RCF PortlandHomeInspections.com

Infrared Thermography

contact phone: 503-809-3116

Are you purchasing a new home or just want to know
more about the one you have?

Infrared thermography is a non invasive way to identify any significant moisture and heating /cooling leaks. When purchasing or building, infrared thermography is a tool that can allow you to proceed forward with the confidence to make an informed decision. If you already have a home, infrared thermography can help tighten up efficiencies and identify water intrusion you may be unaware of.

Doors and windows:

Here in the northwest it is important to pay close attention to our doors, windows and trim. Age of the structure and sometimes questionable building practices, play key roles into sealing any building envelope. How was your home built? Are your windows flashed properly? Could they be letting moisture into your home and wall voids. Biological growth can form on the moisture, putting your health at risk. Holding moisture in a wall void also makes condition conducive for dry rot and great habitat for an assortment of wood destroying organisms. Poorly fitted windows reduce the effectiveness of your insulation and any heating cooling systems must work harder to compensate for the loss. Infrared thermography can be used as a tool to help identify these areas.

Heating and cooling loss:

Rising energy costs and a conscious effort to reduce a carbon footprint has the northwest consumer concerned. Heating and air conditioning running costs can be expensive. Do you have a well sealed (Tight) duct system? Warm and cool air spillage is visible through Infrared thermography. Areas missing insulation are also easily spotted. Your heating and cooling system may be running longer than needed to compensate for leaks. Heating and cooling systems create condensation that needs to be properly directed. Bio growth can accumulate if the environmental conditions are cultured. Infrared thermography allows us to do in minutes what used to take hours of manual checks. A scan of your system may be the key to energy efficiency and a healthy environment.

Roofing and attic areas:

Here in the Northwest there is never a shortage of roof leaks to discover. Roof leaks usually result from poor system installation, age related issues or damage. Water can enter a small hole at the ridge, run the 15lb felt to a seam. Drip from sheathing to the attic area and eventually end up in your walls or ceiling. Attic areas are also great habitat for biological growth when ventilation and convection is poor. Infrared thermography is a useful to tool to detect leaks and help us track the migration of unwanted water. Infrared also allows us to often see thermal patterns of airflow in the attic. Membrane roofing is another type we often see. With a thermal differential it is possible to spot hidden moisture trapped underneath that can damage the sheathing, rafters or trusses.

Siding:

Infrared thermography has greatly improved our ability to identify hidden moisture in and behind the siding. The extent of areas damaged by moisture is often visible with the Infrared camera. Leaks left undiscovered can cause damage that can cost in the thousands to repair. Infrared thermography is an affordable precaution and a preventative step toward identification of problematic areas.

There are some limitations to infrared thermography. This is not “Superman X Ray Vision”. This not intended to point out every small problem or defect. Climatic conditions at the time of the consultation, reflective surfaces and solar loading all play key roles. This should not be confused with a code inspection, or any guarantee of any kind. The Infrared consultation is offered only as a valuable tool to provide additional knowledge to the purchaser or existing home owner.