This photo was taken during a general home inspection of a wall which adjoins a vaulted ceiling. The photo shows hot spots at the top of the wall and the studs are clearly visible. This was discovered while scanning the walls with a FLIR Thermography camera. The peak of the ceiling, the chimney chase and wall art were used to provide context for the photo. The home HVAC system was set to give a large temperature delta I.E. a cool interior on a hot day in excess of 90 degrees. To verify this finding of a potential energy loss area, the attic was inspected in this area. Upon inspection of the attic, it was found that the insulation in this area had fallen.
Research Article: IR Cameras: Inspecting for Moisture Intrusion.
Using infrared inspection for detecting moisture intrusion is a time saving method to scan large areas relatively quickly. However, an inspector must have a strong knowledge of construction and building science to effectively use this tool. Moisture can be identified on an infrared camera when an area shows up as with a different temperature gradient from the surrounding materials. Although a different temperature gradient may be detected, it is important to verify this finding with a moisture meter and evaluate the area as part of a system of the home and define possible sources and penetration points in this area.
Thermal imaging is a great way to see problems in electrical service. Here you can notice a temperature increase in a service line which is a good indication of a loose wire. This can potentially lead to arcing along with a fire inside of your home.
I am reading the article “IR Cameras: Electrical Inspections”. Thermal Imaging an electrical panel is a quick way of detecting any issued on a circuit. They will have a higher temperature and should be easy to detect using the camera. It is also a great tool to use for your safety when inspecting a panel.
This is an infared camera. It takes pictures of problems that are potenitally behind the walls and ceilings of a residential property. I use my infared camera very often and it has really saved me alot of time and effort.
Chimney Flashing is a very important part of keeping your structure protected from rain runoff water. Improper flashing around the chimney can lead to serious interior damage to the home. Most homes have the flashing around the chimney installed improperly. This condidion should be inspected.
In this picture my infrared camera has detected an abnormally warm area of the ceiling in a master bathroom. There had been previous repairs to the drywall and the insulation was never put back in place. I was able to confirm this in the attic and disperse the insulation to a more adequate standard until they decide to address it further.
There are multiple components to inspecting a garage. Many times these components are not installed properly. Sometimes homeowners will decide to make alterations to the garage structure (trusses). In some instances they do not use the proper metal connectors, fasteners, or application/installation of the fasteners to the appropriate material.
While conducting a test of my thermal camera I purchased for use in home inspection, I snapped this pic of my friends cat. What was interesting however, was that upon looking at the picture and how the cat appeared, I noticed what appeared to be an anomaly around the base of the toilet. I snapped a couple more pictures which led me to pull out my moisture detector and find that there appeared to be some moisture under the tile. The general area around the tile was measured at about 15.2 but one area (in the back on the side) which led me to hypothesize that there was leak possibly from the wax ring. I suggested further investigation to ascertain the cause of the apparent moisture seen/ measured.
I have chosen to write in relation to the article “The limitations of a home inspection”.
Without trying to cross over the boundary of plagiarism, I cannot find a better way to restate what I read in the article. A home inspection is a visual inspection for system and major accessible component defects and safety issues. The inspection is not technically exhaustive.
I think that summarizes a home inspection very succinctly. With that said however, we must always make sure that the client is in understanding of what that entails.
The home inspector must strive to do the best job possible according to his/her ability AND within the scope of Nachi SOP.
The client should be aware that we will use due diligence to accurately reflect the conditions of the home AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION. Systems and or components can fail after the inspection or even the purchase of the home. An inspector can only inspect what he can see or access without moving furniture or busting locks and kicking down doors.
The inspector should realize that certain safety issues can be a matter of perception to the client, BUT all safety hazards need to be reported as such if seen/ detected. While looking for system defects, SOP dictates we shall examine major accessible components but I might add “No (DISS-assembly required)”! My attempt at humor…
I understand the term “professional generalist”’ I like that term. We must be knowledgeable of systems and components and how they are meant to operate all the while recognizing when they have or are failing (if visible at the time of the inspection).
We must strive to let our clients know what we do, how we do it, what is the reality VS. the myths of a “home inspection” AND provide an agreement that states the same with the addition of disclaimers to protect the home inspector due to the possible lack of understanding of our processes and SOP by our clients.
Moisture in building materials can destroy the structural integrity and nurture mold. The first step in moisture detection is to quickly and accurately locate and remove all sources of moisture. IR cameras help uncover the source of moisture without physically dismantling walls.
Thermal imaging is especially helpful in spotting potential electrical hazards. By identifying abnormal heat patterns from an electrical system, potential problems can be identified. Thermal imaging cameras provide inspectors the ability to see a bit more when performing the interior inspection.
The in the picture provided the attic access opening should be at 22 inches by 30 inches. Most often attic access opening are not insulated, which causes a major energy loss to the homeowner. Recommending R10 foam insulation mounted to the back side of the attic access door and weatherstripping is a great fix.
Building permits are required for new construction or renovations to existing building. Municipalities require permits to protect the public health and safety. Generally items requiring permits include: additions of rooms or windows, blocking off room or windows, electrical (adding or relocating electrical outlets, plumbing (adding or relocating fixtures; toilets, sinks or tubs) or converting garages or storages to occupied spaces with into air conditioned systems.
In this image we see a breaker panel, an old Federal Pacific Stab-Lok panel, and we can see the slightly higher temperature of the loaded circuit. This is normal operating temperature for this circuit and not excessive. The maximum safe operating temperature will determined by the manufacturer. Having a thermal camera gives you a wide view and lets you quickly see anomalies.
A thermal camera allows you to quickly see thermal anomalies from thermal bridging, moisture, leaky ducts, electrical resistance, etc. It helps direct your attention to follow up with further examination utilizing different tools to confirm your initial findings from the thermal image.
jhardisty
(Jerry W. Hardisty, CMI HI01400023, RTP000708)
3100
Research & Writing Assignment:
In the article, IR Cameras:Electrical Inspections, it is made evident that this is the only tool an inspector can use that is noninvasive, safe, quick, and easy to use
in order to make a very timely amd inexpensive evaluation of the overall condition of an electrical breaker box.
jhardisty
(Jerry W. Hardisty, CMI HI01400023, RTP000708)
3101
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a picture of 2-20 amp tandem circuit breakers at the top, and right under them are 2-20 amp single pole circuit breakers. The 2-20 amp tandem breakers allow for 2 ciruits to be installed in a space where like the bottom breakers cam only accomodate one circuit. An infrared camera will be very useful in determining if the circuits to the 2 tandem breakers that are tripped are defective.
This photo shows moisture damage around the edge of the air conditioning vent. Using an infrared camera would help identify whether this is current or older damage, as well as the cause of the issue. Likely causes could include a leak at the connection, or a lack of insulation around the connection.
