Research & Writing Assignment:
Infrared cameras are used during structural inspections and to locate problems that can only be found by looking at temperature differences through the IR camera. , which the camera sees as infrared radiation and presents as gradient colors. Because we are able to see theses images, we can locate problems that would be much harder to see and take much longer to find.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Natural gas wall heater. The wall heater was inoperable at the time of this inspection due to the pilot light not being lit. In addition I observed the internal components to be dusty and dirty. Recommendation for further review by a qualified HVAC professional.
Research & Writing Assignment:
What I learned from reading the essay on garage inspections is that you should use every resource available to you in gathering information about your inspection. This may be something as simple as talking to a neighbor or possibly looking at a similar garage if it is open and available in order to identify any anomalies in the two separate garages.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
A thermal imaging camera can help see hidden moisture such as the dark spot in this picture. Moisture can lead to destruction of wood and other building materials, growth or fungi and mold, as well as invite wood destroying insects into the area.
Research & Writing Assignment:
IR Cameras: Inspecting for Moisture Intrusion
Moisture intrusion can be identified by staining and mold growth but, moisture can also be hidden, doing damage long before stains become evident. An IR camera can detect cooler areas that may indicate unseen moisture. These areas can be confirmed with a moisture meter.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Moisture penetration can be hidden, when the inspector can see visible signs such as a water stain the damage may be more severe than what is seen. When the demo begins to fix the area you will typically find more damage than expected and the cost will soar. Using the Infared tools can help visualize the hidden dangers. These are all tools to help explain what we think we see. Ultimately we want to give our clients the best information to digest before making the big purchase.
Research & Writing Assignment:
IR Cameras: Electrical Inspections:
Using the IR camera has a wide range of uses. The electrical use in the article is spot on. Having worked in the oil and refining industry and supervising technicians we used the infared cameras to detect hot spots in the main relay stations to determine when we needed to shut them down for maintenance prior to having a fire or interrupted service to one of the refining units. in the home it would have helped me when I lived in Texas to find the main breaker was fried behind the breaker. What we saw as a home owner was the main would trip during the heat of the day. When you checked the breaker it was scalding hot. We put a fan on the breaker and ran a few more weeks to allow our licensed electrician replace the main. The Main breaker was burnt severely on the back side. A few more days and the system would have melted down and probably burned the house down. So from personal experience don’t wait, act quickly. This could be life saving for the seller and a huge cost saving for the buyer.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In the attached photo we can see a heat signature above the door. It would appear that there is no insulation in the structure above the door. It also appears that the weatherstripping is not doing what is needed at the top 1/3 of the door. Lack of insulation is allowing heat to make its way into the living space. I would suggest adding insulation as necessary to reduce the transfer of heat.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Having the ability to utilize a IR Camera will greatly improve your home inspection walk through. Just having the camera and being able to take pictures is not enough. You must also know and understand what you are looking at. Calling out false issues not only makes you look bad but can also get you into serious trouble.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I was surprised when I took this picture. This cable box had been turned off for an hour. I did not think the box would hold this much heat after it was powered down. I look forward to using this camera during my inspections.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I used the window IR camera photo. The picture shows moisture between the sections of glass you can not see with the naked eye. This picture proves a IR camera can be a great tool to track down moisture issues in the home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Image of possible source of water penetration to the basement bellow and noticed with the thermal camera and humidity confirmed with a humidity meter, and which may be originated from water pounding right outside of the property. Further research recommended
Research & Writing Assignment:
Image of possible source of water penetration to the basement bellow and noticed with the thermal camera and humidity confirmed with a humidity meter, and which may be originated from water pounding right outside of the property. Further research recommended
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Obvious damage to purlins and roof sheathing in the attic. Moisture intrusion evident in several areas on underside of roof. Reccomend repairs are made to roof sheathing and purlins by a qualified framer or roofing contractor. Rafters seemed in fine condition but should be re evaluated at time of repairs.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Infrared thermography (IRT), thermal imaging, and thermal video are examples of infrared imaging science. Thermographic cameras usually detect radiation in the long-infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum (roughly 9,00014,000 nanometers or 914 m) and produce images of that radiation, called thermograms
Research & Writing Assignment:
Benefits of Thermal Imaging in the detection of:
Water infiltration (roof leaks located with recent rain fall within 24~48 hours)
Cold air infiltration
Excessive moisture in building materials
Stud / Joist / Beam / Rafter placement and structure
Insulation gaps, insufficient and unevenness
Electrical drops, panels, breakers, switches and wire connections
Heating and cooling duct placement, insulation, air leaks
Pipe location
Special Inspections
Pest infestation
Energy audits
Insurance claims
Research & Writing Assignment:
Im writing my essay on the different types of common electrical conductors. Romex, being one of the more commonly used types of conductors today is categorized by the NEC as nm-(non metallic), nmc (non metallic sheathed cable), and uf (underground feeder). It is important that an inspector know the difference between the cables and where each is required .
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
In a home sometime it can be impossible to detect moisture intrusion without and infrared camera. This picture is an example of the infrared camera showing us what we cannot see. We can see in the picture that there is some moisture intrusion showing up in the dark blue area.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The infrared camera can be a useful tool for the home inspector. It can be used to give the client more information on the home. It can show leaks that cannot be seen and also air infiltration and exfiltration throughout the home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
I took this Flir picture of my TV room ceiling that once had a very bad moisture area from a rolled room defect. The Flir image, aimed at the area where moisture had been seen, now shows a dry ceiling.
