Inspecting More with Infrared Thermal Imaging Cameras

Everyone knows that home inspections have limitations. The biggest factor is that they are visual inspections – “we can only inspect what we can see.” However, there are tools that help inspectors “see” more and therefore inspect more if they have the proper equipment and training.
This brings us to the subject of our blog this month… infrared cameras. These helpful tools are essential for any home inspection, yet many inspectors do not utilize them. Read on to learn more about how infrared cameras work, what they help home inspectors find, and what their limitations are.

What is an infrared (IR) camera?

Commonly referred to as thermal imaging, infrared cameras allow home inspectors to visualize temperature. Unlike a traditional camera which captures light, an infrared camera captures thermal energy which is converted into an image as shown here (if you have seen the movie Predator, you probably get the idea).

Infrared cameras are different than temperature guns or moisture meters as they display an image instead of just a number and allow us to scan areas and observe changes in temperatures such as moisture.

How do we use infrared cameras?

We scan every home that we inspect with our infrared cameras (at no additional cost). If we find an area that is of concern we investigate the issue further, often times with a moisture meter.

What do they help us find?

Since these cameras “see” temperature, they can be used to find a variety of issues including:

• Plumbing & roof leaks
• Moisture damage
• Missing or minimal insulation
• Improper HVAC operation
• Overheating wires & overloaded electrical circuits

What are their limitations?

Although infrared cameras help us discover many hidden issues, they do not find every hidden problem in a home. Since temperature is the key to these cameras, there must be a sufficient temperature differential to identify an issue. Additionally, they cannot see through walls and cannot be confused with X-ray vision.

Are IR cameras similar to moisture meters?

While both infrared cameras and moisture meters can be used to identify moisture problems, they are very different in how they work. In general, a moisture meter is applied directly to a surface and reads the relative moisture of that specific material. Whereas an infrared camera is scanning a general area and displaying any irregularities in the temperature.

What about infrared thermometers or temperature guns?

Although temperature guns and infrared cameras are similar in the fact that they read temperatures, a temperature gun displays the temperature of a single point as a digital number. An infrared camera takes in thousands of points and combines them into an image that the human eye can read, not just a single number.

The bottom line:

An infrared camera is a great tool which can help a trained home inspector find otherwise hidden issues. However, as we have seen, they are not magical tools that can discover every hidden problem with a home.

We hope you found this note insightful, as we are always striving to provide our clients with valuable information. If you’re in need of a professional home inspection by a licensed home inspector in Ohio or have questions about potential issues in your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to Erie Inspection Service. Our experienced inspectors are here to help ensure your peace of mind and the safety of your home.

About the Writer

This blog was written by Taylor Radloff with Erie Inspection Service. Taylor joined Erie Inspection in 2021 and helps run marketing, accounting, and general strategy for the company. Before joining Erie, Taylor worked for J.P. Morgan as a Multinational Banker in Seattle. Outside of work, Taylor enjoys hiking, golfing, and spending time with his wife and Golden Retriever.