Why Infrared Cameras are the Future of Attic Inspections
When you hear “thermal imaging,” it may bring to mind something out of a spy movie, a piece of equipment more suited for a sci-fi novel than home improvement. However, infrared cameras and thermal imaging are drastically changing how attic and home inspections are done. At Koala Insulation, we use infrared thermal imaging to inspect your attic for drafts and “hot spots” and design the perfect insulation plan for your home.
Why should I have my attic and home inspected with thermal imaging?
Having your attic or home inspected with thermal imaging saves you both time and money in the long run. Thermal imaging can identify unseen problems with your insulation, and by fixing these issues, you will reap the savings of a more energy-efficient home for years to come. Thermal imaging is also a completely “touchless” and non-destructive way of locating and identifying problems in your home. It can see through walls and identify issues with everything from insulation to pipes. It can also detect hairline cracks and leaks that would be nearly impossible to identify with the naked eye. By correcting more of these small, often overlooked issues, you’ll be able to enjoy a much more efficient home for much longer.
How thermal imaging works
Infrared thermal imaging is a process that uses a special camera to detect and measure emitted thermal energy (heat). The device processes these measurements into a visual format known as a “thermal image.” Warmer areas will appear as yellow, orange, or red, while cooler areas will appear as shades of blue in a high-contrast image of whatever you’re examining. These images show how much heat or moisture is present in any given area, making them incredibly useful for attic inspections. Infrared cameras can see what the naked eye cannot, and they can also scan large areas very quickly. By using infrared cameras, inspectors can quickly identify areas where heat is escaping and hone in on the source of the problem.
What thermal imaging can identify
Thermal imaging can sense differences in temperature on ceilings, walls, and floors. This allows inspectors to see issues on the surface as well as see “through” the surface and identify problems that are happening underneath. This allows inspectors to locate issues like:
Moisture
Thermal imaging doesn’t just show heat; it shows the difference in temperature in any given area. This makes it incredibly useful for identifying areas where moisture is collecting as they will appear cooler than the areas around them. It can also detect roof, window, or pipe leaks by identifying areas where insulation is not working properly, as damp insulation conducts heat faster than dry insulation.
Air leaks
It can be a time-consuming challenge to identify air leaks through traditional methods, but thermal imaging helps inspectors find them much faster than they could before. Thermal imaging scans on the house's interior are the most common, as the still air environment makes it easier for the infrared camera to pick up areas where warmer or cooler air is entering. Inspectors may use them on the exterior of the home as well. However, unpredictable environmental factors around the exterior of a home make it more difficult to pick up on tiny temperature changes caused by small air leaks.
Insulation issues
Thermal imaging is incredibly useful for identifying a wide variety of insulation issues. Thermal imaging scans can detect areas where insulation is missing or depleted and can even identify insulation gaps around piping. A full thermal scan of your attic or building can diagnose the effectiveness of your current insulation and identify areas in need of improvement or restoration. Once these issues have been identified, an insulation expert can recommend various solutions to address some or all of the problems identified.
When is thermal imaging usually done?
In northern states, thermal imaging is usually done in the winter when it’s easier to identify areas where heat is escaping, or cold air is intruding. In southern states, thermal imaging is usually done in the summer with the air conditioner running to see where the cool air is escaping, and the hot summer air is entering.
Why should I have Koala Insulation do a thermal imaging inspection?
At Koala Insulation, we have the experience, products, and solutions to give you an attic that is properly insulated, sealed, and ventilated. Our experts will arrive with state-of-the-art equipment to thoroughly inspect your attic or home and identify areas in need of repair or improvement. They will provide a detailed assessment of the current conditions of your space and use their years of experience to design solutions that fit your home and budget. By hiring a Koala Insulation expert, you not only get to enjoy a more efficient home faster, but you also get to benefit from the years of energy savings that professionally installed insulation will bring.
