Infrared Thermal Imaging
Associated Inspection Firm is a full-service provider of infrared inspection services throughout the Northwest. We’re committed to helping building owners, home buyers, and maintenance technicians diagnose problems in a non-destructive manner.
What is Infrared Thermal Imaging?
Infrared is just beyond the spectrum of visible light, beyond what we can see as humans. Infrared thermal imaging is the use of a state-of-the-art infrared camera to put energy and heat into an image, or picture visible to the human eye. Almost everything changes temperature before it fails, which allows us to observe and diagnose problems in most objects without the need for invasive or destructive discovery. Infrared is now being used in the medical and veterinary field and it has become an invaluable tool for home inspection.
This science, however, is much more than just looking through a camera and seeing the problem. The examiner needs to be trained and experienced with building components and equipment. Most images scanned will show some type of anomaly. It takes experience and education to properly diagnose the image It’s just too easy to misdiagnose an image without extensive, hands-on experience. James Fronsdahl with Associated Inspection Firm has been using Infrared thermal imaging throughout the Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington area as a diagnostic tool since 2006. With thousands of building components scanned we have the experience to identify issues immediately, on the spot.
Infrared and Home Inspections
Associated Inspection Firm uses infrared thermal imaging in conjunction with home inspections throughout the area. We use infrared to diagnose problems that any other home inspector without this technology and training would have missed, basically because they could not see it. With the infrared, we have identified numerous issues including: exterior water intrusion, rotted siding, overheating electrical circuits, new homes missing required insulation, and rodents nesting within walls.
This technology allows us to see the problems before they escalate into major issues. Infrared also helps diagnose the extent of an issue. For example, moisture and mold are interrelated, the longer the building material stays wet the worse the mold problem becomes. Early detection with infrared can reduce damage and costs.
“This technology can help reduce your financial risk as a buyer”
Associated Inspection Firm, Inc. works with electrical, roofing, exterior, insulating, heating and cooling, and mechanical trades professionals in Portland, Oregon to assist in finding and diagnosing existing problems as well as preventive and predictive maintenance.
Types of Thermal scans we perform throughout the Northwest:
- Energy Efficiency Inspection – Pinpoint heating and cooling loss.
- Infrared Leak Detection - Flat roof, Stucco, and Moisture investigation.
- Electrical Inspection – Detect poor connections, short circuits, overloads.
- Locate & Document - Hydronic or electric heating systems.
Be sure to look at the slideshow that shows the many problems we have been able to detect with infrared technology throughout the Northwest.
Please call or e-mail for more information.