Our EXTENDED HOME INSPECTION package includes a full thermal scan of the home

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What is thermal imaging?  Despite what you might have heard or seen, a thermal or infrared (IR) camera can't see through walls or ceilings. Instead, it displays colour images based on the surface temperatures of various materials. To illustrate, think of a digital camera that requires thousands of points (or pixels) to form a photo.  An IR camera on the other hand, requires thousands of points (temperature readings) to display a thermal image. Warmer surface temperatures show up as brighter colours and cooler surface temperatures will show up as darker colours on the IR camera's display.  These can be evaluated by a qualified operator to determine what images are typical and where there might be an issue.

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Can anyone operate a thermal imaging camera?  Anyone can purchase and "use" an infrared camera, but proper training and experience are required to operate one properly and interpret the images it produces accurately.  The cost of an IR camera can run from $300 to $50,000 where the main factors that push up the cost are resolution followed by features.  Proper infrared training for a level 1 certification course can cost $1,500 to $2,000.  There are many camera manufacturers and various models flooding the market with cheap devices that can create a thermal image, but not all of these can or should be used for building diagnostics. Our professional grade IR cameras are specifically built for building diagnostics with 76,800 (320 x 240) and 110,592 (384 x 288) pixel resolution. Our inspectors have completed such training and are Certified Thermographers who have performed thousands of thermal scans on buildings since 2011.

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What problems can a thermal imaging camera find in buildings?

● non-typical supply air duct leaks or blockages
● active moisture problems (ie, damp surfaces from roof, exterior wall/building envelope, and plumbing leaks)
● inadequate/non-existent or significantly compromised insulation
● non-typical heating and cooling losses
● abnormal heat from an appliance or electrical system component

● plumbing issues

● possible vermin or pest infestation
● poor construction/structural defects (under fastening and/or missing framing members)
● damaged and/or malfunctioning radiant heating systems

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Home Inspections and Infrared Thermography

Performing thermography or a thermal scan of a home can add value to your home inspection with another layer of technical depth and possibly locate problems that may not otherwise be found by just a visual inspection.  Our Essential Home Inspection does not include a full IR scan of the house but our inspector can use the IR camera during the home inspection in a localized area on a discretionary basis.  Why does Solex Group charge extra for a full thermal scan of a home?  Mainly because the professional grade IR cameras we use are expensive to purchase/maintain and it takes additional time to perform/report on if any issues are identified.