Best In Class Inspections is a CERTIFIED Thermographer

Anyone can buy an infrared camera, but without the proper education it is easy to misinterpret what it's showing.  A certified thermographer understands how to identify and document thermal patterns caused by improper design, workmanship defects, and material failures, while avoiding false positives. 

Thermal imaging uses infrared technology to decipher temperature differences on surfaces

Why do we care?  Simple...it highlights potential problems during inspections:

Roof Leaks
When moisture makes its way past the exterior protective surfaces, it can wreak havoc on a home.  Building materials can be badly damaged, the home structure can be compromised, and unhealthy conditions can result like the development of mold.  When the roof is warmed by daily sun load, it can heat water under the roofing surface.  Water is an excellent conductor of heat and so it presents a warmer signature than the surrounding materials.

A roof leak detected on the finished attic ceiling

Moisture Intrusion Through Basement Walls
​One of the biggest fears of homeowners is leaking basement walls.  Fixing the leak and preventing future water intrusion is difficult and costly.   Once the water makes its way through the foundation, it will evaporate off the wall as it dries.  When water evaporates, it leaves a cooler signature than the surrounding materials, which can be picked up by a thermal imager.

Water leaking into basement after a storm

Plumbing Leaks
A burst pipe is easy to detect - a homeowner doesn't need a pro to alert him/her of that.  Many leaks are slow, however.  A slow leak from a kitchen or bathroom fixture could exist for a long time before it's discovered, which leads to perfect conditions for mold growth.  Thermal imaging can detect colder signatures created by evaporation of domestic water that soaked into finished surfaces. 

A leaking shower pan on the floor above allowed water in the ceiling 

Missing Insulation
Comfortable temperatures in the home are provided by heating and cooling systems.  Maintaining those temperatures is more challenging when the home lacks adequate insulation.  Without an effective barrier between the living space and outside, heating and cooling the home will be more costly.  An infrared camera can show a thermal break behind walls and ceilings.

No insulation installed in top half of exterior wall  (Summer)