The Benefits of Thermal Imaging in Home Inspections
An infrared thermal camera shows the amount of heat that an object is emitting as a color spectrum. This tool is essential to home inspectors who want to provide a more thorough inspection report. Thermal imaging in home inspections offers more details about a home than what is visible to the naked eye.
Detecting Air Leaks
When there are openings and cracks around the edges of doors and windows, it is more difficult to keep the home climate controlled. Your heating and cooling system will have to work harder when your home isn’t airtight, which drives up utility bills and makes your home less energy-efficient. Thermal imaging can pinpoint areas where air is coming into and leaving the house.
Hidden Water Leaks and Moisture
Damp surfaces have a cooler thermal signature than dry areas. Because of this, an infrared image will display a wet area as a darker color. Thermal imaging in home inspections can determine if a water stain is the result of an active leak. When scanning over drywall, an infrared camera may detect an area where a pipe is leaking behind the wall that would otherwise be unnoticeable.
Damaged Insulation
Over time, the insulation in the attic or behind drywall can become damaged by pests or moisture, or simply deteriorate with age. Without an infrared camera, problems with insulation will remain unnoticed. Thermal imaging will show areas where the insulation is lacking so you can better insulate your home.
Thermal Imaging in Home Inspections to Find Electrical Hazards
Electrical hazards are some of the most worrisome dangers in a home. An infrared image will show electrical hotspots as brighter colors and you can contact a professional electrician for needed repairs.
Thermal imaging in home inspections can reveal important issues related to energy efficiency and safety in a home. If you are in need of a home inspection, shop around for an inspector who uses an infrared camera.
MN Pro includes a thermal imaging scan with every home inspection. Contact us to schedule an appointment in the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin.