Do I need infrared home inspection?
Matthew Shields
Updated on April 06, 2026
Do I need infrared home inspection?
Infrared inspections help to detect where there are leaks on the plumbing system. All modern houses have water and drainage pipes running all over. An infrared thermographic inspection is the best way to detect pipe leaks. Normally the water inside the pipes will have a different temperature than the air outside.
Why would someone want an infrared image of their house?
Infrared scanning allows energy auditors to check the effectiveness of insulation in a building’s construction. The resulting thermograms help auditors determine whether a building needs insulation and where in the building it should go.
What does thermal imaging show in a home inspection?
Thermal imaging finds surface temperatures and can show thermal anomalies. It can also show a surface temperature that differs from what is expected. It’s upon further investigation with other tools that indicate leaks, pests, and electrical issues.
What can an infrared photograph tell you about your house?
The infrared camera shows you in just an instant where insulation is compacted or missing. It shows up as dark blue or violet on my camera. I’ve also used it to locate air leaks in interior walls, of all places! You can also use an infrared camera to help you spot possible water leaks you don’t yet see in your home.
Do home inspectors use thermal imaging?
For the past two decades, home inspectors have been inspecting using thermal imaging. By examining the heat given off by various property systems and components, many inspectors have discovered roof leaks, electrical issues, structural defects, and insulation anomalies.
Can Helicopters see inside your house?
Police Helicopters can see into your home only when looking through a window with the HD color camera. The infrared camera is unable to look through walls, roofs, or structures because it only detects heat given off by an object. It can see if a house, room, or roof is hotter than its surroundings.
What can block infrared cameras?
Any electrically conductive material will block infrared radiation. The greater the conductivity, the greater the blocking. Food wrapped in aluminum foil. Since aluminium foil is a highly conductive material, it will kill all infrared radiation.
What does seeing in infrared look like?
If you could see infrared light, you would see a world of temperature—not color. Any object that has a temperature radiates in the infrared part of the spectrum (even ice). The hottest objects would appear brightest, so the sun will still be at the top of the list.
Does infrared work in daylight?
Thermal imaging cameras contain a special lens which focuses the heat, or infrared energy which is given off by an object onto a detector which is sensitive to heat. So, being that it is unaffected by light, thermal imaging will work just as well in daylight as in complete darkness.
How often should thermal imaging be carried out?
every 12 months
Thermal imaging for all your building’s switchboards should be carried out every 12 months and more frequently if environmental conditions are influential. Many insurance companies are now making thermal imaging a condition of policy renewal.
How much is infrared testing?
You can expect a rate of anywhere between $300 and $500. Electrical systems are often quite quick to inspect since they do not require any prior preparation. If the inspector is to charge for the whole scan, you can expect rates starting from $1000 going up.
What do you need to know about infrared inspection?
Infrared Thermal Imaging Inspections. Thermal Imaging Reports. Infrared (thermal imaging) is an advanced, non-invasive technology that allows the inspector to show clients things about their homes or buildings that can’t be revealed using conventional inspection methods.
Can a home inspection be done with thermal imaging?
Thermal imaging equipment is expensive enough that not every inspector offers this type of ancillary inspection. Nevertheless, those who use IR cameras for both ancillary inspections and as part of their standard home and commercial property inspections will testify that it’s become one of the more indispensable implements in their toolkits.
How are infrared cameras used to detect fire?
IR cameras are equally effective at locating hot spots in the home, including: electrical faults before they cause a fire. Additionally, based on the color gradients that thermal images provide, an inspector can locate:
What is an infrared inspection in Santa Clara County?
However, not everyone knows what an infrared inspection is or its value to Santa Clara County homeowners or homebuyers. An infrared inspection is designed to detect temperature variations in a property using thermal imaging technology.
How is infrared useful in home inspections?
- Insulation verification and heat loss or air leakage
- A complete interior scan for thermal anomalies
- Checking radiant floor heating systems
- Shooting ceilings below 2nd floor plumbing to look for signs of hidden leaks
- Spot checking areas I am concerned about due to other visible red flags
What are the benefits of infrared inspections?
Benefits of Infrared Inspection Reduce unscheduled down time Increase equipment life No service interruption during inspection Lower risks Lower repair costs Increase profits Prevent catastrophic failures Lower insurance premiums due to reduced losses
What is an infrared inspection?
An infrared inspection is designed to detect temperature variations in a property using thermal imaging technology. An infrared home inspection allows you to get a view of the often unseen and unnoticed issues in a property, such as: Air leaks in siding, windows, ceilings, and more.