The photo I chose was of an exterior wall that included two windows and a ceiling fan. During an infrared scan, I would try to create a good delta T, by turning on the A/C system indoors, inducing a negative pressure situation inside by exhausting air through the bathroom fans, and exploit the temperature differences from a hot summer day. After some time, I would scan the areas around the windows and fan and make an evaluation based on the images detected.
I chose an IR photo of a breaker panel. The image demonstrated the difference in temperatures at a particular breaker and conductor. In a situation like this, it would important to have an accurate temperature measurement of the area of concern and an understanding of the electrical system overall, so as to not rely solely on the delta T in the image to identify a defect.
This picture depicts a toilet that has signs of leaking. Water did not present itself where it could be visibly seen, but I was pretty sure that if we used a thermal camera it would have detected water leaking from the wax ring.
I looked at a table of electrical wire size and amperage rating. I did not realize that the larger cable sizes had different ratings depending on what they were being used for. The table lists them as service or ordinary use.
Insufficient insulation. The thermal image indicated that the attic access did not have sufficient insulation.
The access was also missing an air tight seal, further allowing cold attic air into the conditioned space. Recommend adding insulation and a gasket to save on heating and cooling cost.
The thermal image in the inspection gallery shows what appears to be an over heating breaker… Without a stated temperature gradient this image is of little use. Thermal cameras are very sensitive and can show very small differences in temperature. This image may only have a gradient of 8 degrees F and be showing a breaker under normal load.
The attached photograph shows water coming in the bottom part of this exterior door. You can see where some of the floor grout has been chipped away and water has wicked through the grout to the door trim and rotted a portion of that trim… The cause of the leak needs to be fixed and the trim replaced.
I read the article titled “IR Cameras: An Overview for Inspectors”. After reading this article, it is clear that the use of IR technology in a home inspection is a valuable tool. Further, it is important that the inspector have an understanding of systems in the building they are inspecting and the proper training with regards to interpreting the IR images.
I read the article titled anti-scald valves. Approx. 20% of all burns are due to scalds, water at 160 deg will cause a burn in just 0.5 seconds. Around 2,000 children are burned each year. Anti-scald valves also go by other names; tempering valve, mixing valve, etc. If you have young children in your home purchasing a mixing valve would be a wise investment to protect your children from hot water. Even the elderly would benefit from the additional protection that a mixing valve offers. In conclusion anti-scald valves are a worth while measure of protection for anyone seeking protection from scalding water.
During an inspection of the exterior a section of deteriorated wood siding was noted near the corner of the home. This condition allows for the infiltration of water to allow the siding to deteriorate further and potentially attracting wood destroying insects. We recommend this condition to be corrected by a contractor as soon as possible.
The attached thermal image photo shows some possible problem areas. The image was taken at the wall and ceiling intersection. A moisture meter was used to check the area for hidden moisture. The area did not have elevated moisture present. Cold spots possibly due to a lack of insulation were listed as possible causes with further evaluation recommended.
I chose the image from the inspection gallery of the GFCI receptacle protecting the regular receptacles downstream. The GFCI must be wired with the hot and neutral wires from the panel terminating on the line side of the GFCI. The receptacles being protected must be wired off the load side of the GFCI.
There is evidence of prior water damage to the wood under the kitchen sink. This is indicated by the warped floor wood. For an additional view, an infrared (thermal) image was taken of this area. While this area currently did not contain active moisture verified by the ExTech moisture meter as dry, this condition should be monitored. Although infrared/thermal imaging is a far better diagnostic tool than the naked eye, it does not guarantee 100% accuracy, unless removal or destruction of components can be achieved to validate findings. Because of its current condition, it is recommended that the wood floor board be replaced.
IR Cameras: Inspecting for Moisture Intrusion
Inspectors can detect potential moisture issues through the use of an infrared (thermal imaging) camera. As it pertains to moisture, any thermal image should always backed up by a moisture meter. The thermal image from the infrared camera can be used to detect thermal patterns manifested by the moisture. These images are not able to be seen by the naked-eye alone. This is accomplished by the infrared camera detecting the temperature differences between the the spots of moisture and the building materials.
There are a number of advantages to using an infrared camera. These include: saving time, ease of set up, large areas of the home can be scanned quickly, sources and the extent of moisture intrusion can be determined, among many more. While there are a few disadvantages to using an infrared camera, most stem from getting enough proper education to learn how to use the infrared equipment and the inspectors’ ability to provide proper interpretation of the images.
Thermal imaging has many applications in the use by a home inspector. Some of the key areas where an infrared camera is used in the process of inspecting a house include: in the kitchen around the sink, under the dishwasher, behind the refrigerator, under the cooking range, along with exhaust fans and vents; in the bathrooms around fixtures, tubs, windows, toilets, and showers; the house HVAC system and water heater; areas of the attic (i.e., roof pass-through penetrations, connecting walls, vents, fans, and recessed lights); the laundry room (i.e., washer/dryer hookups, drip pans, exhaust vents, and sinks) and, basement areas such as walls, ductwork, and crawlspaces.
The picture is of a wall that seems to be lacking appropriate insulation. Investigation needs to be done in the attic to determine if there is or isnt enough insulation. After further examining the space behind this wall we find a lack of insulation.
Bidets. They are much more common in parts of Europe. The word is French but the bidet is more common in Italy and Portugal. It is important for a home owner to u dersatnd the way a bidet works. Injury can be incurred if water pressure or temperature is too high.
The infrared camera image should be confirmed (with moisture meter or other definitive means). To assess the results on its own may not be conclusive.
While the image appears simple to diagnose, it would be unwise to do so without training and experience.
Site grating is often over looked and a significant factor when foundations leak. Water allowed to pool may freeze, causing walls to move - by hydraulic expansion and small cracks to become large ones. Often damages to the foundation, flooding and damp basements are results of poor site grading.
This thermal image was taken on a day that Delta T was very good, the climate was hot with a recent rain, this clay tile roof appeared in good shape, you can see on the evidence of residual moisture under the ridge capping which is normal.
Infrared: After watching John, it is very important to backup your thermal investigation with a quality moisture meter, this is very apparent when there are no signs of water intrusion, the naked eye can not see the whole picture sometimes.