I am now a Certified Residential Thermographer.
What is this and what does this mean?
I have now been trained how to use an infrared camera to help me during the Home Inspection to detect thermal anomalies.
So, at the beginning of every Home Inspection, I will use my infrared camera to scan the property for any thermal anomalies. If I see a water stain or something shows up on the camera that I think may be some moisture, I will test it with my moisture meter. Then after I have done my thorough inspection of the whole property, I will then scan the structure once again, looking for any temperature differentials within the building materials. This is done after the Home Inspection, as during the course of my Home Inspection I will run all faucets and toilets, so if there are any leaks the infrared camera will pick up the temperature differential in the material and help locate these leaks. Once something is noted, I will test it with my moisture meter, looking to confirm that there may possibly be a leak from an upstairs water source.
An infrared camera can also be helpful when looking at an electrical panel during a Home Inspection. The camera will show degree variances on all the breakers and connections. If there is a high temperature differential between some of the breakers, there may be an overloaded circuit. Also, if a connection is showing a higher temperature than the others, there may be a bad connection. Either way, further evaluation from a Licensed Electrician will be needed.
Photos of any areas that I come across will be included in the Home Inspection report to help you identify the location. This will help you and your agent address any areas that the sellers may need repair to prevent any further moisture intrusion.