Thermal Infrared

I utilize thermal equipment to help diagnose certain problems in homes. This equipment works as another tool to evaluate issues such as roof leaks and electrical problems. I use the camera at my discretion and if the client desires a full scan of the home additional charges will apply.


What Is Infrared Thermal Imaging?
The surface of every object, above absolute zero (-273.15celsius or -459.67fahrenheit), radiates energy in the form of heat. Infrared thermal imaging is the use of specially designed thermal imaging cameras to view the emissions of heat energy from the surface of the object. This practice is called Thermography and the individual using this technique is called a Thermographer.

Heated Breaker, Missing Insulation, Missing Insulation, Moisture Intrusion

What Is An InfraredThermal Inspection?
An infrared thermal inspection is the use of a thermal imaging camera to detect differences in the surface temperature of an object called a thermal anomaly. These temperature differences help to isolate potential problem areas. Additionalequipment, and visual inspections, can then be used to further evaluate the potential problem area. The thermal inspection process is a much quicker andnon-destructive method for identifying problems as well as properly working systems. There are two methods to Infrared Themography.

Qualitative : Normally used to locate problems in buildings or animals,

  • Analysis of image
  • Apparent temperature
  • Find Anomaly
  • Find location
  • Analyze PATTERNS

Quantitative : Normally used to locate problems in equipment,

  • Temperature measurement
  • Compensation made
  • Classify seriousness of anomaly
So What Creates a Thermal Anomaly?
First an anomaly is a deviation from a rule or from what is regarded as normal.
Things that cause an anomaly are numerous:
  • Air infiltration: due to inadequate building envelopes or air leakage from mechanical equipment.
  • Moisture intrusion: water retains its heat longer and appears warm.
  • Evaporative cooling: liquids cool below the ambient air temperature as they evaporate and appear cool.
  • Condensation: water vapor warms the cool object that condenses water vapor to a liquid.
  • Specific density changes: the ability of a substance to retain its heat will change when deterioration from rot or insect infestation occurs.
  • Changes in fluid flow: Increased or decreased fluid flows are apparent during the heat exchange in hydronic heating equipment and even blood flow.
Unlike the reflected light our eyes see, the infrared camera sees heat energy which is radiated from objects as well as reflected from other heat sources.
When conditions change in a viewed object, a temperature differential or anomaly becomes apparent. Identification of exactly what the anomaly is must be further investigated with other testing equipment to verify the source.

Radiator, Heated floor, Failed Windows, Settled insulation

Thermal Imaging is not:
  • To be confused with night vision. Night vision equipment amplifies visual light.
  • An X-ray machine. Thermal imaging cannot "see-through" objects it only detect heat radiation.
  • A mold detector. Thermal imaging detects the effects of moisture which is always related to the growth of mold spores.
  • A guarantee that defects will be found.
What Can Infrared Thermal Imaging Be Used To Inspect?
Thermal imaging can be used to inspect for many different systems and conditions, both good and bad, where the condition displays itself with surface temperature differences. Some examples for the use of thermal imagining are listed here. Besides the inspection of building components and systems, thermal imaging has many other broad uses.

Building envelope air leakage - Energy is expensive these days and many buildings (commercial and residential) are not efficiently containing conditioned air from the structures heating and air conditioning units (HVAC). Building envelope surveys can help detect air leakage points that reduce the efficiencies of your HVAC system and cost you money!

Insulation deficiencies -Your structures insulation was put in place to help maintain temperatures internal to the structure. Thermal imaging can be used to detect missing, deficient and displaced insulation in areas not readily visible such as closed wall cavities and areas inaccessible for visual inspections.

Heating and air conditioning (HVAC) system deficiencies -Thermal imaging can quickly scan for deficient duct work which is allowing your conditioned air to escape in normally unconditioned areas(i.e. attic spaces or above insulated drop ceiling tiles). In addition to losing money on your heating and cooling bills, that wasted conditioned air could be causing moisture related problems from condensation in the unconditioned area. Thermal imaging can also help identify HVAC components that are not performing properly, degrading or potentially about to fail.

Electrical systems - Electrical components that are overheating due to faulty connections, degraded components or other contributing factors can be inspected and identified with a thermal imager. For example, breakers in a panel and associated wiring which are degraded or poorly connected can be identified for repair. Electric motors in pumps or other uses can be scanned and potential problems identified. Identifying these deficiencies before the components fail can reduce system outage times and potentially dangerous conditions that could cause fires.

Flat (low slope) roof surveys - All roofing systems are designed to shed water. Many times breaches develop in flat roofs that can go undetected until significant damage occurs under the surface roofing material. Routine thermal inspections of flat roofs can identify potential leakage points before more extensive, and expensive to repair, damage occurs.

Moisture intrusion and water leak surveys - Whether it is a leaking roof, siding, windows, doors or a leaking/broken plumbing fixture or pipe, it all adds up to damage of the structure and potential mold growth. Simple water leaks can go undetected until significant damage is visible. When the damage is visible then finding the source of water intrusion can be expensive without the use of thermography. Water leaks can occur far from the signs of damage. Thermal imaging can help locate these leaks and reduce the need for extensive destructive inspection methods to find the source of the moisture. In addition thermal imaging can help identify only the areas requiring replacement due to damage.

Locating deficiencies in masonry components - Improper reinforcement of concrete walls and floors, missing grout in concrete masonry units (CMU's), water penetration in masonry and many other conditions can be inspected for with thermal imaging.


How Can Thermal Imaging Benefit You?

Thermal imaging inspections, with the use of other instruments and a visual inspection, can provide indications of what we cannot see! Standard visual inspections can tell you what we see and provide you very useful information. Unfortunately for many deficiencies by the time the condition is visible extensive damage might already have occurred. This helps you save money, downtime and all of the problems and aggravations of extensive damage before it happens! As property owners, sellers or buyers information is crucial to your success and financial well-being. An inexpensive thermal imaging survey has the potential for saving thousands of dollars by catching adverse conditions before they occur.

Thermal imaging is not just useful for finding problems but also for identifying properly operating systems and functions of a property, its structures and systems. Routine inspections with thermal imaging can provide trending information for structures and their systems to ensure degrading conditions are discovered early while repair costs are much less than after catastrophic failures.
Thermal scanning is not a 100% guarantee that defects will be found.
Thank You from Ramm Home Inspections
Kenny Ramm, CPI
Wisconsin-Licensed Home Inspector #2516-106
InterNACHI #12101905
Level II Thermographer #10786
rammhomeinspections@gmail.com
(608) 438-3986
Home Inspections and optional Radon Testing in Madison, Monona, Shorewood Hills, Fitchburg, Middleton, Verona, Mount Horeb, Cross Plains, Monroe, Brodhead, Albany, Evansville, Monticello, New Glarus, Belleville, Oregon, Brooklyn, Stoughton and other townships in the South Central and South West areas of Wisconsin.
Bookmark/Search this post with