AVAILABLE SERVICE IN MIAMI, BROWARD & PALM BEACH COUNTIES
Thermal Imaging
Here’s how thermal imaging works:
- A special lens focuses the infrared light emitted by all of the objects in view.
- The focused light is scanned by a phased array of infrared-detector elements. The detector elements create a very detailed temperature pattern called a thermogram. It only takes about one-thirtieth of a second for the detector array to obtain the temperature information to make the thermogram. This information is obtained from several thousand points in the field of view of the detector array.
- The thermogram created by the detector elements is translated into electric impulses.
- The impulses are sent to a signal-processing unit, a circuit board with a dedicated chip that translates the information from the elements into data for the display.
- The signal-processing unit sends the information to the display, where it appears as various colors depending on the intensity of the infrared emission. The combination of all the impulses from all of the elements creates the image.
About Thermal Inspections
Infrared imaging provides important information relating to otherwise inaccessible areas of a residential building. Infrared detects extremely small but crucial differences in temperature from one area of a house to another. These temperature variations show up on the camera’s view screen as “cold” or “hot” spots, which reveal hidden problems that often cannot be detected in the course of a traditional visual inspection.
These problems may include:
- Faulty wiring, breakers and fuses
- Hidden moisture intrusion
- The moisture sources of mold
- Pipe and duct work leaks
- Roof and ceiling leaks
- Foundation cracks
- Heat/energy loss
- Structural concerns
- Missing insulation
- Ventilation problems
- Moisture associated with termite nests
- Rats, mice and other pests
Why Perform Infrared Home Inspections?
Combined with traditional home inspection techniques, the infrared inspection method reveals substantially more of the house than can be perceived by the naked eye and conventional inspection tools. Many things can’t be seen with only a flashlight.
Insulation deficiencies: appreciable temperature differences, due to variations in thermal energy (heat) transfer, allow for detection of deficient or missing insulation when scanning ceiling and wall surfaces.
Roofing leaks: scanning roof coverings can reveal water intrusion and accumulated moisture below the surface. Due to its thermal properties (high thermal capacity), water typically gives up heat at a much slower rate than the surrounding roof materials. The areas of accumulated moisture can therefore be detected when scanning the roof surface. This type of roof inspection is best done in the evening or early nighttime after thermal energy imparted during the daytime is transferred or released.
Electrical systems: deficiencies within the electrical system can be made visually apparent by use of an infrared camera. For example, a deficient connection between electrical components can result in resistance which will manifest in an apparent temperature elevation when compared with similar types of connections under similar load conditions.
Structural issues: differences in thermal capacity, conductivity, and other intrinsic qualities of building structural components can allow for their detection when scanning walls, floors, and ceilings with an infrared camera. Under the right conditions, missing structural components, and portions of structural components which are damaged (to the extent that their intrinsic qualities are significantly changed), can be detected.
NOTE: Although infrared thermal imaging is a far better diagnostic tool than the naked eye, it does not guarantee 100% accuracy, unless removal or destruction of components can be achieved to validate findings. When possible, other tools are used to verify thermal images, but even with these considerations we do not claim to have x-ray vision. Conditions may change and cause the apparent temperatures revealed on thermal images to be different at any given time.
Infrared Thermal Roof Inspection is a proven method for detecting trapped moisture problems in flat roofs. Infrared roof Thermography can prevent equipment down time, production losses and help building owners and property management companies find roof problems when apartments below have become compromised by roof leaks.
Thermal Inspection Make sure the inspector you hire has thermal imaging equipment. If they don’t, then they can’t even scratch the surface! All Inspections 4U professional inspection include infrared thermal imaging in addition to property inspections.
We provide residential & commercial inspections tailored to the needs of the customer, call us to schedule and get more information.
To schedule an inspection, call (954) 802-8524
