Home inspection tools have evolved over the years to simplify inspectors’ lives. Inspectors can now complete jobs faster with moisture meters, AFCI/GFCI testers and CO analyzers. These tools made the job easier and faster and allowed inspectors to add additional services to their reports. Infrared and thermography fit all these categories. They have become a top service that inspectors should be certified in.

Infrared thermography is the science of capturing and processing thermal information with non-contact measurement instruments. This involves analyzing infrared radiation (IR) emitted by an object whose temperature exceeds absolute zero. This wavelength is not visible in the visible spectrum of light, so infrared measuring instruments are needed to capture and process it.

The thermal imaging camera detects heat signatures and displays them on a gradient scale. Lighter colours indicate areas that are hotter and darker colours indicate cooler areas.

Signifying cooler areas. Infrared is not reflected light from an object. This makes it possible for IR cameras not to be limited by traditional visible-light cameras.

• IRT is non-contact technology. The devices are not in direct contact with heat sources, creating a safer working environment.
• IRT creates two-dimensional thermal images that can be compared with visible light cameras.
• IRT is a real-time scanner that allows high-speed scanning of images.
• IRT is both safe and effective
• IRT is not invasive and won’t disturb or affect the target region.

IRT was first used as a military technology during the 1970s, but it became commercially available soon. Today, the technology is used in many fields, including engineering, medicine, surveillance, and building diagnostics. This includes home inspections. Home inspectors can use IRT training to help identify defects that might not have been obvious in routine inspections. It can also reveal additional defects and underlying causes and make the job easier.

Thermography or infrared imaging uses special instruments to detect and visualize heat spectrums. This allows home inspectors follow heat flow through a system. These instruments include:

Spot radiometer: These devices, also known as point radiometers, are used to measure individual points within a home. The data is then compiled by the home inspector to identify temperature fluctuations.

Thermal scanner: This device displays a line image with thermal variations that is superimposed over a scan area.

Thermal imaging camera: A thermal camera that captures heat loss in an area is more detailed than spot radiometers or thermal line scanners.

To get better and more detailed results, home inspectors may include a blower in their thermographic inspections. A blower door creates negative pressure in the room and allows air to be drawn in from the outside. This will indicate heat leakage areas.

IRT Home Inspections

It is your responsibility to find any serious defects in your home. However, sometimes they may not be obvious. IR cameras are a useful tool for inspectors to identify hidden defects when they are included in routine inspections. You can create a better report by understanding the principles of IR as well as how to interpret data.