Advantage Inspection Service is your trusted source for comprehensive and reliable home inspections. Our inspectors use thermal imaging cameras and the latest inspection techniques to provide you with an accurate evaluation of the property. We understand the importance of having a clear understanding of a property before making a purchase; that’s why we strive to deliver thorough and accurate inspection services. Choose the experts at Advantage Inspection Service to help you make informed decisions about your property.
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Uncover Hidden Issues with Infrared Inspections!
When considering a thermal imaging inspection for your property, it’s important to ask yourself why you want this type of inspection and if you are willing to pay the added cost for a properly conducted infrared inspection.
A standard home inspection performed by a licensed inspector is usually the first step in the screening process for potential defects in a property. During this inspection, important areas of the property, such as the attic, roof surfaces, and electrical panels, are evaluated to identify any signs of moisture intrusion, hidden damage, missing insulation, and more.
While an infrared inspection can provide additional information, it is not a replacement for a thorough home inspection performed by a qualified inspector. Before deciding on an infrared inspection, consider if there is something specific at the property that raises a concern and necessitates this type of inspection.
Factors that Affect the Accuracy of Infrared Inspections
- The temperature differential (Delta-T) between the interior and exterior of the property should be at least 18 degrees Fahrenheit for several hours prior to the inspection.
- Humidity, wind speed, direction, sun location, and recent precipitation can all impact the results of an infrared inspection, making it difficult to have the correct climate conditions during a home inspection.
- An infrared inspection to detect roof leaks should be done two hours after sunset when the air temperature is cooling, but the roofing system remains warm.
- For accurate electrical and thermal inspection, circuits must be under load for several hours prior to the evaluation.
- Items hung on walls or placed near walls should be removed several hours prior to the evaluation to ensure a reliable interior infrared inspection.
Thermal Imaging in Home Inspections: What You Need to Know
Having a comprehensive and accurate evaluation of a property before making a purchase is crucial in today’s market. Thermal imaging cameras have become a popular tool in home inspections, but it’s important to understand that they are not always accurate and may lead to false readings.
Choosing the right home inspection service with qualified and experienced inspectors who use state-of-the-art equipment is crucial to getting an accurate evaluation. While quality thermal imaging cameras and basic training (Level 1 thermographer) cost around $7,000 to $10,000 with additional annual renewal and calibration costs, the cost of a proper scan of a house can nearly double the total inspection cost.
Some home inspectors use thermal imaging as a marketing tool, but with inadequate training, inferior equipment, and no equipment calibration, the chance of missing defects or producing false positives is high. That’s why it’s important to choose a home inspection service that is performed by qualified and experienced inspectors who can interpret the results correctly.
At Advantage Inspection Service, we strive to provide our clients with the most thorough and accurate inspection services. If our inspectors find evidence of a problem during a standard home inspection, we suggest that an expert further investigates with proper diagnostic tools, which might include a thermal imager.
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