Thermography Inspections

Thermography is the use of an infrared camera to take pictures using infrared energy or radiation that is emitted from objects which allows us to see the variation in temperatures. 

There are defects that are not visible to the human eye that can be detected with the use of thermography. 

Issues can range from moisture intrusion within walls, floors, ceilings or roof leaks to hot circuit breakers, wire outlets or wall switches. Any of these could be potential safety issues. 

Moisture can result is mold and electrical hazards can lead to fire or electrocution.

Since destructive testing is not permitted during the course of an inspection, thermography serves as an invaluable instrument.

Thermography technology inspection(IR); IR is a non-invasive, non destructive method of examining and detecting defects in some of the systems of a building; in a manner that cannot be seen by the human eye. Using IR imaging can help save hundreds, even thousands of dollars per year by detecting moisture, insulation or electrical issues before they pose a bigger, more costly risk to your property and your personal well being. If your Sarasota home inspection does not include Infrared (IR) testing, you may not be seeing the whole picture.

Buildings can develop faults which cannot be seen with the human eye, but with a FLIR thermal imaging camera these problems are relatively easy to identify. Whether you're looking for poor or inadequate insulation, air leakage, heating and plumbing issues, water damages due to leaks or condensation problems, thermal imaging provides an invaluable tool to identify and locate these problems, which is the first step in solving the problem.

Thermal imaging really is an ideal tool for building diagnostics because you can actually see where the problem is located.

Moisture behaves in a similar manner in that it retains heat. A leaking roof will contain and hold moisture. During the day the sun heats that moisture in the roofing membrane. This is called solar loading.

In the early evening, after sunset, the roofing system begins to cool down. The dry areas will cool quickly but the capacitance of water holds the heat longer, thus there are two different heat signatures which is what the IR imager can detect. In south west Florida we have plenty of sun and rain.

In all cases, where there is evidence of anomalous cooling, heating or subsurface defects, as far pest control is concerned, these areas require immediate attention to determine if they are relevant or not. Moisture is a necessary element not only in the existence of most insect pests but also in the existence of all fungi (mold).

Kurt is a Certified Building Science Thermography Inspector; he is ITC Certified with a "Level 2" certification and is qualified, 

meeting the proper standards, requirements and training of ITC.

There is currently no governing body for thermography; ITC follows the The Society for NonDestructive Testing (ASNT) recommeded practice. 

Make sure your thermographic technician is qualified with hands-on experience.