Steps to take before an infrared thermal inspection!

Steps prior to an infrared inspection When you do book an infrared inspection with me, I ask that you please have the home prepared in order to alleviate any problems during my thermal inspection. To achieve the maximum benefit of your infrared inspection, please follow these tips below prior to the inspection.

• Plan optimal times of day for your infrared inspection — dawn and dusk. Example...If I’m inspecting a flat roof, the added heat from the strong sunlight beaming onto any flat roof surface will reduce the effectiveness of my thermal scan. I absolutely do not mind early evening inspections, so planning accordingly (in this particular situation) will give you much better infrared results.

• Clear all of the outermost interior walls of any large pictures, furniture and appliances. Also, remove drapes if possible and open all your closet doors in order to condition the closet. Conditioning your closets will assist me in identifying any exterior wall defects. I am unable to move personal belongings due to liability reasons, so please make sure that the majority of your walls are clearly visible to the camera. Any blocked areas could conceal hidden issues.

• IMPORTANT: Please do not wait until I arrive at your house before you decide to move your furniture and bedding away from the walls. I'd like you to get every portion of your walls conditioned for at least one hour, in order locate any concealed defects. Having furniture up against the wall will not allow the entire wall to be conditioned and the infrared readings will be affected. Unconditioned portions of the walls (where your furniture was placed) will always appear to be defective. Conditioned air will not pass through furniture.

• Verify the indoor/outdoor temperature difference. Indoor and outdoor temperatures must vary by at least fifteen to twenty degrees Fahrenheit for optimum infrared results.

• It's crucial to obtain adequate temperature differentials between the outside and inside temperatures, in order to obtain a perfect environment for infrared imaging. I'd like you to make sure that every window and door is completely closed several hours before the infrared inspection takes place.

If the temperature differential is not adequate, this may require you to turn "UP" the heat (in the winter months) or to turn "ON" the A/C in the summer months. If you are unable to obtain an adequate temperature differential inside the building, we will need to re-schedule the infrared inspection accordingly.

MAke sure to visit www.homeinspectoratlanta.com to learn more.