Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This course stressed the need for composition of images. The attached photo was taken by an associate for an energy evaluation of a residential home. While the image does indicate a large hot area there is no way of knowing where in the home the image was captured without supporting documentation.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Delta T is the difference in temperatures. If the outside temperature is too close to the inside temperature the camera will not be able to identify the different temperatures. With new technologies, cameras are able to outline components however the the lack of temperature difference will not allow the inspector to see the temperature migrations (leaks) through the building envelope.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This property has an exterior deck which is build over the garage of the house. These types of deck are notoriousy known for leakage. These leaks commonly occur when the flooding on covered material on the deck is damaged or deteriorated or between the walls and the deck which sometimes are not visible. Proper maintenance is needed annual bases to control possible leakage.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Previous repairs at plumbing pipe as seen on roof correspond to leak damage observed in attic space. Additionally, plumbing vent PVC pipe should be painted to protect the pipe from the ultra violet rays of the sun that will deteriorate the pipe. Recommend repairs be evaluated and addressed by a qualified contractor and pipe painted.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Private Water Wells: When looking at a well, there are several factors that can impact the water quality. From bacteria at the well itself to local industry to where your livestock is fed/housed. In reading the article the big takeaway for me how many ways well water can be tainted/harmful to us. I recommend that the homeowner set a calendar to have his water tested annually.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this photo is a wall and window above a sink. when taken with am infrared camera I would be looking for several defects that I could potentially identify. With the window itself, I would be looking for a solid thermal reading on the glass and around the edges of the window to identify any broken seals or loss in insulation values. Additionally, I would be looking at the thermal readings on the wall itself to identify any areas that are lacking in insulation
Research & Writing Assignment:
In the article regarding window films, I learned that when I do identify glass with either a low energy insulating value or with out being double pained, I can recommend the addition of glass film to aid in the reduction of heat loss
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image reveals a common problem that can lead to major deficiencies if not corrected. Leaves and debris have accumulated in the gutter, clogging the downspout. With water unable to exit the gutter through the downspout, it is likely that the gutter will overflow with water after a heavy rain, saturating the structure, potentially causing moisture intrusion.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I chose an article pertaining to thermal imaging. The article stated the importance of communicating with your client what the camera can and cannot do. It recommended using common language and taking the time to make sure your client understands what you are saying.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The attached photo is of an infrared flir camera. These cameras are used to perform infrared inspections on a home. Infrared can be used to determine energy loss, leaking, and issues with the HVAC system. Infrared is just another tool of the home inspector.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I viewed an infrared image of an electrical panel breaker for this essay. Viewing the panel with an infrared unit can present potential issues with overheating in the panel. Further inspection and/or a recommendation for an electrician should be given if the image shows excess heat.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The attic in this home is missing insulation. This condition will cause large amount of heat transfer from the conditioned space to unconditioned space of the home. Insulation should be added to reduce this heat transfer. Recommend consulting with a qualified professional.
Research & Writing Assignment:
One of the best ways to improve energy efficiency in a older is to add newer modern insulation material. Advancements in the last 30 years of materials and techniques have allowed more insulation in smaller areas resulting in better efficiency.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Picture posted is of a natural gas burning fireplace that is installed in the exterior rear wall of the living room in a newly constructed home. The homeowner has experienced as they describe excessive cold air drafts during the winter months coming from around the housing and that the tile surrounding the fireplace insert has a very cold feel. Having a infrared imaging camera would be a useful tool to assist in the visualization of potential air infiltration or lack of proper insulation. To achieve this a proper delta T would be a requirement, and the house would require the proper arrangement with ventilation perimeters.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The history of infrared technology dates back all the way to the late 1700’s to the early 1800’s when a royal astronomer for King George III of England was searching for an optical filter to reduce the brightness of the Sun’s image in telescopes. Later technological advancements came in the early 1900’s with the development and utilization for military applications was applied. Throughout the 1950’s to 1970’s additional advancements primarily for military usage was made. Now that technology has advanced and camera sizes and prices have reduced, infrared technology has became a tool utilized by savvy home inspectors to better serve their clients and advance their business opportunities.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
left of fireplace in the basement there signs of moister and mold on the wall coming from the chimney chase. The chimney cap has metal flashing with seams that are not sealed. This should be evaluated by a licensed contractor of further review. The mold in the basement also needs to be evaluated by a licensed contractor as this could be a health hazard.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Using the thermal imaging camera on the main electrical panel I observed a breaker showing a higher that normal temperature with no electrical devices on in the home. I tried to turn off the breaker and it would not turn off. This is a major issue and should be looked at by a Licensed Electrician for further evaluation.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a photo of a window in a basement at the window well. Obviously if water was coming in with the present condition you can see if the insulation is wet and repair the issue. However if the basement was finished with drywall It might take an infra red camera and moisture meter to discover water intrusion.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I just reviewed a photo of a window in a home with the use of an infrared camera. The camera picture shows an area of concern which I suspect is water intrusion. A flashing problem is suspect and would need a moisture meter to confirm. You would not see or notice this problem with the naked eye.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In this photo you can clearly see how warm the walls are. This tells me that there is not enough T value in the room to indicate a different in temperature from inside the house and outside the house. Also in the photo there is clearly moisture in the ceiling indicating moisture intrusion in the ceiling.
