Thermal Imaging

Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging uses infrared radiation to make sources of heat visible to the naked eye. Warm areas appear red, yellow, and orange, while cool spots are blue, green, or purple. It’s an excellent way to detect potential problems in a home before they cause serious damage. Gerard Home Inspection offers thermal imaging inspections for homes of all sizes and ages to provide homeowners or buyers with vital information before moving forward with the sale.

Reasons to Consider Thermal Imaging for a House Inspection

A visual inspection is essential to spot many structural issues, but a thermal imaging home inspection provides a more comprehensive property assessment. If the home has moisture damage or significant air leaks that require attention, homebuyers can use the data from the thermal scan to negotiate the price of the home.

 

Thermal imaging equipment delivers results in real-time; you don’t have to wait weeks to know if you have a potential problem. Requesting this type of inspection will provide more peace of mind and give you the information you need to make an informed decision.

A blue house with a white garage door.
A person is holding a thermal camera in their hand.

How Does Thermal Imaging Work?

Everything emits infrared radiation, and the sensors in a thermal scanning device detect heat waves and convert them into electrical signals with colors visible to the human eye. Thermal imaging is a noninvasive method that can save you time, money, and labor in the future. Remember that this type of inspection is most useful when combined with a standard home inspection.

What Can a Thermal Imaging Home Inspection Detect?

A thermal imaging inspection is one of the best ways to find air leaks and insufficient insulation. Attics, doors, and windows are common places where homes lose warm air. Proper insulation will keep your home more comfortable and reduce your energy usage. Thermal imaging can reduce the chances of costly water leaks in the future.

 

Infrared imaging will show water spots within the walls or the roof before you even know there’s a problem. It can also expose potential electrical problems by finding hot spots near the wiring. Thermal scanners can even detect insect or rodent infestations by picking up body heat.

Preparing for a Thermal Imaging Inspection

Thermal scans detect temperature differences, so the temperature inside your home should be at least 20°F warmer or cooler than the outdoors. Adjust your HVAC system accordingly, close all exterior doors and windows, open interior doors to allow for uninterrupted airflow, and turn off any heat-producing appliances, like ovens or space heaters. Move large pieces of furniture away from the walls and open your drapes or shades so the thermal imaging device can scan the entire area.

Thermal Imaging Home Inspection FAQs

  • Do you provide thermal imaging?

    Yes, we use thermal imaging technology to detect hidden issues like water leaks, insufficient insulation, and electrical overheating.

  • Is thermal imaging accurate?

    When performed correctly, a thermal imaging scan can highlight minute differences in temperature. Things that can affect the accuracy of this type of inspection include the distance from the equipment to the area of interest and the surrounding environmental factors, including reflective surfaces that do not register temperature properly. 

  • Is a thermal imaging home inspection safe?

    Thermal imaging detects infrared radiation; it doesn’t produce radiation or other harmful products, making it safe for your family and pets. 

  • Are thermal imaging inspections worth the cost?

    All inspections have the same purpose – identifying unseen problems before they become severe. Not having a thermal imaging inspection will save you money now but at the risk of expensive damage in the future. Early detection of issues will cost less, take less time to repair, and often require less invasive repair methods. 

  • How often should I have a thermal imaging inspection?

    Depending on your home's age and current condition, we recommend scheduling a thermal imaging inspection every one to three years. 

Contact Us for Thermal Imaging Inspections Near Northern Kentucky

Give yourself a financial advantage by scheduling a thermal home imaging inspection today. The professionals at Gerard Home Inspection will treat you and your property with respect and conduct ourselves with honesty and integrity.

 

Gerard Home Inspection proudly serves Northern Kentucky, Cincinnati, OH, and Southeast Indiana. Call us today at (859) 878-7768 in Northern Kentucky or (513) 387-9173 in Cincinnati to schedule an inspection or answer any questions. We look forward to serving you!

Share by: