TOPIC: Infrared Thermography, also known as IR or thermal scans

Good info Jay

I want to thank everyone who participated in last nights chat. I definetly will be going to or doing a phone conversation with John Mckenna.

I need to do some more research on the camera, but I would like to keep the cost down to about 5K.

We should do a weekly or monthy chat and we could pick specific topics of discussion.

Julian - I think I remember John M saying that he will not perform an inspection without doing IR at the same time and that his fee starts around $600.  I am no where near that yet - he is obviously a much better salesman than I.

Do you know of an inspector who got sued for what he did not see on an IR inspection?  I would like to hear about that and investigate - I am very interested in liability circumstances.

The main liability issue I have heard about is when inspectors call out problems that have not been verified ... ie ... calling out moisture issues without using a moisture meter, calling out electrical defects without understanding what they were talking about, etc...

Be sure to manage your clients expectations, so they realize the limitations of the IR camera.  That is very important to help avoid liability.

I enjoyed the chat session and thanks for Dominic for a great chat and forum board.

7.  Blower doors - big controversy.  I have never used a blower door.  My understanding is that they create the same indoor pressure as would 80-90mph winds.  It's because of this that I don't think that is an accurate test of windows and doors, or insulation for that matter.  Not many people live on top of Mt. Washington.  And, without using one, I have never had a problem detecting where air leaks or weak insulation spots are located...

Jay you bring up a good point about the blower door.  I know that in the IR realm of things the door isn't needed.  I mentioned to others that asked about it, that it can be used for exaggerating the leaks.  You make a good point in saying, in not so many words, its not a realistic situation for a home to be put under.

I heard it from another local inspector who is certified in IR, but now I am wondering if he just doesn't want the competition.  I will be getting IR certified ASAP, but will be doing some searching about liability and let you all know if I can confirm what I was told.

Trying to decide on either the Bcam SD, B40 or B50.

Think I will try to get a salesman around here. Would be niice to touch, feel and use.

The Bcam SD and B40 or both 5K. The B40 has more features.

The B50 is another grand and has a 140 X140 Detector pixels.