Cary Seidner
430 Elmwood
Evanston, Illinois 60202
847.401.4255 cary@seidnerpi.com

Infrared Thermal Imaging

Infrared thermal imaging uses infrared technology to detect very small differences in temperature. Every material has a unique thermal signature and when moisture, heat or cold are introduced into the structure the thermal signature changes. The changes can be subtle or dramatic but with this incredible thermal image scanning technology the thermal signatures are detectable where they wouldn't be able to be seen with the naked eye.

Applications:

• Moisture Detection in Walls, Floors and Ceilings - Thermal imaging is a great tool that helps to identifying water in walls, floors, and ceilings. By detecting the difference in temperature between a wet area and the surrounding dry areas thermal imaging can help detect moisture issues and their source, which would not be visible during a visual/non-destructive home inspection. The cause of mold within a structure is moisture.  Infrared can identify wet and dry building materials thus tracking moisture intrusion to its source.  Once located the problem areas can be addressed before they become more severe. We can monitor the drying process and can verify when the area is dry. It is also great at identifying areas where the insulation is missing, marginal or disturbed.

• Energy Loss Evaluations - Thermal imaging is an excellent instrument to help identify areas of energy loss in your home, especially now that energy rates are on the rise. Thermal imaging allows us to identify areas of heat loss and cold air influx around the building envelope. Once the energy wasting areas are identified, then changes can be made to make a dramatic difference in energy consumption which means more money in your pocket. Most of these changes are very inexpensive and the cost for this service usually pays for in less than 1 year!

• Roof Inspections - If your roof is sloped, we can view the underside of the structure from the attic to identify wet sheathing. Catching roof leaks at an early stage can save you big dollars in interior repairs, and stop wood rot and mold growth in your home. If you have a leak on a new to mid life flat roof and have been told that a new roof is needed, then call us first. We may be able to save you a substantial amount of money. Thermal imaging can be used to detect the precise location of the leak and mark the affected area so that repairs can be made to the leaking area.

• Electrical Inspections – Loose or dirty electrical connections and failing circuit breakers or wires in the electrical panels can cause power outages and possible fires. Thermal imaging can detect hot spots in the electrical system not visible to the naked eye which may be a sign to a larger issue. The provided thermal images allow licensed electricians to quickly identify the problem areas and make repairs, which will save you money.

• Plumbing Inspections - Water leaks from the plumbing system often leak undetected until major damage has occurred. We can scan in, under, and around plumbing fixtures in the home to determine if there is active leaking going on. Since this tool is not a moisture meter we will use it to find heat anomalies and then pursue the issue further to attempt to determine the source and cause of the leak. Thermal image scanning can detect temperature anomalies in the plumbing system not visible to the naked eye which may be a precursor to a larger issue. The provided thermal images can be a great aid for the plumber hired to address the identified issues.

• Stucco & EIFS Inspections - While we do not perform stucco / EIFS moisture tests, we can now scan these materials and look for problems in areas where we suspect damage may exist.  If there is rot behind the stucco it is often visible with thermal scanning in the form of heat anomalies.

• Wood Destroying Insect Activity - Significant wood destroying insect activity can be detected using this technology due to the heat generated by active infestations. That's right, active termite activity produces a great deal of heat that is often visible to the infrared camera. Minor activity may not be detectable but areas not normally visible to the naked eye can be identified, and then a more invasive or technically exhaustive inspection can be carried out by the appropriate professional.

Here is a short list of some of the other things we can inspect with infrared thermal imaging:

• Inspecting radiant heated floors, ceilings and other concealed heating systems

• Locating basement leaks at the unfinished or finished walls

• Locating plumbing drain line blockages

• Locating potential sources for mold

HVAC inspections and diagnostics

• Identifying mechanical malfunctions

• And much much more…