Infrared in Home Inspections: Issues it Helps Spot

In part one of this two-part blog series, we looked into some of the ways infrared technology is used in home inspections. Human eyes can only see so much, and when it comes to identifying certain possible issues that might be present in a home you’re considering purchasing, it can be enormously valuable.

At Aerolite Consulting, we use several different tools when performing our high-quality home inspections, including infrared technology. While part one of our series mostly went over what this technology is and how it can be used, here are a few more examples of specific home issues or areas infrared technology is helpful for inspecting.

Structural Problems

One major area where thermal imaging like infrared technology can be used during a home inspection is detecting potential structural problems. If there are any areas of the home that are not properly insulated or where there might be air leaks, they will show up when an infrared camera is used. This is because heat loss in these areas will cause a difference in temperature, which will be visible on the camera.

For instance, if termites or other wood-eating insects have infested a home, this will also show up when an infrared camera is used. This is because these insects typically hollow out the wood in a home from the inside, which means there is less insulation. As a result, heat will escape more easily from these areas, and they will be visible on an infrared camera.

Water Intrusion

Another possible issue that can be detected with an infrared camera is water intrusion. If there is any water present in the walls, ceilings, or floors of a home, it will show up when an infrared camera is used. This is because water conducts heat differently than other materials, so it will appear as a different color on the camera.

This can be helpful for detecting leaks in the home that might not be visible to the naked eye. It can also be helpful for finding areas of the home that have been damaged by water, such as in the case of a flood.

Electrical Faults

Because faults and other significant electrical issues are generally preceded by a heat signature, they can be detected with an infrared camera. This is particularly helpful for finding issues in electrical systems that might not be visible to the naked eye.

For instance, if there is a loose connection in an electrical system, it will likely create a heat signature that will be visible on an infrared camera. This can help prevent potential fires or other issues that might be caused by these faults.

Thermal imaging like infrared technology is just one of the many ways we at Aerolite Consulting use to perform high-quality home inspections. For more on this, or to learn about our home inspections, environmental contaminant testing or any other services, speak to our team today.