780-628-4845 (Edmonton -
Leduc)
780-387-1090 (Wetaskiwin & Area)
403-755-1622 (Red Deer
& Area)
Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM
We only use the highest quality tools for our inspections and that is why we use a FLIR Infrared Thermal Imaging Camera. FLIR is the world leader in thermal imaging technology. They provide technology for many applications including:
Building Diagnostics/Inspections, Medical, Automotive, Military, Security, Law Enforcement, and more.
The thermal image above shows heat ducts in a basement. Also notice the dark blue area between the two ducts. This was a joist cavity with a lack of insulation. The basement walls below had not yet been insulated which is why they also appear cooler.
The thermal and digital images above were taken in a basement with a hydronic (water) in floor heating system. Infrared Thermal Imaging can be used to find potential blockages or leaks in these otherwise invisible piping systems.
The thermal image above shows the supply and return piping for the same hydronic heating system discussed above.
Infrared Thermal Imaging (ITI) Services
ITI Inspection Options
Our Infrared Thermal Imaging scans are non-invasive and are to measure surface temperature variations of visible and readily (and safely) accessible portions of the areas described in each option below.
Basic ITI
The Basic ITI scan is only available and is included with our STANDARD Home Inspection. It does not include a detailed ITI scan of the entire house. An ITI camera may be used for localized diagnostics but solely at the inspector's discretion.
Building Envelope ITI
The Building Envelope ITI scan is an evaluation for detecting the presence of moisture, missing or misapplied insulation, significant air infiltration, and more. We scan the following areas:
* Exterior walls (weather and conditions permitting)
* Interior walls
* Floors
* Ceilings
* Attic
* Doors and windows
* Foundation
Starting from $595 (included with our PREMIUM Home Inspection).
(Starting rate is based on 2,500 square feet or less)
Additional square footage (per 500 square feet or portion thereof): $100
The thermal and digital images above were taken outside a newer home with what are considered good quality windows. The thermal image shows the large amount of heat that is lost through windows. This can be much worse in older homes.
The thermal and digital images above were taken inside a home at the basement entry. The thermal image shows cool areas around the door evidenced by the shades of purple and blue. The thermal pattern indicates air infiltration due to a poorly sealed door. Air infiltration and missing or lacking insulation contribute to a large amount of energy loss and high energy costs in many homes.
Energy Survey ITI
The Home Energy Survey ITI scan is an evaluation of client specified areas for missing, lacking, or non uniform insulation, significant air infiltration, and heating and cooling losses.
Starting from $395.
The thermal and digital images above were taken inside a newer home. The thermal image shows a cool area evidenced by the shades of purple and blue. The thermal pattern indicates a lack of attic insulation allowing heat loss. A number of similar areas were found in other walls and ceilings. Areas like this contribute to high energy costs.
Moisture Survey ITI
The Moisture Survey ITI scan is an evaluation of client specified areas for the presence of moisture.
Starting from $395.
The thermal and digital images above were taken inside a brand new home. The thermal image shows a large cool area on this kitchen ceiling. The thermal pattern indicates moisture. This was caused by a plumbing leak on the second floor.
What is Infrared Thermal Imaging?
Infrared Thermal Imaging Technology allows us to see objects outside of the Visible Light Spectrum. The Visible Light Spectrum is what is detected (seen) by your unaided eyes and it lies in the middle of the Electromagnetic Spectrum. The lower energy, lower frequency, and longer wavelength Infrared Light Spectrum (also known as heat waves) is just outside of the Visible Light Spectrum. This is the portion of the Electromagnetic Spectrum that Infrared Thermal Imaging uses.
With an ITI camera, even small variations in the temperature of surfaces can be detected. Because all surfaces have a temperature, a trained thermographer can analyze the surface temperature variations displayed by the camera to find hidden moisture, missing or lacking insulation, overheating electrical circuits, and more.
Variations in temperature are displayed by the ITI camera with different colours. White represents the hottest temperatures and black represents the coldest temperatures. Warm areas are represented by shades of red, orange, and yellow as the temperature increases and cool areas are represented by shades of green, pink, purple, and blue as the temperature decreases.
Hidden moisture in a building is usually seen as a cool area. In the winter, when it is colder outside than inside, missing or lacking insulation will also be seen as cool areas. However, depending on weather, environment, and time of day, the opposite can be true which is why it is important to hire a properly trained thermographer.