Las Vegas Thermal Imaging Inspection
thermal inspections
Las Vegas Thermal Inspection
Moisture Detection in Walls and Ceilings – Thermal imaging is a great tool that helps to identify water damage in walls, floors, and ceilings. By detecting the difference in temperature between a wet area and the surrounding dry areas thermal imaging can help detect moisture issues that would not be visible during a limited visual home inspection. It is also great at identifying areas where the insulation contractor fails to insulate adequately.
Plumbing Inspections – Water leaks from the plumbing system often leak undetected until major damage has occurred. We can scan in, under, and around plumbing fixtures in the home to determine if there is active leaking going on. Since this tool is not a moisture meter we will use it to find heat anomalies and then pursue the issue further to attempt to determine the source and cause of the leak.
Thermal image scanning can detect temperature anomalies in the plumbing system not visible to the naked eye which may be a precursor to a larger issue. The resulting Thermal Image Scan report can be a great aid for the repair plumber to address the identified issues.
Wood Destroying Insect Activity – This technology can detect significant wood-destroying insect activity due to the heat from active infestations. That’s right, active termite activity produces a great deal of heat that is often visible to the infrared camera. Minor activity may not be detectable but this can identify areas not normally visible to the naked eye. And then the appropriate professional can carry out a more invasive or technically exhaustive inspection.
Energy Audits – We do not currently specialize in performing energy audits, but thermal imaging has been a great tool to help homeowners save money. We can identify heat loss and/or cold air influx and suggest corrective actions to help improve the energy efficiency of residential and commercial structures.
Once we identify the energy wasting areas, then we can make a dramatic difference in energy consumption, which means less money out of pocket.
Flat Roof Inspections – If you have a leak on a new to mid life flat roof and have been told that a roof is needed, then call us first. We may be able to save you a substantial amount of money. Thermal imaging can detect the precise location of the leak and mark the defective areas. But obviously, if the roof is older, you should forego the thermal imaging and invest in new roofing.
What Is Looked At During A Thermal Imaging Inspection?
Electrical Inspection – Loose or dirty electrical connections and other electrical anomalies can cause power outages and possible fires. We can inspect the electrical panels and receptacles to detect issues before there is a costly outage. Thermal imaging can detect hot spots in the electrical system not visible to the naked eye. These hot spots can be a precursor to a larger issue. The resulting report can be a great aid for the repair electrician to address the issues.
Abnormal heating due to high resistance or excessive current flow is the root cause of many issues in electrical systems. Infrared thermography allows us to see these invisible thermal signatures of impending damage before the damage occurs. When current flows through an electric circuit, part of the electrical energy turns into heat energy, which is normal. But, if there is abnormally high resistance in the circuit or abnormally high current flow, it generates abnormally high heat, which is wasteful, potentially damaging, and not normal.
Infrared electrical inspections find hot spots caused by defects in connections and components. We use Infrared thermography to find areas of excess heat (caused by increased resistance) so that we can correct problems before a component fails. This could cause damage to the component, creating safety hazards and productivity loss. Note that increased heating is a sign of failure. Certainly, infrared is the best diagnostic tool available for finding these hot connections in the early stages of degeneration.
What Does A Thermal Inspection NOT Do?
MOISTURE METER –The infrared thermal imaging camera is NOT a moisture meter. It simply identifies thermal anomalies. This device greatly aids in identifying areas that need further investigation.
X-RAY VISION – The infrared thermal imaging camera is NOT an X-ray vision scope. It does not provide the user with an immediate Superman S on their chest with the ability to clearly see inside walls. Instead, it identifies thermal differences.
SILVER BULLET – The infrared thermal imaging camera is NOT a silver bullet solution. But when in conjunction with other technologies, thermal imaging helps us identify issues that are rarely identified during the limited visual home inspection process.
RISK ELIMINATOR – The infrared thermal imaging camera does NOT completely remove the risks of concealed damage.
PLEASE NOTE: It is deceptive to claim that thermal imaging detects moisture because the best that it can do is detecting thermal differences. Using the infrared camera to help discover moisture issues is helpful. We can then use moisture meters and other diagnostic tools to identify their source.
Moisture equals mold – Whenever a leak and moist conditions exist longer than 72 hours, then mold can form. This fact is a reality and the infrared camera can quickly, and in a non-invasive manner, help identify these issues. But remember, the infrared camera identifies the heat signatures and does not measure the moisture content.
Contact Us
If you are looking for a home inspector in Las Vegas, NV contact our team at Absolute Home Inspections today! We provide quality service and comprehensive reports for our clients to review. Schedule your home inspection today.