Using Infrared to Inspect Buildings in Kent

Learn What You Don’t Know

A building inspection in Kent includes many things, including knowledge,. For the most advanced and thorough building inspections, request that infrared thermography be included.

This advanced technology is used to locate and pinpoint sources of leaks and water intrusion in your Kent home without any need for destructive source finding.

Pacific NW Building Inspections in Kent considers an infrared camera to be one of the most important tools in a qualified Kent inspector's tool bag. Infrared thermography in Kent is a scientific process that essentially measures thermal or infrared energy, infrared thermography can detect insulation, heating, water, air leakage, electrical, and cooling problems.

Without any disruptive – or destructive – exploration, Pacific NW Building Inspections in Kent can discover water leaks around windows, interior and exterior walls, roofs, doors, and water pipes. The wall insulation and the heating and cooling efficiency of windows and doors can also be assessed by using an infrared camera.

>> Pacific NW Building Inspections in Kent has uncovered leaks around in typically non-suspect areas, such as a living room where no visible damage was apparent. With infrared thermography, substantial water damage was discovered. Upon further investigation, a sprinkler head was found to have been directing water behind the house’s siding. Several thousand dollars later, the sprinkler head was redirected and the sheathing and framing was repaired. A traditional building inspection would not have been able to identity this issue.

Here are some common areas where infrared thermography in Kent is most helpful:

Water Intrusion

Scanning interior surfaces of a building with an infrared camera can reveal excess moisture due to plumbing leaks, roof leaks, and leaks around windows, to name a few. Wet areas of building materials cool when energy is transferred during the water evaporation process; therefore, a wet (“cooler”) area will stand out from the surrounding dry (“warmer”) surface.

Insulation Problems

Appreciable temperature differences, due to variations in thermal energy (heat) transfer, allow for detection of deficient or missing insulation when scanning ceiling and wall surfaces.

Roofing Leaks

Scanning roof coverings can reveal water intrusion and accumulated moisture below the surface. Due to its thermal properties (high thermal capacity), water typically gives up heat at a much slower rate than the surrounding roof materials. The areas of accumulated moisture can therefore be detected when scanning the roof surface. This type of roof inspection is best done in the evening or early nighttime after thermal energy imparted during the daytime is transferred or released.

Infrared Thermography in Kent is beneficial in the following areas:

• Detect problems quickly, without interrupting service • Identify water damaged portions of a roof quickly and accurately
• Detect insulation leaks in refrigeration equipment
• Inspect burners for flame impingement and burner management
• Moisture contamination
• Eliminate unnecessary replacement of roofing
• Concrete water heated floor inspections for leaks and temperature distribution
• Identify air leakage energy losses
• Concrete integrity inspections
• Look at combustion patterns of fuel
• Heat ventilation air conditioning equipment evaluation • Locate and identify mold growth areas in building structures
• Detect delaminations in concrete bridge deck
• Environmental Applications
• Document problems before the warranty expires

Moisture in Ceiling

Missing Insulation in Ceiling

Overheated Breaker Panel

Infrared View of a Switch Panel

Unshielded Electrical Outlets

Recommendations

"As a real estate professional, I have several choices when it comes to a home inspector in Kent, and am constantly getting flyers and brochures of other inspectors trying to get my business. I truly believe in working by referral and working with the best! When it comes to inspections in Kent, I strongly recommend John Langmeyer of Pacific Northwest Building Inspections.

Several of my clients – and myself – have saved hundreds, maybe even thousands of dollars, by calling John and asking him questions.

John is incredible!"

~ Ronald R., Kent

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