In recent years, we have seen tremendous advances in technology. Although infrared cameras have been around in some form for many years, they are now better than ever and are fantastic tools for inspectors looking to understand a building. Showing any heat as a red color, it provides detailed information that can be understood by all so it is now a must for all inspectors.
Essentially, infrared cameras look at the heat signatures of all objects in sight and uses colors on a gradient scale. As well as showing high temperatures as a lighter color, cold and wet areas will be shown in darker colors. Sometimes also called thermography or thermal imaging, infrared (IR) takes the light seen on the visible spectrum and extends it past what we can see. On these thermal images, all surfaces will be shown in different colors with the colours representing their temperature.
Since there are so many useful applications for such equipment, it has become rather valuable for inspectors. While looking at the screen, areas of moisture or escaping heat can be seen in just seconds where they might not have been seen previously. If the door or window is shut but IR shows hot air leaking, it provides valuable information to the owner.