Technology has Come a Long Way.

The first “home inspection” I performed was back in 1991. At the time, I had no idea what a home inspection was – I was simply applying the (then limited) knowledge I had about building practices to help a friend who was buying a home. If I recall correctly the only equipment I had with me were a spirit level, a tape measure and flashlight.

Since then my knowledge of building inspection and my arsenal of tools has expanded considerably. While I still don’t own every possible piece of inspection equipment nor do I have complete encyclopedic knowledge of the topic, I am doing fairly well. In previous posts I have discussed how much I appreciate my Protimeter Surveymaster (the Cadillac of moisture meters), today let’s discuss my infrared imager.

The first thing I should point out is that simply owning any piece of equipment doesn’t automatically make you an expert in their use. Buying paint doesn’t make someone an artist. My training with infrared goes back to may university days and carries forward to specific training on the use of infrared imaging in building diagnostics….. OK enough about me

So, what does this fancy technology mean to you? In the right hands, a thermal imager can help identify missing/inadequate insulation, heat loss, electrical hotspots, moisture issues, and many other situations. Here are some examples:

Insulated Wall

In the above image the bluish lines are the 2×4 studs. They appear blue because they are acting as a thermal bridge between the warm inside of the house and the cold outside. The dark blue dots on the studs are the heads of the drywall screws.

Un-Insulated Ceiling

This image is of an un-insulated ceiling. The ceiling joists are lighter in coulour because they are warmer than the space between them. Again, the joists are conducting heat away from the house – more energy wasted. The striations that appear between the joists are actually the wood lath that the plaster was applied to, indicating that this is an older home.

Breaker Panel

The above pic is a breaker panel. Note the upper breakers are warmer than the lower breakers. Also, the lower main feed lug is warmer than the upper – probably a good time for an electrician to come and have a look to make sure everything is properly connected and performing as intended.

Dog

That’s my dog. I know that the picture has nothing to do with houses, I just thought it was a cool picture.

Should you like any further information about Infrared Imaging, or any other property inspection related stuff, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I would be happy to provide you with more photos or to arrange a thermal scan of your property, either on it’s own or as part of your property inspection.

These can be trying economic times, every one of us wants to be sure that they get as much value for their dollar as possible. Choosing a home inspector should be no different. Before you choose your inspector, ask yourself if he is truly knowledgeable in building science and understands the workings of a home. Then ask yourself if he has the necessary equippment to properly evaluate your property. If the answer to either of those questions is “No”, then perhaps it’s time to give me a call Until then, I remain Your Windsor Ontario Home Inspector.

Thanks for reading, I hope to talk to you soon,

-Brad