Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Upon visual inspection, there is apparent evidence of moisture around the toilet bowl. No leaks from the tank or supply plumbing were found; therefore, it is probable that there is a leak where the bowl meets the floor (was ring). Moisture meter and thermal imaging will be used to confirm moisture. Further evaluation by a plumber is needed.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Although there is no significant staining on the ceiling, when the thermal camera is looking at the corner of the wall, there is a significant area where water could be present. This will need to be verified with a moisture meter.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The thermal imaging camera is designed to detect and give a visual representation of the heat spectrums. This is done by analyzing radiation given off by certain objects. This radiation is beyond the normal visual spectrum of light and must needs be looked at by a specialized camera.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
While performing an inspection I noticed underneath the sink that there were a few buckets that told me that it was a sign of possible leaking pipes so I wanted to see if we had leaking pipes inside the wall as well. So I turned on the heat and used my infrared camera to see if there any leaks in the wall, it would have shown up as blue because the wet wall would have been cooler than the dryer parts of the wall.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The photo from the illustration gallery was the window on the thermal image showing signs of heat loss around the window frame. After being in the home inspection industry it is evident to me that in order to elevate my company to the highest standards available, I must include thermal imaging to the list of services I offer to my clients. When the consumers thinks of thermal imaging they think of a test performed to detect heat loss but in addition to that very important use of thermal imaging can also detect moisture issues. Many home buyers today like to have a piece of mind knowing they have an efficient and healthy home as well as a well built and structurally sound home.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is the insulation in an attic inspected during one of my mock inspections. It was Advanced ThermaCube Plus Loose Fill Insulation 03M04289 spread over 1819 sq. ft in the attic ceiling. It did not cover the soffits. It was layered to a depth of 12 1/4 inches. The result was R-30. There were no signs of leaking or water intrusion
Research & Writing Assignment:
Infrared thermography (IRT) is method of capturing heat energy coming from objects or areas within a house. Thermal energy waves are just below the visible light spectrum for humans so a special camera is needed to capture these energy waves. This price of this technology is rapidly decreasing and will soon be used in all standard home inspections. It allows the home inspector to find problems not visible to the human eye, such as moister behind walls and ceilings. It helps identify areas of poor insulations and heat or cold loss. It is important to be properly trained to interpret a thermal image and understand the information and conditions affecting it.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Infrared can be used to search for hot spots on the service panel. By using the infrared camera, the inspector should inspect first using their knowledge about electric. Providing a side by side picture of the defect and infrared can help everyone to understand what is going on with the panel.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a image of air leakage from under the door of a home. This would be a energy efficiency issue as it allows cold air from outside in increasing heating costs. You could feel the draft by hand but you can really see it with the thermal.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Thermal imaging can be a really effective means at searching for air leakage and water intrusion into homes. But with thermal you have to remember that you still can’t see everything and you have to explain that to your clients, if you don’t you can get into trouble if something appears after your inspection and you didn’t find it.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Found this moisture intrusion located on the floor behind a chair. It was tested with a moisture meter, since I do not have a thermal imaging unit. Upon further evaluation, I went back outside where I located a flower bed that has been placed in front of the residence. It appeared that the flower bed dirt and mulch was pushed up against the cedar siding. We did have rainfall the previous day which lead to the moisture intrusion.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Thermal imaging reports should be written in a manner that give the client the understanding of what you have done in your report. Do not use technical language that would be hard for your client to read. You need to have side by side photos to show where exactly the problem was located and where it is in location to where they may understand when they where standing in the house. Give a complete report and ask if they have any questions about the report or images.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
[Mock photo no IR camera at this stage]
While carrying out a thermal insulation inspection we noted anomalies in images around the manhole cover and some downlight, on further investigation we noted that insulation had been removed from the cover and insulation was lacking around the light, we recommended to secure insulation to the cover and top up around the lights
Research & Writing Assignment:
Thermal imaging is a great opportunity to add a new dimension to your existing inspection business,there are many applications you can use a thermal camera for but without the correct training or understanding of the camera you are leaving your self wide open to mis interpreting images which leads to your credibility coming into question.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The infrared photo was taken under a kitchen sink which shares a wall with the exterior. Upon opening both cabinet doors I noticed a pool of water under the food disposal and drain line. Next, I used my infrared camera to take a photo of the findings (with composition in mind in order to show the magnitude of the pool of water and possible areas for the source of the leak). Afterwards, I began to run the hot water and allowed it to drain down both sides of the sinks in order to determine if the leak was coming from the water lines, drain pipes or basins. Unfortunately, there was not any water leaking from any of those areas while the water was running and draining. However, the pool of water was becoming larger. Next, I tried to use the sprayer hose and noticed that it had very low pressure. Upon further investigation, I found that the sprayer hose had a drip leak in the line. Lastly, I recommended further evaluation and repair by a licensed plumber.
Research & Writing Assignment:
The first set of photos from the Illustration Gallery (infrared) shows electrical wiring that has been spliced. According to the infrared photo, it appears that the wires are overheating due to the differing color signatures (compared to the other wires connected directly to circuit breakers). I recommend that an licensed electrician further evaluate and correct the wire configuration.
The second set of photos show a circuit breaker that is overheating. As compared to the other circuit breakers in the photo, it is clear that the circuit breaker has a different heat signature. I recommend further evaluation and replacement of circuit breaker (and possible wires) by a licensed electrician.
The third set of photos show a set of windows that appear to have water intrusion and air seepage. It is possible that the windows were updated and not properly installed or the home is settling. I recommend further evaluation (and repair) by a structural engineer and general contractor.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This image shows signs of an attempt at repair of some type of damage. Fresh paint in only one area is typically a sign that something has happen in this area. With only the naked eye this would be about the extent of the evaluation. By having the training and access to a thermal imaging device the inspection could be much more in depth without being invasive.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Using thermal imaging during your inspections is an invaluable tool. It’s biggest disadvantage is the users lack of training and understanding. In the case of the photo with an air duct in the ceiling; without proper training an inspector could potentially mis-diagnose this as an active leak in the ceiling.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
While inspecting a occupied home the client and me noticed a urine smell and with the thermal camera we found that the dogs living in the home were using the master bedroom as their bathroom. Without the thermal camera we would not known where it could be.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Water intrusion is very tricky to find. With the thermal camera it can be easy but you have to pay attention and have the right training. leaks can happen just about anywhere and with with the thermal camera you can scan a large area very fast and without touching anything at all but always remember to back it up with a moisture meter.
