Thermography, or thermal imaging, can be a valuable tool during a property inspection for identifying temperature differences that can reveal otherwise hidden issues. Here are some ways our inspectors use thermography effectively during a property inspection:

1.  Detecting Insulation Issues:

• • Use thermography to identify areas with poor or missing insulation. Cold spots in walls, ceilings, or floors may indicate insulation problems.
  • Look for heat loss around windows and doors, which can help homeowners improve energy efficiency.

2.  Finding Moisture Intrusion:

• • Thermal imaging can reveal hidden water leaks and moisture intrusion. Wet areas often appear cooler than dry ones on the thermal image.
  • Inspect ceilings, walls, and floors for signs of water damage, which might not be visible to the naked eye.

3.  Electrical Inspections:

• • Check electrical systems for overheating components, loose connections, or faulty wiring. Hotspots in electrical panels or outlets can be a fire hazard.
  • Be cautious when inspecting electrical systems and consider consulting a professional electrician if issues are found.

4.  HVAC System Efficiency:

• • Assess the efficiency of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system by checking for temperature variations in ductwork, radiators, or baseboard heaters.
  • Look for blockages or damage in HVAC ducts that could affect airflow.

5.  Identifying Roof Leaks:

• • Inspect the roof for potential leaks or damage. Wet insulation or areas with trapped moisture can show up as cool spots on the thermal image.
  • Scan the roof surface for temperature anomalies that may indicate damaged or missing shingles.

6.  Plumbing Leaks:

• • Locate plumbing leaks by scanning walls and ceilings for cool spots caused by water seepage.
  • Check for hidden leaks in radiant floor heating systems.

To use thermography effectively during a property inspection, it’s essential to have the right equipment and training. At  Inspect Montana we are certified by InterNACHI.

Here is what you might expect from the use of thermal imaging during our typical property inspections: 

• General scan of walls, ceilings, and floors for cold spots indicating poor insulation or water intrusion
• Electrical panels for hot spots indicating equipment nearing failure
• HVAC distribution and equipment confirming functionality and proper distribution

The use of thermographic equipment is based on the good judgment of the inspector.

We will perform more detailed, specific, and comprehensive thermographic inspections upon request.