Infrared Thermal Imaging is breakthrough technology for property inspectors.
That's because thermal imaging broadens the inspector's sight beyond the visible light spectrum, to an expanded range of thermal properties available within the infrared bands (of the electromagnetic spectrum). As such, the inspector is able to observe ENERGY patterns that provide clues for phenomena otherwise not evident, or hidden from view; e.g., insulation lapses, hidden moisture conditions, leaking ductwork, faults in HVAC or electric systems, & more.
Thermal Imaging Allows Us to See MORE.
Thermography, infrared technology and skills development is an expensive under-taking, and thermal imaging capabilities far exceed a property inspector's standard's of practice. Most property owners may choose to avoid the considerable expense.
Comparable to MRI technology your doctor might order for more incisive analysis of injury, or isolation of cancer; so too is thermal-imaging an enhanced capability and service for a wide variety of useful, even critical property assessments. Bruce Bowden, BHIS's lead inspector, is ASNT Level 1 Thermography Certified and uses state of the art FLIR imaging cameras.
Infrared thermal imaging scans and analysis, while not overly expensive, are vital to observe actionable conditions otherwise unseen.
Black Hills Inspection Services may occasionally use an infrared imager as part of our general home & property inspection toolkit (e.g., when there is an obvious & specific condition like a water stain, that needs more assessment).
To be sure this capability far surpasses most home & property inspector's ability or interest. However, this use of infrared, should not be confused with a full-house thermal analysis, or energy assessment.
Black Hills Inspection Services Leads the Way!
BHIS, is the FIRST home and property inspection firm in the Rapid City & Black Hills area to offer infrared thermal imaging capability.
The experience gained is crucial, not only to know how best to employ thermal imaging, but also to interpret the images, with a degree of precision. Just because someone may have a thermal imager, does not mean they are properly trained and sufficiently skilled to use it. For example, imagine an inspector declaring an infrared moisture condition, (which directly led to invasive contracting work), that turned out to be properly functioning ductwork. There is more to this capability, than one might anticipate.
BHIS continues to accelerate our lead in thermal imaging, by aggressive investments in skills-development, certification training, & equipment procurements; all in order to enahnce the use of this capability and to expand it beyond property inspections, & to other service areas of benefit. Stay tuned...