Thermal Imaging & Home Inspections

Probably one of the most useful, valuable and really cool tools available to home inspectors today is a thermal imaging camera. Thermal imaging can help enhance the quality of the home inspection by aiding the home inspector in detecting things that he or she would not normally be able to see during a regular visual home inspection.

So what are some of the benefits of having a home inspection performed with thermal imaging? First off, it can help detect moisture problems, be it a leaky basement or hidden plumbing leaks; thermal imaging can help identify these types of hidden defects without the use of destructive inspection methods. This can help pinpoint a problem and aid in facilitating repairs in a more effective manner.

Insulation problems are also another common issue that can be detected by using thermal imaging during a home inspection. Whether it is substandard or insulation that is completely missing, thermal imaging can identify areas of significant heat loss or thermal variation that can help homeowners reduce their energy bills and improve the comfort of their home.

Electrical faults can also be detected using thermal imaging. Sometimes “handy” type homeowners may have a tendency to bite off more than they can chew, resulting in poor electrical installations which can lead to fires. Thermal imaging can sometimes identify problems in the electrical system that otherwise wouldn’t have been detected through a regular visual home inspection.

Thermal imaging does have some limitations and should not be heavily relied on in all situations, however it can be very useful and when used in conjunction with other appropriate tools it can be invaluable to the home inspector and their clients in providing them with information to help them make an informed decision.

Above Grade Home Inspections Inc. performs thermal imaging with home inspections in Barrie and across Simcoe County.