FAQs

Thermal Imaging cameras measure energy, all materials give off different levels of energy dependent on the conditions and their surroundings, in the majority of cases an interior survey can identify areas of concern such as mold, however, to ensure accurate readings in regards to insulation the following guidelines are recommened:

“ASTM C1060-11a Standard Practice for Therographic Inspection of Insulation Installations in Envelope Cavities of Frame Building” provides guidelines for thermographic inspections when it is in relation to INSULATION surveys.

Thermal Imaging is often used to identify and highlight areas of heat loss in buildings, in order to improve or correct insulation. In order to visualise this heat loss successfully, we need to fulfill a few criteria:

1. Minimum Temperature Difference – Infrared inspection requires a sufficient difference in temperature from the inside to the outside for a sufficiently long period of time to produce differences between areas with studs and area that may contain insulation.  A minimum temperature difference of 10°C between interior and exterior surface or ambient air temperatures for a period of 4hrs to test.  Within Southern Alberta the winter period will obviously produce better conditions for this type of survey, however, early morning or late evening can meet the same criteria in the Summer.
2. Avoid Solar Radiation – No direct solar radiation on the inspected surfaces for approximately 3hrs previous to the inspection for wood frame construction and approximately 8hrs for masonry veneered construction.  Following Item #1 will reduce these times.
3. Avoid Wind – For exterior surveys, the wind speed should be less than 15mph and the building surface be dry.  Wind can affect thermal patterns seen on the interior especially where air leakage is present.

In order to maximise the difference in temperature between the building and the outside air, we recommend that the house is heated prior to our visit. Ideally, the house should be heated for 10-12 hours to a comfortable room temperature (18-20°C), but particularly during warmer weather, there may be extra benefit in heating the house to a higher temperaure – say 25-27°C. It is important that the house is heated for several hours prior to our visit – this allows the fabric of the building to warm up, which requires considerable time. It also allows any heat losses in the ceiling of the upper floor to heat the attic sufficiently to show up minor heat loss through the roof covering.

Move furniture minimum 5” away from exterior walls

All interior doors to the house should remain open for 24hrs prior to the survey

We generally aim to complete a thermal survey in around 1-2 hours, depending on the inspection requirements.

To book a thermal survey, please contact us via email or phone to arrange a suitable date/time.

We will photograph your property with our thermal imaging camera from various angles. We would normally expect to produce around 10-15 good quality images of the building. Other areas of interest may also be photographed at the same time if required (eg underfloor heating system, boiler, hot water cylinder, insulated pipes etc).

The report will detail areas of concern with inspector comments.

Once the survey is completed the images are brought back to our office and uploaded to our Thermal Imaging software where we generate our report.  Once completed we can e-mail or mail the report to the client, typically within 48hrs of the survey.

There are a number of applications for the Thermal Imaging Camera.  For residential (existing or new home construction) thermal imaging surveys the asscoiated cost is detailed in the ‘Pricing’ section of our website which provides flexible pricing both in terms of the scope of work and type of report you wish to receive, typical costs range from $250-$350.

For plumbing, electrical or specific inspections such as radiant in floor heating, moisture issues our hourly rate can be applied, please contact us for more information on cost.

ITC Infrared Thermography Certification is written proof of professional qualifications attained from the world’s leading infrared training organization. ITC certification verifies the thermographer’s ability to operate an infrared camera, collect quality data, produce professional infrared inspection reports, and understand the techniques and limitations of infrared thermography for specific applications. Globally recognized, ITC Certifications are designed to exceed the requirements of international infrared certification standards. And all ITC courses are developed and taught by highly qualified instructors with ASNT Level III and EPRI Level III certifications, advanced academic degrees, and extensive field experience.

To earn ITC Thermography Certification, students must attend an infrared certification/training course, pass closed-book examinations and quizzes, and submit a field assignment demonstrating understanding of their application and proper use of the infrared camera. Students maintain their infrared certification by active participation in, and continuing education of, their infrared thermography skills.