How many of you actually actively provide Thermography and if you don't, I'm curious why?

I was curious how many of ya'll currently incorporate infrared thermography in your services? Also, If you do not offer thermography, I am curious of the reasons. Thanks for the input.

I do, but it's an add on service.

Hi Kris, with which provider did you complete your Level I and Level II training?

What IR camera do you use?

What is your typical upcharge for IR service?

Thanks in advance for your input, it is appreciated.

Yes I do, free with every inspection. Did my Level I course through Infraspection. Current camera is an E50bx.

Mozart Evaluation, Inc. wrote:Hi Kris, with which provider did you complete your Level I and Level II training?

What IR camera do you use?

What is your typical upcharge for IR service?

Thanks in advance for your input, it is appreciated.

I got my I and II from ITC. I will do my III from Infraspection Institute.

I have a FLIR T420. This is overkill for home inspections, but almost the minimum for other disciplines like commercial roof, electrical switchgear, mechanical, etc.

I will PM you my fee.

Thanks for the input Cameron.

Kris, If you have level I and II through another provider, you can obtain the next level (level III) via Infraspection? I did not realize they were cool with that.

You can indeed.

Cameron Anderson wrote:Yes I do, free with every inspection. Did my Level I course through Infraspection. Current camera is an E50bx.

I do; free w/ every inspection. Did my level I with Infraspection. Currently use E60. One of these days my C2 will arrive.

This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 06/30/2015 12:45 AM EDT

Thermography no. Although I have been offering IR as a value added service with our standard home inspections since 2007. The FLIR IR camera is a marketing USP for our company and brings more value to our clients when we inspect. Occasionally, I get requests to do some building diagnostic work and/or Blower Door testing with it as well for stand alone type consultations.

We have two IR camera's now, FLIR B-CAM and our new FLIR C-2. Love the C-2!

I use my E5, but do not charge.

I do not have the training I feel I need to charge. I do take pictures as my education continues. Used mainly for water leaks in bathrooms, especially useful for second floor bathrooms.
ALWAYS confirm with a moisture meter.

we use the Flir E40bx on moisture staining mostly and some shower/tub surrounds if suspicious and it has helped find duct leaks when accessible. I have not found it reliable for insulation inspections or roof inspections. I see guys posting pics of hot breakers and oven elements but these rarely actually mean anything. Saw one guy recently showing a "overheated" breaker but he didn't mention the wire was too large for the breaker - maybe that was why the breaker glowed more than the others.

It provides really pretty pictures of homes decorated with Christmas lights.

I use it mostly to find termites in walls - works really well. Also, useful in finding rats in attics.

If you are only doing home inspections, I don't see where all the training/certifications provide any return. Buy a $700 camera and use it as a tool when it might make sense. BTW, the Flir E40bx cost $4k and doesn't provide any benefit over a $700 camera in a home inspection. Haven't found where it provides any benefit on commercial either.

Thermal cameras - over hyped, over priced. Think cheap and you'll get your monies worth.

William Chandler wrote:we use the Flir E40bx on moisture staining mostly and some shower/tub surrounds if suspicious and it has helped find duct leaks when accessible. I have not found it reliable for insulation inspections or roof inspections. I see guys posting pics of hot breakers and oven elements but these rarely actually mean anything. Saw one guy recently showing a "overheated" breaker but he didn't mention the wire was too large for the breaker - maybe that was why the breaker glowed more than the others.

It provides really pretty pictures of homes decorated with Christmas lights.

I use it mostly to find termites in walls - works really well. Also, useful in finding rats in attics.

If you are only doing home inspections, I don't see where all the training/certifications provide any return. Buy a $700 camera and use it as a tool when it might make sense. BTW, the Flir E40bx cost $4k and doesn't provide any benefit over a $700 camera in a home inspection. Haven't found where it provides any benefit on commercial either.

Thermal cameras - over hyped, over priced. Think cheap and you'll get your monies worth.

This forum could use a lot more practical posts like this one from my friend William. So sick of hype!

Have you heard about the Jacksonville home inspector who may be sued for claiming "missing insulation" in a million dollar home and the sale was cancelled for on that basis? Yep, he showed a pretty picture of a yellow spot in the wall claiming this was missing insulation. After I reviewed the report/home, couldn't help but notice the "yellow spot" was only 2 degrees warmer that the other areas on a west facing wall in the afternoon...add this revelation to a can light shining on the wall and I basically determined the pretty picture was questionable.

If you are going to use thermal imaging, I would not make bold statements based on a pretty picture. This inspector has lost a major realtor at the very least.

Myself personally ,am not a big believer, our jobs as inspectors are visual in nature and not to guess what's behind door number 2, if you do guess and you are wrong , your reputation as an HI is toast at that point in addition to setting up false alarms for issues that are not there .