About Thermal Imaging

 

Thermography is the use of an infrared imaging and measurement camera to "see" and

"measure" thermal energy emitted from an object.

Thermal, or infrared energy, is light that is not visible because its wavelength is too long to

be detected by the human eye; it's the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that we perceive

as heat. Unlike visible light, in the infrared world, everything with a temperature above

absolute zero emits heat. Even very cold objects, like ice cubes, emit infrared. The higher the

object's temperature, the greater the IR radiation emitted. Infrared allows us to see what

our eyes cannot.

 

Why Infrared Thermal Imaging?

 

A picture says a thousand words; infrared thermography is the only diagnostic technology

that lets you instantly visualize and verify thermal performance. Infrared cameras

show you thermal problems, quantify them with precise non-contact temperature

measurement, and document them automatically in seconds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Example:  Grey scale Thermal Image indicates moisture in wall in the vicinity of the ice maker

Connection (dark area) that was not readily visible to the naked eye.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Example: Color thermal image.  Wall on left side of image has insulation.  Wall on right side of image indicates

little or no insulation.  Image of wall studs is also present  in right side of the image.   This is not visible in a normal

visual inspection.

 

Thermal imaging allows the operator/thermographer to locate many building anomalies not readily accessible or visible to the naked eye.  These include but are not limited to:

Moisture in walls, ceilings, floors.

Leaking roofs.

Finding leaks in these areas and others.

Missing or deficient insulation in walls and ceilings.

Defective electrical components.

 

I include thermal imaging in all home inspections.  This provides a more thorough inspection.