First-time homebuyers may benefit from any available support during the process. You may be ignorant that such technology exists.

Infrared thermal imaging cameras identify issues that the human eye cannot perceive. A visual inspection can only teach. The house will appear hot, cold, or somewhere between an infrared camera.

What Does Infrared Thermal Imaging Reveal in Your Homes?

1. Electrical Faults

Electrical faults are a common but often overlooked problem in homes. An infrared camera can differentiate between and locate heat sources in the house. When an electric heater is faulty, the temperature at the base of the heater will be raised, possibly above ambient temperature. 

The camera may also discover overheating appliances, electrical faults in the middle of the walls in the house, and faulty wiring.

2. Roof Leaks

A roof leak can be identified by checking its temperature and finding it warmer or colder than the surrounding area.

Infrared cameras can identify areas where the roof leaks, even through the ceiling. As rainwater taps into the house, it creates steam that rises towards the top. With the aid of an infrared camera, the source of the leak will be easily found. 

Other causes of the leak may be air vents, attics, chimneys, exhaust fans, and more.

3. Pest Infestations

Infrared cameras can detect the temperature of warm-blooded rodents, such as mice. It will also display cold spots, which are the locations of nests of ants and spiders. Some pest infestations are difficult to find and require an infrared camera to help the inspector detect them.

4. Problems in Plumbing

The infrared camera can find places where water is getting in that can’t be seen by the naked eye. Leaks in the plumbing can be hard to find, but infrared cameras can do it quickly. It can also find places that have become too hot. Inspectors can find problems quickly when they use infrared cameras.

Moreover, infrared cameras will pick up changes in the temperature of walls, floors, and ceilings caused by water and dampness. If fungus is starting to grow in a building, it will change the temperature, which the infrared camera will be able to see.

5. Wall Insulation

Infrared cameras can find holes or leaks in wall insulation. It can provide helpful information to an architect in addition to the homeowner. Using an infrared camera during an inspection will save time, money, and resources and increase the buildings’ safety and quality.

6. Presence of Radon

Radon is a radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. If you run an infrared camera through a home, you will be able to see if there are any sources of radon.

This is an important technology to have in an inspection because it will allow you to see past the property’s surface. A visual inspection may not be able to find everything. The inspector can find more minor problems that may have been impossible to see otherwise with infrared thermal imaging.

Conclusion

Like any other equipment, an infrared camera has its strengths and weaknesses. It is up to the inspector to determine whether or not to use it. Still, there are cases where infrared thermal imaging can be a precious aid to keep in mind and incorporate into the home inspection process.Contact for a house inspection in Birmingham to help you assess your dream house. With Ally Property Inspections, you can guarantee that the professionals have thoroughly inspected the place you want to purchase. Contact us today!