Infrared Thermography Inspections

Infrared thermography uses a sophisticated (code for expensive) camera to detect, measure, and
take pictures of heat from objects. A thermographic image, when captured and interpreted by a
trained thermographer, can detect problems that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Infrared
thermography can reduce the need for contact with components that are dangerous to touch or are
in areas that are difficult or dangerous to reach. Infrared thermography can reduce the need for
costly invasive or destructive testing and can more accurately locate problems so that corrective
measures can be effectively targeted.

Infrared thermography is not like an X-ray. An infrared camera cannot see through objects. The
camera sees heat from an object and sees the differences in heat between nearby objects. The
camera may also see heat from other objects that may be reflected off the target object. Reflected
heat and other thermal anomolies can produce false readings. That is one reason why training is
required to properly capture and interpret thermographic images.

Infrared thermography has several applications in building inspection and building defect
identification. The most common applications include:

1. Energy efficiency inspections. These inspections can locate missing and improperly installed
insulation. They can locate excessive air infiltration around doors and windows, around wall and
ceiling penetrations (such as around light fixtures and electrical receptacles), and under
wood-framed exterior walls.

2. Moisture intrusion inspections. These inspections can locate water leaks behind or in walls, floors,
ceilings, and roof coverings.

3. Electrical safety inspections. These inspections can locate defective or improperly installed circuit
breakers and switches before they overheat or arc and cause a fire.

4. Structural defect inspections. These inspections can locate certain structural defects in exterior
walls. Examples of such defects include missing support beams and headers, missing supports for
beams and headers, and missing structural steel in masonry and concrete walls.

A certified thermographer is a person who successfully completes a recognized infrared certification
course. This course usually includes several days of classroom training, a proctored written
examination, and completion of a practical infrared field assignment including production of a written
report. Anyone can buy an infrared camera and offer thermography services; however, these
cameras are difficult to use and the thermographic images are difficult to interpret without proper
training. As is true for most professions, third-party certification is an assurance that the person has,
at least, been trained and has demonstrated the ability to put that training to practical use.

When we perform a thermography inspection with a comprehensive home inspection, our
professional fee is between $100 and $200 per inspection type for most homes. For example, the
professional fee for an energy efficiency and an electrical safety inspection would be $100 for each
inspection when performed with a comprehensive home inspection for a home under 2,500 square
feet.

Certain thermography inspections produce better results when performed alone. For example, in the
Phoenix area, most moisture intrusion inspections should be performed after one of our infrequent
rain events for best results. During the spring and fall in Phoenix, it is sometimes impractical to
schedule an energy efficiency inspection with a comprehensive home inspection. This is because
there may not be enough difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures to achieve an
accurate thermographic scan. When performed alone, our professional fee is between $100 and
$200 per inspection type plus a $75 trip charge for most homes and for most locations.

Please call our office to discuss your infrared thermography needs and our professional fees for this
specialized service.

When you hire Dream Home Consultants you expect through and professional inspections.
Thorough and professional thermographic inspections require time, training, and professionalism.
They required time, training, and professionalism to plan and conduct the inspection. They require
time, training, and professionalism to analyze and interpret the inspection results. They require time,
training, and professionalsim to produce a written report of any findings. They require time, training,
and professionalism to know when NOT to perform a thermographic inspection.

It's easy to wave an infrared camera around and appear to conduct a thermographic inspection. You
may find something worth reporting. You may also miss conditions worth reporting because the
inspection was not performed under the proper conditions or was not performed using the proper
infrared inspection techniques. You also run the risk of reporting false positives (conditions that
appear as problems but are not problems).

As the consumer of professional inspection services, the choice is yours. Choose wisely.