Buying a home can be scary. Why? Because of the costly, hidden problems. These issues often lurk behind the drywall. A quick visual walk-through cannot detect them.
At NexLevel Home Inspections, we know that a standard inspection is only half the job. That is why we include advanced Thermal Imaging (Infrared Thermography) in our process. This technology lets us look behind the curtain of the home’s structure. In this way, we find problems that are completely invisible to your eyes.
What is Thermal Imaging and How Does it Work?
Simply put, a thermal camera does not see visible light. Instead, it sees heat.
Everything on Earth gives off infrared energy (heat). Our specialized camera captures this heat. Then, it turns the energy into a visible image called a thermogram. Different temperatures appear as different colors. Generally, blue/purple spots are cold, and yellow/red spots are warm. As a result, we scan the home’s surfaces—walls, ceilings, and floors—for thermal anomalies (abnormal temperatures). These anomalies point to a hidden issue.
It’s NOT an X-Ray: The camera cannot see through walls. However, it measures the surface temperature of the wall. This temperature is directly affected by what is happening behind that surface.
The Three Most Critical Issues Only Thermal Can Find
Thermal imaging is excellent at finding three kinds of expensive problems. These issues often start small. But, they can quickly lead to huge repair bills if they are missed.
1. The Slow Leak (Moisture Intrusion)
Water damage is one of the worst things for a home. A slow, hidden leak can cause mold and rot for years. You won’t see it until it stains the ceiling.
- What we see: Water evaporation causes a cooling effect. Therefore, a small leak behind a wall or ceiling creates a distinct cold spot. The thermal camera immediately highlights this spot in blue.
- Visual vs. Thermal: For example, by the time a leak is visible (a stain), the damage is usually huge. Thermal imaging catches the problem much earlier.
- High-Risk Areas: These include areas under bathroom sinks, around shower walls, basement foundation walls, and near window seals.
2. The Missing Blanket (Insulation Deficiencies)
Gaps in your insulation or air leaks are costly. In fact, they are the fastest way to waste money on high energy bills.
- What we see: On a cold day, parts of the wall or ceiling with missing insulation will appear much colder. Likewise, in the summer, we can see where outside heat is entering.
- Common Finds: We often find empty spaces in exterior walls. We also find insulation that has fallen in the attic, or cold drafts around outlets.
- The Benefit: We can quickly prove the lack of insulation. Consequently, you can ask the seller to fix this energy issue before you buy.
3. The Hidden Fire Risk (Electrical Overheating)
A wiring issue under high power load can heat up dangerously fast. A thermal camera is key to catching this.
- What we see: We scan the main electrical panel. We also check high-load devices for areas that appear abnormally hot. This high heat (bright red/yellow) suggests an overloaded circuit or a loose connection.
- The Safety Factor: Crucially, electrical hazards are almost impossible to see without opening the panel. Thermal imaging finds the exact faulty breaker or wire. Thus, it provides a critical safety finding.
The NexLevel Difference: Confidence, Not Guesswork
Your home inspection should give you peace of mind. It should not give you a new list of worries.
Choosing a NexLevel inspection with thermal imaging means you get:
- Non-Invasive Diagnostics: We find the issue without tearing open walls.
- Evidence-Based Reporting: Your report includes thermal images right next to standard photos. This clearly shows the problem and its location.
- Cost Avoidance: The small cost of a thermal scan is insurance. Ultimately, it prevents the huge costs of mold cleanup or electrical repairs.
Don’t Settle for Half an Inspection. Ask your inspector what tools they use. Remember, if they don’t carry a thermal camera, you’re missing a critical layer of protection for your investment.
Ready to get a truly thorough look at your next home?
[Click here to Schedule Your NexLevel Inspection with Thermal Imaging Today]
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