Research & Writing Assignment:
One of the things I learned about infrared cameras is how they not only are good for finding heat loss but how well they work for determining problems with electrical systems in the home by finding hot spots in wiring and other electrical components.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
As I scanned the attic access door with my inferred camera I noticed significant heat loss from lack of insulation on the door.I Recommend installing adequate insulation on door to prevent heat loss. Also an adequate seal around the attic door.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Since infrared radiation is emitted by all objects with a temperature above absolute zero according to the black body radiation law, thermography makes it possible to see one’s environment with or without visible illumination. The amount of radiation emitted by an object increases with temperature; therefore, thermography allows one to see variations in temperature. When viewed through a thermal imaging camera, warm objects stand out well against cooler backgrounds; humans and other warm-blooded animals become easily visible against the environment, day or night. As a result, thermography is particularly useful to the military and other users of surveillance cameras.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Since infrared radiation is emitted by all objects with a temperature above absolute zero according to the black body radiation law, thermography makes it possible to see one’s environment with or without visible illumination. The amount of radiation emitted by an object increases with temperature; therefore, thermography allows one to see variations in temperature. When viewed through a thermal imaging camera, warm objects stand out well against cooler backgrounds; humans and other warm-blooded animals become easily visible against the environment, day or night. As a result, thermography is particularly useful to the military and other users of surveillance cameras.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This is a thermal image from a FLIR IR thermal image camera. This shows an obvious loss of heat at the window openings in this home. The windows were even warm to the touch. With the thermal image we are able to see the heat loss that could be helped with double or triple pane windows. These windows are of the single pane construction and are approximately 25 years old. The efficiency or lack of efficiency of these windows is very obvious through the lens of the Infrared Technology.
Research & Writing Assignment:
I appreciate the class on Infrared Thermography by John McKenna. The Delta T was the most important new tool I will be implementing in my inspections. I had not been aware of the different conditions that made the imaging better or worse. Certainly was not aware of our own ability to raise or lower the Delta T to aid in our inspections.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Thermal imaging camera shows little bit of air leakage under and on sides of the door. There was not much delta T on the day of inspection. Moisture meter did not show any water intrusion. But cold air coming from the areas could be felt easily by placing hand close to the dark areas.
Research & Writing Assignment:
After doing IR Thermal Imaging inspection, an inspector must be careful before making decisions and writing a report. There are some Do and Don’t about IR inspections. Always explain to the customers about Limitations and Capabilities of IR inspections. Always include standard images along with the IR images of the same area so that customer can easily understand where the actual problem is.
Research & Writing Assignment:
In researching for information on what to include in a thermal imaging report, I gleaned from the InterNACHI article entitled, “Thermal Imaging Reports”. I learned the importance of explaining both the capabilities and the limitations of infrared technology to the customer. Secondly, I memorized the list of useful tasks an infrared camera can help with. These include thermal efficiency, heating system functionality, moisture intrusion, electrical hot spots, and animal infestation. I also was encouraged to offer to reinspect the property once repairs were made according to my recommendations.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
For the infrared thermography course I inspected a set of attic pulldown stairs. The stairs were lacking any sort of insulation over the top as well as missing a seal around the edge. These conditions would allow for heat loss. And infrared camera was not available at this time.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Infrared thermography overview for home inspectors. Thermography is a good addition to the home inspectors arsenal of tools. IR or infrared radiation can reveal issues, conditions and concerns not detectable with the naked eye. IR imaging is not a magic device to detect everything possible. Training, experience and a good knowledge base are still necessary tools for all home inspectors.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
The subject of this infrared photograph is the attic access pull-down staircase . Thru infrared thermography, it is clearly visible that the access panel is deficient in insulation, as radiant cold air is entering the conditioned interior space. Recommend that the access have an insulation barrier added on the attic side of the opening, such as an attic tent.
Infrared thermography is subject to available temperature and energy at the time of the inspection. Although thermal imaging is a far better diagnostic toll that the naked eye, it does not guarantee 100% accuracy. Other tools were used to verify the thermal image, such as an infrared thermometer.
Research & Writing Assignment:
Infrared thermography works by detecting and displaying heat signatures of a particular object. Lighter colors represent warmer temperatures and darker colors represent cooler temperatures. Unlike photography which shows reflected visible light which is reflected off an object, infrared thermography shows heat energy that is directly radiated from the object and is displayed in a graduated scale from dark (cool) to bright (warm) colors which represent heat signatures.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Thermal imaging camera is device that transfer heat readings to camera display by electronic signal. It shows multi color red (hot) orange, yellow, green and blue (cold) as it is shown on picture. On picture we can see penetration of cold air because weather stripes missing and some moisture stains
Research & Writing Assignment:
With thermal imaging camera we need to check all surface of the home, especially areas that might have moisture presence or insufficient insulation mostly on corners and outside walls. Every discoloration must be inspected visually and with moisture meter and they need to be in the report
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
Doing a scan in an area where termite remediation took place revealed an exterior wall section with no apparent insulation. My client was concerned after learning that termites had entered the wall from a flower bed outside. What initially started as looking for moisture in the wall turned Into finding a lack of insulation instead.
Research & Writing Assignment:
One area where thermal imaging has helped me is with moisture related items. Being able to identify and find hidden areas has been helpful in diagnosing issues so that the recommendation for a specialist is more specific when it comes to my inspections. Articles about moisture intrusion were good in illustrating the different methods and applications for my camera along with ways to better relate the images to my clients.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
During an inspection we were inspecting a electrical panel with a thermal imaging camera. At this time we did not find any unusual anomalies with the electrical system. With the camera we are able to find any unusually hot breakers which would indicate an excessive current draw, possibly causing an electrical fire.
Research & Writing Assignment:
the purpose of including thermology with in your home inspection is the ability to see any unusual anomalies that you are unable to see with the naked eye. Some things that can be seen are moisture intrusion spots, areas of poor insulation in the walls or attic space,and electrical problems to name a few.
Inspection & Writing Assignment:
This photo was taken from a google search of "infrared thermal pictures of electrical panel
The electrical panel shown in the thermal image has 6 circuit breakers on the right hand side that show they are hot. Because of the thermal readings the panel was not removed for safety of the inspector. Home inspector discussed the possibility of an overloaded circuit but cannot be confirmed. Home inspector recommends further evaluation from a licensed electrician.
