THERMAL IMAGING

 

IR camera

Home inspections Toronto|Thermal imaging inspections Toronto

Thermography is a detection and imaging of thermal infrared energy. All objects on earth above the temperature of absolute zero emit infrared heat. Higher surface temperature emits more infrared energy. With the help of infrared camera it is possible to detect and image very small differences in temperature of the surface.  However infrared camera is not an X-Ray and it cannot see through the wall or other solid surfaces including glass. As a matter of fact it cannot see beyond the paint layer of the wall. But it can detect anomalies due to the emitting qualities of the material. We offer various infrared inspections in Toronto. You can choose our Premium home inspection for residential house or standalone commercial infrared inspection. We can add infrared scan to our energy audit that will increase its value and determine energy deficiencies more accurately. We conduct infrared scans in Toronto, Mississauga, Richmond Hill and surrounding areas.

All materials emit infrared energy differently. Some of them like paint, wood, carpet or plastic emit very well. Others like shiny metals do not. In fact these materials and some other that have smooth surfaces such as glass or ceramic may reflect infrared. A skilled thermographer should know how to deal with these materials, understand the principles of thermodynamics and heat transfer and be able to analyze properly very small temperature variances in the infrared image.

 With the affordable prices for infrared cameras in the last ten years this technology became available to home inspectors, energy auditors, insulation contractors to help solve and correct unseen problems related to heat, air and moisture intrusion in Toronto residential and commercial buildings. However thermography is not just about using cameras. In fact it is not about this at all. Thermography is about correct interpreting of the image by a qualified and trained professional who understands thermodynamics and material properties.

 

 Bathroom moisture        

 

Thermography can detect various problems, such as moisture behind a wall, air leakage related to discomfort of the occupants, missing or damaged insulation, problems with mechanical or electrical equipment, problems with sealed windows, structural issues related to missing studs or thermal bridging, malfunction of the radiant heating, etc. For proper detection of these problems, however, there should be the right conditions present at the time of inspection.  For example, insulation inspection requires a minimum 10 degrees F temperature difference across the wall. Air leakage requires pressure difference between inside and outside. Moisture detection requires low relative humidity or change in temperature. Electrical inspection requires significant load on the circuits. In summary all this requires a trained, knowledgeable and experienced thermographer to perform an inspection and interpret the results correctly. When performing infrared inspection outside a thermographer should account for wind and sun effect on the structure. Proper interior inspection requires use of the Blower Door for creating adequate pressure differential. 

 

Side door     

 

Yuri Olhovsky is a Certified Level I thermographer. He received his training from The Snell Group, the largest training company in the world. His training has met and exceeded all the educational requirements of American Society of Non-destructive Testing (ASNT) for Level I certification. Yuri’s knowledge and experience will help you to identify issues and concerns with your property whether on a standalone inspection or as a part of a Premium home inspection. Thermal imaging inspections are conducted 7 days a week in Toronto, Mississauga, Richmond Hill and surrounding areas.

 


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