The Benefits of Including Thermal Imaging as Part of a Home Inspection

Savvy home buyers should include an infrared inspection when contracting for a home inspection of a property they are seriously considering purchasing. 

Enhancing Home Inspection with Thermal Imaging

Increasing numbers of licensed home inspectors strongly recommend a thermography inspection to prospective home buyers. However, Strathcona Home Inspections goes one step further. We already incorporate Infrared Thermography as a complementary tool to enhance your inspection report. 

How Thermal Imaging Works

What makes a home inspection infrared scan a valued component of an overall inspection? Short answer…the advanced, non-invasive technology used to facilitate an infrared home inspection allows a licensed home inspector to determine things about a home’s condition that a conventional inspection might not detect. For first-time buyers and those experienced with the home buying process, that translates to peace of mind. 

In simple terms, an infrared home inspection uses thermal cameras to translate thermal energy (heat) into visible light so a particular object or scene can be scrutinized. Thermal imaging cameras convert infrared (IR) radiation (heat) such that the resulting images depict the spatial distribution of temperature differences in the area being observed. 

Thermal cameras allow people to see what the unaided eye can’t: essentially, the invisible heat radiation emitted or reflected by all objects, no matter the lighting conditions.

Common Issues Identified Through Thermal Imaging During a Home Inspection

When incorporated specifically as part of an overall home inspection, a thermography inspection can identify and document multiple problematic issues, including:

• Moisture intrusions such as roofing leaks and hidden sources of mold
• Energy issues, including heat loss or spots with missing insulation
• Electrical faults, including ‘hot spots’ which could indicate problems with electrical connections, wiring or other system elements 
• Pest infestations to include termites and rodents.
• Structural defects such as hidden missing structural components and damaged portions.
• Foundation cracks
• Ventilation glitches

Clearly, being aware of these problems before purchase is hugely beneficial. Pretty much a given that buyers don’t want to be surprised by unseen issues that might lead to major problems down the road. 

A word of caution… thermal imaging is an advanced technique that can definitely alert buyers to many potential issues. But an infrared inspection doesn’t eliminate the need for a traditional home inspection performed by a licensed home inspector. There is no substitute for a comprehensive report that relies on a qualified home inspector’s experience and extensive knowledge of all of a home’s systems. So think of infrared technology-to include infrared moisture detection and infrared electrical inspection- as an excellent enhancement to a traditional home inspection. 

Home buying is stressful enough without facing unexpected problems associated with the property under consideration. A comprehensive home inspection that includes an infrared inspection will help ensure purchasers close on the house of their dreams. 

How Can We Help

Strathcona Home Inspections’ licensed professionals deliver high-quality home inspection services throughout the Vancouver Island area. Serving Campbell River, Comox Valley, Courtenay and Northern Vancouver Island, licensed home inspector Royce Babcock, owner of Strathcona Home Inspections, is justly proud of the company’s unwavering commitment to providing thorough and effective home inspections. 

Strathcona has built a solid reputation for providing next-level service. They aim to make the home-buying process as stress-free and efficient as possible. As an illustration, their licensed inspectors use Infrared Thermography as a complementary tool to enhance the final inspection report. Strathcona Home Inspections welcomes the opportunity to exceed your expectations as you navigate the home-buying experience.