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- Does an infrared (IR) camera transmit dangerous radiation? No. An IR camera (used in a thermographic home inspections) is a passive device like an ordinary digital camera. It measures heat radiation, a different part of the electromagnetic spectrum than observable light, with an array of passive sensors.
- Can an infrared camera “find” water, mold, energy leaks, electrical problems, etc? When analyzed and interpreted by a certified thermographer with an understanding of building and building systems, IR images can be used to determine the presence of these and many other potential problems, but an infrared camera “finds” nothing. It only reveals RELATIVE differences in temperature. (A typical home thermographic inspection does not determine exact temperatures.)
- What is included in a building inspection? Please click here.
- What is not included in a building inspection? Please click here.
- Can an infrared camera see through clothing? No. An IR camera does not take X-Rays. It measure only differences in temperature.
- Why should I pay more for Thermography? The process of inspection is to Observe, Confirm and Comment..Thermography is a powerful discovery and confirmation tool when used by a qualified thermographer who knows construction..The IR spectrum is invisible to the human eye, so an IR camera greatly extends what an inspector is able to observe during a non-invasive inspection. For example, building surfaces near moisture leaks will often be cooler than surrounding surfaces even when moisture has not migrated to where it is visible in ordinary light. An IR camera can often thus “reveal” hidden moisture.
- Will Thermography find every potential problem during an inspection? No. A thermographic evaluation is much more likely to find more than an ordinary visual; inspection, but it is impossible to guarantee that every potential issue will be found, or even be indicated, on the day of inspection.
- Are some times of the day better than others for Thermography? Yes. An IR inspection works best when there are significant differences in temperature between outside and inside air and between various building surfaces. An air-conditioned residence in mid-summer is likely to be easier to inspect thermographically than an unconditioned structure, mid-spring or -fall.
- How long will an inspection take? Most inspections take several hours.
- How long will it take to get the report? The entire reporting process is explained here.
- Can Thermography generate false positives? Yes. NOT every “dark spot” in a thermographic image is proof of the presence of water or moisture. Every IR image must be competently interpreted. This requires two skills, knowing how to competently use an IR camera while understanding construction well-enough to draw sound conclusions. Neither skill by itself is sufficient.