Did you read our previous blog on Infrared and Your Home?  If not, take a few minutes to read our last blog to get a basic idea of what infrared (IR) or thermal imaging is. This past December, three of our inspectors took a 16 hour class on infrared. We learned a lot and we want to continue to enlighten you about how we here at Wiemann Home Inspection can benefit you, the home buyer or homeowner, in regards to IR and your home.

Infrared can spot potential water leak issues. “How,” you ask? Locations where there are differences in temperature may indicate potential areas of moisture.

See how the images differ? If you see water spots or stains, it’s a good indicator that water or moisture was present at one time. If we do see an issue, we have moisture meters to read how wet the area is. By using these technologies, we can pinpoint problematic areas.

Infrared, Windows and More

This is where most people think that infrared helps, and it does. You can ask questions like: Do you feel a draft on a windy day? Do you hear the wind seemingly coming through the walls or doors?

These may be a few of the causes: 

• The house has settled and the foundation has slightly shifted. 
• It may need insulation.
• The window framing may have warped over the years.

What Can I Do?

First and foremost, have your home inspected by someone who is trained at infrared. Be sure to ask if your inspector has taken classes, or if they just happen to have an infrared camera. It’s one of the reasons we chose to be certified by Monroe Infrared Technology. After being fully educated on IR we realized how little we really knew!