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(256) 464-7060
(256) 464-7060
Mailing Address
110 Manningham Drive
Madison, AL 35758
110 Manningham Drive
Madison, AL 35758
Infrared Evaluations
Infrared Inspection involves using a radiographic infrared camera to detect small differences in the temperature of surfaces of components in residential and commercial buildings. The infrared camera that I use has a sensitivity of 0.05 deg. C so small differences can be detected.
The images captured with our infrared camera are so detailed that many believe the infrared camera can "see" through walls. While this is not the case, by detecting small variations in the surface of a wall, floor or ceiling it is possible to identify certain hidden characteristics such as the location of wall framing members, the presence or absence of insulation and even the location of water pipes.
The camera can be used in homes to perform energy audits, find hidden water problems, and evaluate electrical systems. On commercial buildings our infrared camera can also be used to find leaks in flat roofs, and evaluate the structural elements of CMU walls.
You should know that while an infrared camera can be a great tool, it is only a tool. When performing an infrared inspection of a residential or commercial building it is crucial that the operator have a detailed knowledge of building science and experience in defect recognition. A good operator will know the areas where failures are likely and then use the infrared camera to either confirm or clear suspect problems.
Residential Energy Audits
Over the past few years we have all become more aware of the limits on our energy supply and the growing costs to heat and cool our homes. With our infrared technology we can perform an energy audit to find hidden defects in your home’s insulation. With an infrared energy audit the quality of insulation in the walls can easily be assessed and areas that need improvement can be identified.
Below are some examples of thermal and visual images taken during the course of energy audits performed by Insight Building Inspection on properties in North Alabama.
Infrared Inspection involves using a radiographic infrared camera to detect small differences in the temperature of surfaces of components in residential and commercial buildings. The infrared camera that I use has a sensitivity of 0.05 deg. C so small differences can be detected.
The images captured with our infrared camera are so detailed that many believe the infrared camera can "see" through walls. While this is not the case, by detecting small variations in the surface of a wall, floor or ceiling it is possible to identify certain hidden characteristics such as the location of wall framing members, the presence or absence of insulation and even the location of water pipes.
The camera can be used in homes to perform energy audits, find hidden water problems, and evaluate electrical systems. On commercial buildings our infrared camera can also be used to find leaks in flat roofs, and evaluate the structural elements of CMU walls.
You should know that while an infrared camera can be a great tool, it is only a tool. When performing an infrared inspection of a residential or commercial building it is crucial that the operator have a detailed knowledge of building science and experience in defect recognition. A good operator will know the areas where failures are likely and then use the infrared camera to either confirm or clear suspect problems.
Residential Energy Audits
Over the past few years we have all become more aware of the limits on our energy supply and the growing costs to heat and cool our homes. With our infrared technology we can perform an energy audit to find hidden defects in your home’s insulation. With an infrared energy audit the quality of insulation in the walls can easily be assessed and areas that need improvement can be identified.
Below are some examples of thermal and visual images taken during the course of energy audits performed by Insight Building Inspection on properties in North Alabama.
The above photo shows a room in a two year old home. The owners complained that the room was hard to heat in the winter and cool in the summer and suspected they had drafting up the chimney flue. Examination of the room with an infrared camera reveals high temperatures represented by red all around the wall structure encasing the fireplace. The problem - the builder had failed to install building code required fire blocking to close off the open wall around the prefabricated fireplace from the attic. With this opening at the ceiling into the attic the uninsulated walls around the fireplace were open to the attic and the high temperatures of summer and the cold temperatures of winter. This type of hidden problem will push your energy use up every day of the year and cost you money every day.
Above is an image of the stairwell wall of a newly constructed home taken during an energy audit. Nothing unusual... until you start blending the thermal image and you will see anomalies appear. On this color scale, cold to hot is blue to red. As you can see, there are numerous red areas along this wall. Further investigation reveals that this wall is open to the second floor attic. The insulating contractor has placed the fiberglass batt insulation between the wall's stud framing but failed to secure it in place. If not secured the insulation will sag and fall out of the walls leaving the walls exposed to the heat and cold, again causing increased heating and cooling bills year round.
The ceiling of this 7 year old home (above) appeared normal to the naked eye, but a closer look with the infrared Thermal Camera shows some unusual indications. Further investigation in the attic showed significant rodent activity in the attic. Every fall when the temperatures outside drop, mice start looking for a winter home. Since they can't catch a ride to Florida, moving into your attic and burrowing down through the insulation to the ceiling is the next best thing. These burrows create paths for heat transfer and you pay the price all year round. If you live in or near a wooded area make sure you check your attic for rodent activity.
An energy audit by Insight will identify areas where the insulation is missing or damaged. This allows you to focus on correcting just a few spots rather than taking a shotgun approach that may or may not solve the problem. Call for a free quote on our Infrared Energy Audit.
Moisture Problems
An infrared inspection is also useful in finding moisture hidden in walls, ceilings and floors. Moisture will migrate through many building materials, especially wood and sheetrock. When small amounts of moisture reach the surface evaporation will occur and cool the surface.
An energy audit by Insight will identify areas where the insulation is missing or damaged. This allows you to focus on correcting just a few spots rather than taking a shotgun approach that may or may not solve the problem. Call for a free quote on our Infrared Energy Audit.
Moisture Problems
An infrared inspection is also useful in finding moisture hidden in walls, ceilings and floors. Moisture will migrate through many building materials, especially wood and sheetrock. When small amounts of moisture reach the surface evaporation will occur and cool the surface.
In this five year old house, water stains from an "old" plumbing leak were found. Scanning the ceiling shows that the old leak wasn't so old. The ceiling contained hidden water. Water problems left unattended can lead to serious and costly repairs, especially if mold and fungus are present.
Electrical Infrared Inspections
An infrared inspection of a buildings electrical system can show loose connections or faulty equipment. Both can result in the generation of heat which can be dangerous
Electrical Infrared Inspections
An infrared inspection of a buildings electrical system can show loose connections or faulty equipment. Both can result in the generation of heat which can be dangerous
Serving all of North Alabama including Huntsville, Madison, Athens, Decatur and the surrounding counties
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While performing an infrared inspection of this brand new home, I found a hot receptacle circuit where there should not have been any loads. With the infrared camera I was able to see the route of the hot circuit and trace it to the door bell transformer. I then checked the current flow to the transformer and found it to be a constant 7.5 amps indicating a defective transformer. By performing an infrared inspection I was able to identify an otherwise hidden problem and recommend repairs before the situation became dangerous.
