What is Thermal Imaging?
Thermal Imaging tells you the story of what’s happening behind the walls in your home. Thermal imaging is done with a thermal camera. It is a non-invasive way to detect differences in temperature behind walls. Thermal Imaging can pick up a difference of .6th of a degree. This difference of temperature could be the result of:
Water leaks:
Moisture from water leaks could lead to mold which ruins the home foundation or building. Any plumbing leaks, foundation leaks, roof leaks can be easily detected by a thermal camera because the time for temperature change in water is longer than the building itself. This temperature difference is easily picked up by thermal imaging.
Electrical faults:
An overloaded or failing circuit will generate excess heat which could, in the worst-case scenario, cause a fire. Thermal imaging is able to pick up on an increased heat production near electrical wiring.
Insulation problems:
If some parts of your walls or rooms are missing insulation, you can find out with thermal imaging. It is always better to find missing insulation during a home inspection than in the middle of winter.
Air leakage:
Outlets, electrical panels, vents, chimney chases that are bringing in cold air can be found through thermal imaging.
Skipping Thermal Imaging?
The problems caused by mold, faulty electrical wires or insulation can be financially detrimental. In addition, they can cause foundational and structural damage to your house. Dealing with these issues can be hugely disruptive to your everyday life. Getting your house checked for these potential issues during the home inspection will save you that nightmare.
Equipment and Samples
Thermal Imaging is done using an infrared camera or imager. The most popular brands of infrared cameras for thermal imaging are FLIR, Fluke, and Keysight/Agilent. The higher the infrared resolution of the camera, the better the clarity of images it produces.
One of the more popular cameras is the FLIR E5. With a resolution of 120 X 90, this camera can detect .10th of a degree difference. Some examples of images produced by these cameras are:
Seemingly normal to the naked eye, the infrared camera brings out the problems in this room. The area marked 1 shows a stark temperature difference, the area is warmer than its surroundings. Area 2 is colder than the surrounding areas indicating moisture due to a plumbing leak.
The darker coloured area indicates is colder and this can be due to moisture coming from roof leaks, plumbing leaks, or poor ventilation.
The yellow coloured area represents hot or cold spots which can be due to missing or inadequate insulation, air leaks, or leaks in ducts.
Places that offer Thermal Imaging in Edmonton
Now that we’ve established the benefits of thermal imaging, where can you get one? Below is the list of some of the places in Edmonton that offer it as part of their home inspection package. This means there is no added cost to you!
List:
Access Home Inspection Services:
Contact: 780-868-3152
Contact Office: 780-757-4988
John Rennie
780-221-1179
Brent Rennie
780-267-4411
Contact:
780-628-7117
Admirable Inspection Services Ltd:
Contact: 780-218-7697
Contact: 780-908-0606
Contact: 780-477-2666
Contact: 780-651-3608
Authorized Home Inspection Services:
Contact: 780- 409-8099
Do you know of any other Home Inspection Companies in Edmonton that offer Thermal Imaging with their standard package? If so let us know and we will gladly add it to our list.