BYRON DUERKSEN, ACI, MCI
CERTIFIED MASTER INSPECTOR AND THERMOGRAPHER
707.245.7545 (cell) or 707.355.9067 (office)
Applied Thermography
If you are curious about what thermal imaging is, with an infrared camera the inspector can actually perform building diagnostics. Your inspector has an understanding of the physics of infrared, the principles of thermodynamics and the application of those principles to moisture investigations and building envelope investigations. The IR camera is used for interior moisture investigation issues, for missing or compromised insulation issues and air leak detection issues. You’ll get the most out of your report adding thermal imaging to the inspections.
Our complete infrared home diagnosis will:
* Detect water leaks and their possible origin - walls, ceiling, attic, flooring, roof.
* Detect possible plumbing issues such as leaks - blockages.
* Detect electrical issue which can cause potential fire hazards.
* Detect moisture that cannot be physically reached with moisture meters.
* Check energy efficiency - for heating & cooling loss through windows, walls and insulation.
Results are captured and documented into professional reports, providing tangible proof of our findings that can become important for repair verification.
Each home has its flaws. Homes that are only 20 years old or older can seem to be comfortable and yet they consume up to 100% more energy than is necessary to maintain comfort. Even though homes are built to code, the codes have changed drastically in the last decade or two. And, building codes are only the bare minimum standard of construction technology. Every builder is at the mercy of the trades that do the work and the county or city building inspectors who review and sign off the various stages of construction.
Energy prices continue to rise faster than the rate of inflation. You can have your energy leaks revealed through a thermal imaging inspection and then make some very simple improvements at a feasible cost.
This could reasonably result in a reduction of $1,000 a year to your PG&E bill, which would in turn increase the value of your home significantly.
USE OF THERMAL IMAGING REVEALS WATER LEAKS AND HEAT LOSS
During a home inspection recently, it was discovered that the heat duct above the garage was not air-tight. The thermal imaging camera revealed that air was leaking into the garage -- hot air in the winter and cold air in the summer. Notice that the windows are showing up orange (heat escaping) rather than blue. This was also contributing to the high energy bills.
Most owners don't even notice plumbing leaks under the sink. It's not always an obvious drip. Most of the time it is behind the wall. But when mold forms and cabinets and flooring get ruined, it turns into a costly oversight. A thermal image of the area (blue) during a home inspection will catch this problem that no one can see just by looking.
With a little effort, and not much money, most of us could reduce our energy consumption by 25% or more, doing the earth a favor and also helping our pocketbooks. by An infrared camera shows temperature changes by changes in colors. Maybe you feel that your electric and gas bills are higher than they ought to be. For a reasonable fee, you can be certain about your home' insulation or the lack thereof. Check the air loss around windows, doors and electrical outlets. Requesting a home inspection with a thermal imaging camera and the recommendations to follow will usually save you far more per year than the inspection fee. It pays to to learn how to have a more energy efficient home, so whats holding you back?
National Geographic magazine featured an article on thermal imaging for energy saving in March 2009. CLICK HERE to view article.
HOUSECHECK INSPECTION SERVICES USES AN INFRARED CAMERA FOR THERMAL IMAGING UPON REQUEST.
