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Infrared Duality

With the growing number of companies offering infrared services this technology has become more common place. The infrared camera is a remarkable tool that can discover problems non-invasively in a wide array of applications. Since the camera is effectively a diverse instrument the operator too must be diverse in knowledge. There exists a dichotomy in this area of thermography between the skilled operation of the infrared camera and the knowledge of the component being investigated.

The main focus of infrared camera training is the dynamics and proper use of the instrument. Some attention however is given to the recognition of problems with certain types of components while scanning with the camera. But the knowledge required for understanding anomalies brought to light through the infrared camera lens is in the end left to the camera operator. Therefore the thermographer must have an appreciable depth of knowledge of the dynamics of the subject being scanned in order to correctly analyze the infrared images.

An incorrect diagnosis can be made by the operator who is without knowledge of the inspection subject. In other words if the thermographer does not have an appropriate working knowledge of, for example electrical components, he may misinterpret a normal condition for a deficiency.

This seems to be a predicament in the home inspection profession as more inspectors are using these devices. As generalists home inspectors have a basic working knowledge of the many systems in a home. This attribute makes home inspectors excellent individuals to conduct infrared scanning on homes. However infrared cameras require that the inspector broaden that depth of knowledge. No longer is the inspection solely a visual analysis of the home and its component systems. It has now also become a non-visual examination in the infrared spectrum.

It then becomes important that an inspector understand and recognize when a thermal anomaly is cause for concern, but equally as important is the ability to distinguish when it is not an issue. Simply, if an inspector does not fully understand electrical systems how can he effectively analyze the electrical components in a home using infrared?

Consequently when seeking the services of an inspector who performs infrared scanning, home inspection experience and additional training in related areas becomes a vital criterion. Ultimately the infrared camera is nothing more than a tool, an aid to performing a service. It is in and of itself useless unless the operator is highly skilled and knowledgeable regarding the component which is being scrutinized.

James Quarello
JRV Home Inspection Services, LLC

To find out more about our high tech services click on the links below:

Learn more about our Infrared Thermal Imaging & Diagnostics services.

Learn more about our energy audits, the Home Energy Tune uP®.

Posted by James Quarello - ASHI Certified CT Home Inspector on 12/10/2008 03:43 PM

Comments (20)

INFRARED THERMAL IMAGING in the Home Buying Channel

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20 Comments on Infrared Duality

DEC

2008

Exactly why I haven't ventured into the field yet. I prefer to let someone who has the training to do the job. I would rather expand my services in ways the more parallel my expertise. Not that I hesitate to sell the service for collegues that perform it, I just give them the work and watch and learn.

Jack, You are a wise man. But as I said it's the combination of knowledge that is so important.

Wow, you use centigrade!? What's 55.5C, about 275F right? Minus 16F? I'm kidding, I have no idea. I think 30C is about 90F, or so... I kinda use Fahrenheit...

I find the IR camera to be another arrow in my quiver of product offerings. It is quite the complementary tool. You are right, it is easy to see something and think it's a problem, when in fact it is not.

For Jack, there is a Spanish phrase which I heard a lot in South America. "Mucho tacto y mucho ojo antes que se meta la pata." It means to take care and open your eyes before you stick your foot in it. Close enough. So gitya wun o' doze caymrahs en pliy widit...* and take a class or two...

Great post James. Very good article. You might consider submitting that to a local paper - it would be printed. N gitya sum biznis*.

The graphic word below I am supposed to type in before I submit this is "cocoa." I just think I might have some...

* Southern Virginia talk - if you squint just right you can make it out. And turn somewhat sideways.

Jay,

I don't know if this article is newspaper caliber, but the thought is well appreciated.

I use Fahrenheit almost exclusively, but this job was electrical and most of that stuff is rated in Centigrade. Makes evaluating things easier.

James,

I see the day coming when probably all of us will have these. I have not ventured there yet but have an open mind, hoping my brain does not fall out.

This sounds very complex. I don't know of them being used in our state yet.

DEC

2008

Steven, The cheaper IR cameras have been around now for quite some time now. Yet I don't see a large number of inspectors in this area that have them. So I'm not so certain that the IR camera will eventually become a home inspection staple.

Barbara, It's really not all that complex. It simply means that the person using one of these instruments needs to be educated about more than the camera.

DEC

2008

James - Sorry for the late comeback, but I have been busy.. I said on another forum that I think that in 3 years the mental paradigm toward IR will have shifted and the inspectors who do not use them ROUTINELY on inspections will not get much business. I think they will be a part of every inspection. I remember when non-intrusive moisture meters and infrared thermometers came out, and some guys thought they would never catch on...

I have had mine since March 05 and I think it paid for itself ($14K when I bought it) in a few months. They are a hair cheaper now...!

Jay, As I said in my reply to Steven IR cameras are not prevalent here in CT. What's disturbing is many inspectors here that I have talked with over the last few years do not use moisture meters or IR thermometers. This has been confirmed by me on jobs where realtors routinely ask me about these tools. They have never seen them used!

I hear many guys in this business say that IR cameras and even electronic radon testing epuipment are "too expensive". It's a mind set around here with technology and cost. So we will see how things shift. I'm ready any why it goes.

Wow...

And I use a really complex electronic tester too. I don't think the "plug testers" give much info. I am a weird bird...

DEC

2008

Jay, Weird is the wrong word, smart would be more appropriate. You embrace and use technology to your advantage.

Great post Jim!

DEC

2008

Bruce, Thanks, glad you liked it. How's the energy audit research coming along?

JAN

OK post, but the specific areas of improved knowledge types is left hanging giving no direction to look, no mention of ITC certification, or ASTM standards that need to be provided with each job just like the standards HIs operate with , is the individual a "gun waiver" with no certification as a Theromographer ??

fill in the blanks for the public.

dh in az

Dan,

Perhaps you would care to joint Active Rain, we like it here.

As far as all of the industrial qualifications and certification that you mention, they are essential if you live in that environment but if you are just doing home inspection they are just paper on the wall. I happen to be a certified level I thermographer. I took a residential inspection course that is now patented.

The certifications you mention don't cover residential inspection thermography, to my knowledge. You need a strong background in construction and inspection before even thinking about picking up a camera. It's important to know what you are looking at and what should be there and then confirm it with a camera

Bruce, Thanks for stepping in here and replying to Dan. I couldn't have said it any better.

JAN

James~

Really good advice, "...when seeking the services of an inspector who performs infrared scanning, home inspection experience and additional training in related areas becomes a vital criterion." I am going to reBLOG this post!

Jane Anne, Thanks for the reblog. I'm glad you thought it was informative.

There are growing number of inspectors using these cameras, but I find that there is a great deal of variation in skill level of the operators. Infrared is a different type of inspection and should be regarded as such by inspectors and consumers.

JAN

This is really excellent information and would be helpful to many and I have one question:

Is it more important (I would think so) the colder the climate and how much ice formation you see from the roof lines which are very prevalent here in MI this year. Thanks again.

JAN

Karen, I'm not sure I understand your question. Are you saying is the amount of ice formed on roofs directly related to outside temperature?

Ice on a roof or more importantly lower roof edge at the soffits and gutters would be due snow and or ice melt from the roof above. The more snow the more prevelent. Ice dams can form because of excessive melt caused by heat escaping through the attic due to poor insulation. Ice forms at the bottom edge because this area is not being warmed by the escaping heat from the house.

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