PO Box 92, Biwabik, MN 55708
In-floor heating
Indication of moisture intrusion
True North Home Inspection, LLC
True North Home Inspection, LLC
True North Home Inspection, LLC
FLIR Camera
True North Home Inspection, LLC
True North Home Inspection, LLC
Infrared images are designed to illustrate areas of thermal temperature differentials. Rather than recording visible light, thermal cameras create images from heat. The photos will show fluctuations in hot/cold energy radiating from the area being photographed.
A Better Altitude, LLC
True North Home Inspection, LLC
A Better Altitude, LLC
Examples
Example # 1 ~ Reference
Example # 1 ~ Reference
Example # 1 ~ Reference
The thermal range is shown in the above image on the right. The temperature is illustrated from (negative) -5.4 degrees to 10.9 degrees on the Fahrenheit scale, with a focused, (center) temperature reading of 4.1 degrees.
The photos can be somewhat alarming to look at, as if energy is literally pouring out of this house! But remember, we are seeing the results of a 16 +/- degree Fahrenheit thermal range in the example photo.
In this example, you can see reflective energy as well as heat-loss energy at the windows. Windows and exterior doors from heated spaces will typically be showing isotherm measurements that are higher on the temperature scale.
Even the most thermally efficient windows and doors will show higher readings due to reflective energy.
You can also see a band of higher temperatures near the ground. This particular home is heated by in-floor hot-water tubing, which heats the concrete slab foundation. The slab temperature is higher than surrounding areas and shows as a thermal band.
Example # 1 ~ Thermal
Example # 1 ~ Reference
Example # 1 ~ Reference
A rise in temperature is visible at the top of the walls, also on either side of the windows. These would indicate wood framing members that act as ‘thermal bridges’, which are conveying heat energy at the exterior of the home. (This would equate to nearly identical features from the interior, but opposite with blue or colder readings). These framing components consist of header material above windows and doors, king studs at the sides of the windows and doors, and vertical wall studs. You can also see a small area of energy loss at a wall vent, most likely for a propane fireplace with a pilot light.
In other words, this image shows a very typical energy efficient home. Yes, there are areas of energy transmission to exterior, but there are no further measures the home-owner could take to prevent this typical energy transmission. Notice, even the trees are producing heat energy on a chilly Winter Day! .
Example # 2 ~ Reference
Example # 2 ~ Reference
Example # 2 ~ Reference
- Heat loss at garage overhead doors and man door and dormer areas.
Example # 2 ~ Thermal
Example # 2 ~ Reference
Example # 2 ~ Reference
Example # 3 ~ Reference
Example # 3 ~ Reference
Example # 3 ~ Reference
- Normal minor heat loss on roof ridge. Melting visible on left side of roof near the ridge, possibly indicating insufficient insulation.
- Dormer areas show possible need for improved insulation, as well.
Example # 3 ~ Thermal
Example # 3 ~ Reference
Example # 3 ~ Reference
3. Lower right shows the heated slab thermal band.
4. You can even see a recent footprint at the garage back door.
Example # 4 ~ Reference
Example # 4 ~ Reference
Example # 4 ~ Reference
- Direct vent from heating system. Appears as extreme heat loss, but always reference the temperature scale.
- Here it is only 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Example # 4 ~ Thermal
Example # 4 ~ Reference
Example # 4 ~ Reference
Example # 5 ~ Reference
Example # 5 ~ Reference
Example # 5 ~ Reference
- Normal heat loss from the windows and reflective energy.
- Thermal bridging at the wall frame and heat energy band at in-floor heated slab.
Example # 5 ~ Thermal
Example # 5 ~ Reference
Example # 5 ~ Reference
Example # 6 ~ Reference
Example # 6 ~ Reference
Example # 6 ~ Reference
Example # 6 ~ Thermal
Example # 6 ~ Reference
Example # 6 ~ Reference
- Gable truss framing above patio door is visible as thermal bridge.
- Thermal and reflective energy at sliding glass door.
- Possible insufficient insulation at wall near exterior light fixture.
- Note heat energy at electric plug-in timer.