Now look at the photograph to the right.  It's a photograph of the same ceiling but this photograph was taken using a thermal imaging device.  With the thermal imager you can clearly see where the insulation over the ceiling is missing in the attic.  It's an easy issue to correct but had it gone undetected and uncorrected it would eventually cost the homeowner hundreds of dollars in higher utility costs.

There will be no additional charge for the use of thermal imaging equipment in the course of our inspections. 

 Moisture / Water Intrusion Issues

The advantages of thermal imaging is not limited to finding missing insulation.  Mold needs moisture to become established and propagate.  Thermal imaging can show areas of hidden moisture where mold can be growing.  In the photograph to the left it is easy to see the extensive moisture surrounding the leaking fitting to the clothes washer in the laundry room.  None of this is visible to the naked eye.  Our inspections all include a mold survey of the home utilizing thermal imaging equipment to look for conditions that are conducive the the establishment and growth of mold.

 

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A thorough review of the roof of this home pictured on the left showed nothing out of place.  The inspector physically traversed the roof and there were no indications of a roof leak even upon close inspection of the exterior. 

 

A close inspection on the interior of the home did not reveal any problems either.  Look at the photograph pictured to the right and you can see that there is no evidence of a roof leak at the ceiling on interior of this home.   

But when utilizing thermal imaging equipment (pictured left) on the interior of the home the inspector was easily able to spot this roof leak issue.  Without thermal imaging equipment this issue would not have been detected or corrected and could have cost the new homeowner thousands of dollars to repair.  An inspector without thermal imaging equipment would not have discovered this issue.   

   

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Low-E Window Orientation

Thermal imaging allows the inspector to review the orientation of the Low-E windows of the home.  When looking at the photograph to the right can you spot the window where the Low-E coating orientation is reversed? While all the other windows are reflecting the heat to keep it from entering the home the window that is reversed is allowing the heat to enter the home unabated and then working to keep the heat contained within the home.  This causes the air conditioner to run longer and more often.  Again, this will adversely impact the utility costs associated with the home.  A reversed Low-E window can be corrected by a licensed and skilled Window Contractor in less than 5 minutes. 

 

 

Electrical issues

No inspector can look at an electrical panel with their naked eye and see an overload condition occurring.  An inspector carrying thermal imaging equipment can easily spot electrical overload conditions.  Left undetected and uncorrected this issue can result in intermittent and abrupt loss of power or even a fire.  Finding this issue could be a life saver.

 

 

 

  

 

Chelsea Henry

We're thrilled to be able to incorporate this new technology into our inspections.  It allows us to provide an inspection of much greater value than the typical home inspection.  We provide a service that protects our customers and clients far better than any other inspection service available.   In these challenging economic times getting more for your money is important. 

When you are ready for your next home inspection we hope that you will consider Spectrum Inspection Group.  We're sure you will not be disappointed.  Please give our Scheduling Coordinator, Chelsea Henry, a call and she'll be delighted to assist you and make all the necessary arrangements.