Thermal Infrared Home Inspection

Thermal Infrared Home Inspection

So for the past few years I have been using the fantastic technology known as Thermal Infrared Imaging. This technology helps me, as a home inspector in the Minneapolis area, to uncover defects such as missing insulation, moisture intrusion and overheated electrical. My clients have absolutely loved this technology and are amazed every time I go through a home and show them some of the issues I just discussed. The ability to see the things that are "not so obvious" is fantastic. Does it guarantee everything, No! But it is definitely a tool that should be used at every inspection. But be careful, there are some who have little to no training and are running around making diagnosis with their Thermal Infrared. So be sure your thermal inspector is also Certified Thermal Infrared and not just playing around with a camera. The above photo is of a home that was freezing the heating pipes in the lower level. This area taken on the outside shows how the pipe is not properly insulated, allowing both heat to escape the home and cold air (especially the freezing -0 ) can cause the pipe to freeze.
The below photos will show items such as radiators I have found to be inoperative or plugged, inoperative radiant floor heating, moisture intrusion and missing insulation etc....


This photo shows an area of substandard insulation. Large area of cold air coming from the attic. Not only does this lack of insulation cause energy loss, but the interior heat of the home escapes into the attic and can cause damage to sheathing, Ice Dams and condensation (which can lead to mold).







This photo shows a Thermal home inspection I performed where we found water intrusion in the lower level furnace room. The water line extended up the drywall about 8-10 inches from the floor. Drywall will soak up water higher than the actual water level was at when the water intrusion happened.







This photo from a recent Minneapolis home inspection, where we used thermal infrared, shows several areas of missing insulation and cold air infiltration below the homes window. Cold air is coming in around the lower window trim, bottom edge of window and along the lower trim. This was NOT moisture as some may think and there are ways you can tell just from the photo alone without using a moisture meter. That is why your inspector needs to be knowledgeable with Thermal Infrared and not just running around with a camera.



This photo shows a radiant floor heating system that has an inoperative section of piping. This pipe led to another room where over half the floor was unheated because of this defect. How would a normal home inspection ever find this?








This photo shows a radiator that was plugged and not producing very much heat. This one of Numerous heating photos we have in our collection. No one should have a home inspection without including the Thermal Infrared Imaging. Otherwise you are getting an inferior inspection. AND NO SHOULD PAY EXTRA FOR IT!! it is just another tool on our belt so why charge more??






Thermal Infrared imaging is just another useful tool in the process of home inspection. BUT WHY PAY MORE FOR IT... We have and always will include this technology with every home inspection we perform at no extra cost, compare this with our competition.... If you are in need of a Minneapolis home inspection or Thermal Infrared home inspection call us @ 612-919-3844 or email us sevencounty@yahoo.com. We look forward to educating you on your home purchase. Thank you visit us @ www.7countyhomeinspection.com or www.homeinspectorsminneapolis.com