Infrared imaging, sometimes called thermography, combines technical knowledge with specialized equipment as part of a home inspection to help identify problems “trapped” in the walls, ceilings and floors.

Moisture, perhaps leaking through a section of the roof or from a plumbing leak, can leave a “cooler” spot on the camera imaging allowing the inspector to alert you to a smaller issue before they become bigger problems.

Look at the image below and notice the “cooler” spot behind the shower valve (hot). The leak was barely visible when found and only showed up on the baseboard on the exterior of the shower wall. However, it was clearly visible to the infrared camera and with other tools such as a pro-meter (moisture detector), which was reading 100% moisture in the shower wall. We were able to catch this problem so it can be corrected.

    
Photos courtesy Peter Zipp © 2006
Photos show leak found in the wall at the shower valve.