Can You See What I See?
Infrared Technology at Work for You
Using a state-of-the-art infrared camera, Wise Move Home Inspections gathers information that is not visible to the human eye. The infrared camera identifies potential problems in buildings and in their plumbing, electrical and mechanical components. Our infrared camera makes it possible to detect problems before they become larger and more costly.
Apply this specialized, cost-effective, valuable diagnostic tool to your pending property purchase or to the property you occupy. For example, infrared images can show where water is leaking below the floor. Since this moisture might not be evident from above—or from the ceiling below, if it’s on the second level—it would be easy to overlook. This is an important determination, because drywall that is damp for more than 48 hours will grow mold. Mold can spread quickly and presents significant health concerns.
Infrared cameras are based on thermography, which is the ability to measure thermal energy emitted from an object. The camera used by Wise Move Home Inspections detects and measures wavelengths too long to be recognized by the naked eye (the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that humans perceive as heat). Note that, although the images delivered by the infrared camera are detailed, the camera is not taking x-ray images.
How Infrared Cameras Work
Infrared cameras detect infrared energy and convert it into an electronic signal, producing a thermal image and performing temperature calculations. In some cases, an infrared camera eliminates the need to make actual contact with a structure or its deep interiors to determine characteristics that could be problematic. Heat sensed by an infrared camera is quantifiable. As a result, it is possible to identify and evaluate the potential severity of problems indicated by the presence or absence of heat.
Services, Wise Move Home Inspections
Thermal images and related explanations are provided in your Wise Move Home Inspection report. We look for the following concerns, if they exist.
Missing or Damaged Insulation
We can detect missing, wet and damaged insulation. If it is missing or damaged around doors, pipes, windows, or electrical outlets your energy costs are higher than they need to be. In the winter, insulation that is in good shape prevents cold air from entering your home while it prevents heated air from escaping. In summer months, insulation keeps the house cooler.
Faulty Electrical or HVAC Systems
We can identify overloaded circuits, loose electrical connections, faulty wiring, and malfunctioning HVAC ducts.
Roof Leaks
Over time unrecognized roof leaks can result in expense damage to the building and to its contents, not to mention the hassle to its occupants. An infrared inspection can pinpoint the areas that demand repair, sometimes avoiding the need (and cost) of replacing the whole roof.
Exterior Construction Mistakes
Water can leak through homes and commercial building exteriors made of stone, stucco, brick veneers, and siding used on homes and commercial buildings. We can locate places that moisture may be getting through, and how it is traveling within the walls, which can happen if these materials are not applied correctly.
Moisture or Mold
Using an infrared camera and a moisture meter, we can find water damage in walls and ceilings, locate the cause, and tell you the scope of the damage. Moisture indicates that mold may be present. If caught in time, you can prevent mold.
Expertise
Advancements in infrared technology provide more thorough assessments of homes and buildings, but it’s also important that those using the camera are trained to interpret its data. Proper training in thermography allows Wise Move Home Inspections to collect and decipher the information correctly. We specialize in providing reports that are meaningful to you and easy to understand, timely (so that you can apply the information quickly and move forward), and comprehensive.
Carl Pennick of Wise Move Home Inspections is a long-time professional. In addition to successfully operating a property inspection business here in Florida, he has been in related industries for almost 30 years.
You will be glad that you hired a full-service home inspector who is certified by five national and regional industry associations, including NACHI & Certified Master Inspectors.
