For decades, the buyers' decisions on moving into a new house depended on visual inspection. But with the advancement in age and technology, new tools used for condition assessment of a home have been manufactured. Infrared thermal imaging offered by Inch By Inch Inspections is an example of such tools commonly called thermography. It helps in conducting a home inspection in Toronto and creating a home inspection report that is comprehensive, complete, and without invasions.
Why Some Inspectors Use Infrared Thermal Imaging
Thermography primarily assesses the inner and outer structure by taking pictures using a thermal imaging camera. Helpful in looking into foundations and walls without lifting anything during a home inspection. Infrared cameras are essential in detecting potential defects that are invisible through the human eyes. Infrared thermal imaging portrays minimal variations in temperature from one room to another by identifying hot and cold spots. Contact Inch By Inch Inspections today about our infrared thermal imaging inspection services for homebuyers.
5 Hidden Problems Thermography Can Detect
The following are some defects and major issues thermography can identify, which could be undetectable through visual inspection.
1. Insulation Defects
Infrared thermal imaging has the power to identify energy efficiency in a building. A thermal image indicating a cold spot is a sign of an insulation leak. A house with visible gaps at the window or door, loose, torn, or no insulation, is a visible gap on the thermography.
2. Drafty Spots
The primary causes of loss in temperatures are seals leaking at the doors and windows. The infrared thermal imaging takes a snapshot of the door and the window to assess places that allow air entrance. After identifying areas wasting energy, instant changes can be done to minimize energy consumption.
Sometimes you can simply fix it with a seal to minimize the costs of energy bills. On the other hand, it may necessitate new windows and doors, making it a significant investment.
3. Cracks in Your Homes Foundation
Cracks are more common than you may imagine. Primarily found in the foundations of a building and may result in major future issues. In a home inspection, a thermography camera assists in scanning floors and walls in the basements. Therefore, the tool helps identify places with cracks that allow water and air into the building.
4. Leaks or Moisture
Water leakage into the building materials like plywood or plaster may result in significant damages to the structure of the building. This leakage may cause mold growth, posing a health risk to homeowners. It is challenging to identify molds with naked eyes most of the time. Hence, the camera recognizes the cold spots.
Areas with condensation, moist or water, are surviving grounds for molds. Hence, early identification and remedial actions on the intrusion areas can hinder the growth and spread.
5. Uneven Insulation
With time, insulation on the walls and attics may break down. Infestations of mice and termites may also cause insulation problems. Using infrared thermal imaging, you can detect any kind of insulation breaks and even minor activities of the termites and mice. Then an exhaustive home inspection and repairs can be done by professionals.
Conclusion
Infrared thermal imaging is an invaluable tool for identifying and locating problems in a building structure. It is good to detect mold or condensation issues, water leaks, plumbing and heating issues, air leakage, or inefficient insulations. With thermography, a home inspection can be done non-destructive and non-contact.
Technology is the solution to identifying issues behind hidden walls invisible with human eyes. Please, contact Inch By Inch for a comprehensive and professional home inspection and help you save a substantial amount before purchasing.