Performance Inspections

Infrared Thermal Imaging

Performance Inspections offers clients the latest in home inspection technology: Infrared Thermal Imaging.  Using Infrared Thermal Imaging allows us to find defects that may not otherwise be found by a standard visual inspection.

What is Infrared Thermal Imaging (ITI)?

All objects, both living and inanimate, radiate heat depending on their temperature.  These heat radiations are in the longwave infrared spectrum and are not visible to the human eye.  ITI uses a very sensitive and sophisticated infrared camera to capture images of the heat patterns being radiated from the house and it's components.  These heat patterns, when properly interpreted, can show various anomalies that may indicate hidden defects.  ITI is non-invasive and non-destructive.

Several types of defects may be detected:

• Moisture intrusion that is not visible to the naked eye.  Long term moisture intrusion is conducive to the development of mold.
• Air infiltration and leakage in the building envelope, typically at doors, windows, and wall/ceiling joints.  Excess air transfer increases heating & cooling costs.
• Insulation gaps and voids.
• HVAC duct leakage.
• Electrical problems due to poor connections or defective components.
• Evidence of rodent or other pest intrusion.
• Mechanical and Plumbing defects.

ITI has long been used in industrial, commercial, fire fighting, and military venues.  It has been proven as a money, time, and sometimes life saving technology in countless applications.  Now, Performance Inspections brings this technology to the inspection of your home.  The U.S. Department of Energy now recommends that a thermographic inspection be performed before purchasing a home, even on new homes.  (Click here)

We offer our Infrared Thermal Imaging service in several ways:

• It may be performed at the same time as a standard home inspection for buyers or sellers of homes.
• It may be performed as a separate stand alone service.
• It is included as a standard feature in our Home Energy Tune-Up service.

Below are some example thermal images and their visible counterparts.

Air Conditioning Duct Loss

Cold air is leaking from the connection of the duct to the plenum which is indicated by the dark area in the thermal image on the right.  This leakage is not visible in the visible light picture on the left.

Missing insulation at ceiling light fixture

Insulation is missing from the area around the ceiling can light fixture.  This is shown by the light yellow square area surrounding the light fixture in the thermal image. 

 Air Leak and Loose Insulation

The thermal image below shows hot air leaking from a poorly sealed attic access door and loose wall insulation to the left of the door.

Warm spot under kitchen floor

The thermal image shows an area that is noticeably warmer than it's surrounding area.

Other anomalies that may be present

Note that although ITI is a very powerful and effective tool when used by a properly trained inspector, it is not magic, it is not X-ray vision, and it does not "see through walls".  ITI detects patterns in radiated heat; if a defect does not present a heat pattern or is insulated from view by the imager then it may not be possible to detect it.  Certain patterns may present false anomaly indications and should be verified by alternate means.  Heat patterns may vary over time.

Keep in mind that all technologies have limitations and it is the knowledge, dedication and skill of the inspector in applying the appropriate technology that is most important.  Performance Inspections inspectors have trained carefully and diligently in the use of ITI and its interpretation.