What does a thermal imaging inspection primarily detect?

A thermal imaging inspection primarily detects variations in temperature, making it a valuable tool for identifying issues like moisture intrusion, insulation gaps, and energy loss within a building. This technology works by using infrared cameras to capture heat signatures, allowing inspectors to see areas that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Variations in temperature can reveal potential problems such as leaks in roofs or walls, inadequate insulation in specific sections of a building, or excessive heat being lost through windows and doors. By identifying these temperature discrepancies, inspectors can provide recommendations for repairs or upgrades to improve energy efficiency and prevent further damage, which is especially important for maintaining the integrity of a structure.

While thermal imaging can sometimes indicate the presence of structural weaknesses, it is not specifically designed to assess the structural integrity of walls and ceilings. Similarly, while it can help infer moisture problems which could relate to pests, detecting pest presence requires different methods and techniques. Therefore, the focus on temperature variations as fundamental to thermal inspections aligns perfectly with the primary purpose and capabilities of this technology.