potential defect. It can show us many things such as water leaks, a lack of insulation, or severe energy loss. Whenever we see abnormal "red flag" images, we take the time to investigate further into what is causing the defect.
Why include this in a home inspection?
Using infrared cameras allow us to provide a more complete and thorough inspection of your home. It takes more time, and the cameras are definitely not cheap, but it allows us to see the unseen, and get in front of any potential defects in insulation, plumbing, electrical, roofing, and many other areas in your home.