Infrared Thermography Inspections

Infrared thermography uses a sophisticated (code for expensive) camera to detect, measure,
and take pictures of heat from objects. A thermographic image, when captured and interpreted
by a trained thermographer, can detect problems that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Infrared
thermography can reduce the need for contact with components that are dangerous to touch or
are in areas that are difficult or dangerous to reach. Infrared thermography can reduce the need
for costly invasive or destructive testing and can more accurately locate problems so that
corrective measures can be effectively targeted.

Infrared thermography is not like an X-ray. An infrared camera cannot see through objects. The
camera sees heat from an object and sees the differences in heat between nearby objects. The
camera may also see heat from other objects that may be reflected off the target object.
Reflected heat and other thermal anomolies can produce false readings. That is one reason why
training is required to properly capture and interpret thermographic images.

Infrared thermography has several applications in building inspection and building defect
identification. The most common applications include:

1. Energy efficiency inspections. These inspections can locate absent and improperly installed
insulation. They can locate air infiltration around doors and windows, around wall and ceiling
penetrations (such as around light fixtures and electrical receptacles), and inside walls. When
combined with a blower door test, infrared thermography is a powerful tool for targeting energy
efficiency efforts.

2. Moisture intrusion inspections. These inspections can locate water leaks behind or in walls,
floors, ceilings, and roof coverings.

3. Electrical safety inspections. These inspections can locate defective or improperly installed
circuit breakers and switches before they overheat or arc and cause a fire.

4. Structural defect inspections. These inspections can locate certain structural defects in
exterior walls. Examples of such defects include absent support beams and headers, absent
supports for beams and headers, and absent structural steel in masonry and concrete walls.

A certified thermographer is a person who successfully completes a recognized infrared
certification course. This course usually includes several days of classroom training, a proctored
written examination, and completion of a practical infrared field assignment including production
of a written report. Anyone can buy an infrared camera and offer thermography services;
however, these cameras are difficult to use and the thermographic images are difficult to
interpret without proper training. As is true for most professions, third-party certification is an
assurance that the person has, at least, been trained and has demonstrated the ability to put that
training to practical use.

When we perform a thermography inspection with a comprehensive home inspection, our
professional fee is $ 75 per inspection type for most homes. For example, the professional fee
for an energy efficiency and an electrical safety inspection would be $75 for each inspection
when performed with a comprehensive home inspection for a home under 2,500 square feet.

Certain thermography inspections produce better results when performed alone. For example, in
the Phoenix area, most moisture intrusion inspections should be performed after one of our
infrequent rain events for best results. During the spring and fall in Phoenix, it is sometimes
impractical to schedule an energy efficiency inspection with a comprehensive home inspection.
This is because there may not be enough difference between the indoor and outdoor
temperatures to achieve an accurate thermographic scan. When performed alone, our
professional fee is $75 per inspection type plus a $75 trip charge for most homes and for most
locations.

Please call our office to discuss your infrared thermography needs and our professional fees for
this specialized service.

When you hire Dream Home Consultants you expect through and professional inspections.
Thorough and professional thermographic inspections require time, training, and
professionalism. They required time, training, and professionalism to plan and conduct the
inspection. They require time, training, and professionalism to analyze and interpret the
inspection results. They require time, training, and professionalsim to produce a written report of
any findings. They require time, training, and professionalism to know when NOT to perform a
thermographic inspection.

It's easy to wave an infrared camera around and appear to conduct a thermographic inspection.
You may find something worth reporting. You may also miss conditions worth reporting because
the inspection was not performed under the proper conditions or was not performed using the
proper infrared inspection techniques. You also run the risk of reporting false positives
(conditions that appear as problems but are not problems).

As the consumer of professional inspection services, the choice is yours. Choose wisely.