Use of Infrared for Home Inspections
Why Do Calgary Homeowners Need an Infrared Inspection from a Qualified Home Inspector?
As a homeowner in Calgary, you want to ensure that your property is well-maintained and free from any hidden defects that could cost you a significant amount of money in repairs down the road. That’s why it’s essential to hire a qualified inspector who uses the latest tools and technology, such as offering infrared home inspection services, to detect potential issues that might not be visible to the naked eye.
How do Infrared Cameras Work?
Infrared cameras detect temperature differences in a building’s components, which are then displayed on a monitor as a thermal image. By analyzing these images, home inspectors can detect potential issues that might not be visible to the naked eye. Using an infrared camera, a home inspector can detect heat signatures that could indicate the presence of moisture, electrical issues, or insulation problems.
Every object emits heat in the form of infrared radiation. Infrared falls outside of the visible light spectrum which is why it is invisible to the naked eye. The cameras work by detecting this radiation and converting it into a visible thermal image.
An Infrared cameras can detect temperature differences as small as 0.1°C, allowing them to identify even minor variations in temperature. The camera then produces a thermal image that displays the temperature of each surface using a color gradient. Hotter surfaces appear as red, orange, or yellow, while cooler surfaces may appear as blue, green, or purple.
Are Infrared Cameras Safe?
It’s also important to note that infrared technology is safe to use during a home inspection. Infrared cameras do not emit any harmful radiation or electromagnetic fields, and there are no known health risks associated with their use. Homeowners need not be concerned about any potential health hazards when their home inspector uses infrared technology during an inspection. In fact, infrared can instead provide significant benefits in terms of identifying potential health concerns, such as mold growing behind walls, and helps ensure a home is safe and well-maintained.
Benefits of Infrared Inspections
Some of the key benefits associated with the use of infrared technology in home inspections includes:
- Detecting moisture issues:
One of the most significant benefits of using infrared technology during a home inspection is the ability to detect moisture issues. Moisture problems in a home can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and even health issues for residents. Traditional home inspections might not detect moisture problems until they become more severe and visible. Infrared technology, on the other hand, can detect temperature variations in walls, ceilings, and floors that may indicate the presence of moisture. - Find electrical problems:
Infrared can be used to inspect for hot spots in electrical systems, indicating potential problems with wiring, breakers, or other components. Identifying these issues early can help prevent electrical fires and help to encourage that the home’s electrical system is operating safely. - Identify insulation issues:
Infrared technology can detect areas of missing or damaged insulation in walls, floors, and ceilings. Poor insulation can lead to higher energy bills and discomfort for homeowners, especially during Calgary’s harsh winters. Conversely, Home inspectors can use this information to make recommendations for improving the home’s insulation. These improvements can then lead to lower energy bills and increased comfort for residents. - Identify pest infestations: Infrared technology can detect areas of the home that may be harbouring pests, such as mice. By identifying these areas early, homeowners can take corrective action to prevent infestations from taking hold.
Thermal Hot Water Tank
Infrared Home Inspection vs. Naked Eye
Hot Water Tank
Thermal Furnace
Furnace
Thermal Attic Hatch
Attic Hatch
Thermal Ceiling
Ceiling
Thermal Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant Floor Heating
Thermal Camera Radiant Floor Heating
Radiant Floor Heating
Does an Infrared Inspection Cost More?
- When choosing a home inspector in Calgary, it’s important to ensure that they are using infrared imaging technology as part of their standard inspection process – we do. Infrared was once a value added service that inspectors could charge more for. Alternatively, Inspectors would often include it in their services simply to gain competitive edge in the market over Inspectors who didn’t include it. However, today thermal imaging has been so impactful, and is widely used across the industry as a standard. A home inspector who isn’t including thermal inspection as a standard practice puts themselves at a huge disadvantage. You’re far more likely to find an Inspector who includes this service than one who does not. In summary, no – at this stage of the home inspection game infrared should not effect the cost.
Does your Inspector Use Infrared?
- All in all, an infrared home inspection can help identify potential issues that otherwise may not present themselves until they become a more severe defect. As a homeowner or homebuyer in Calgary, it’s essential to choose a home inspector who uses this technology as part of their standard inspection process. If you’re unsure – ask. Doing so can help ensure that your property is well-maintained, safe, and minimizes the likelihood of hidden defects creeping up that could cost you a significant amount of money in repairs down the road.