New Homeowner in Germany: Is Thermal Imaging Reliable? Advice Needed!

Specific Inspection Topics Interior Inspections
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Hi everyone! Just got my keys to a new-build apartment in NRW, Germany (fully furnished with underfloor heating). Saw online that thermal cameras can instantly detect pipe leaks/wall defects, but I’m clueless about this. Need your wisdom:

:one: Will thermal imaging work reliably in German weather (10-25°C) on tiled floors with water-based heating?

:two: Will developers honor self-inspection results? (Scared of legal traps :police_car_light:)

:three: Any cheaper alternatives or local inspector recommendations? Ballin’ on a budget but scared of hidden issues!

Thanks in advance! English/Deutsch replies welcome! :folded_hands:

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You put the cart before the horse.

1: Yes. Locate good thermographer with a sensitive camera.

2: Don’t know. Not privy to your liability.

3: Just spend the money so you understand what you purchased. Remember, You put the cart before the horse.

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1 Thermal imaging will work anywhere in the world. Interpretation of the readings requires operator training and experience.

  1. That is a question for a lawyer familiar with your location.

  2. If you are looking for moisture a moisture meter and knowledge of the homes structure will be more affordable and a necessary step even after thermal imaging.

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  1. Yes.
  2. Self inspect, then call an expert in.
  3. Buy a cheap moisture meter. Better yet, get an inspector who knows what he’s looking for.

There are inexpensive thermal imagers that plug into USB-C ports on your phone that will show a temperature gradient that is caused by moisture. I was testing an inexpensive imager that plugs into my phone. I took it to my father in law’s house over Easter and the upstairs toilet developed a leak at the seal. You could easily see this with the thermal. You couldn’t tell by touch though. A moisture meter would have also detected it. The difference is the thermal camera cost about $200 retail in the US and a moisture meter can be be had for about 1/4 of that. The difference is you can see a thermal problem quickly, without running a meter over your whole house.

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Good answers above. Infrared Cameras (IR) are not magic and do not see inside walls as I just read yesterday on some inspector’s website. But they do find issues that are not visible with normal light. Since your main interest is in using IR, I strongly recommend making sure that you hire a thermographer with at least Level 1 training. Chances are, they will charge more, but their reporting should be more qualified and accurate, than some guy/gal that bought a C2 at the pawn store.

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