Monday, February 7, 2011

What is an infrared thermal imaging property inspection, and why is it so important in the new age of foreclosed properties?

First off, you cannot inspect what you cannot see.
Thermography means “writing with heat”, just like photography means “writing with light.”  The picture that is generated is called a thermogram or thermal imaging.


Thermal imaging is a technology that allows  Healthy Home Inspections LLC to show you things about your home or commercial building that are impossible  to achieve using other inspection methods. Thermography is a "heat diagram" or a visible picture using the infrared spectrum of light. This imaging technique is a powerful and noninvasive means of monitoring and diagnosing the condition of buildings.
Listed below are a few of the advantages you will receive with a thermal imaging inspection!
Thermal imaging can identify:
  1. Plumbing and building envelope water leaks, that could lead to  fungal growth
  2. Missing, or damaged insulation, heat loss and air infiltration in walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors
  3. Electrical faults before they cause a power outage or cause a fire 
Thermal imaging property inspections help diagnose problems rather than merely identify symptoms.  These are non-intrusive inspection devices intended to extend our ability to detect conditions within this limited non-intrusive inspection.
 Second, should the inspector you hire to perform a thermal imaging scan of your property be a certified thermographer?
There are no Federal, State or local regulations, we are aware of that requires anyone to be certified to any standard to perform infrared thermography inspections in United States.
Hiring a certified thermographer that meets or exceeds the ASNT (American Society of Nondestructive Testing) standards demonstrates that the certified individual has the knowledge to provide a qualified inspection.