In Hobart, homes are renowned for their welcoming and warm atmosphere. However, the local climate brings cold winters, moisture, and temperature shifts that slowly affect them. Over time, these elements migrate through properties and cause subtle issues that may not be immediately apparent. Many homes appear solid from the outside (and they usually are), but even well-built homes can conceal problems until they escalate.
The good thing, though, is that modern property inspection tools help detect these issues early. Thermal imaging is one of these tools, playing a crucial role in protecting homes in Tasmania.
What Is Thermal Imaging and How Does Thermal Imaging Work?
Thermal imaging refers to the method that uses heat instead of visible light to show issues inside a building or a home. A thermal imaging camera reads the differences in temperature across surfaces and displays them as a thermal image. For instance, warm areas appear to be one colour while cooler ones show another. In this way, it becomes easier to check what might be happening behind the walls, under the floors, or anywhere in your house without opening anything up.
Thermal imaging works by sensing the natural heat that objects and surfaces release. When heat behaves as expected, the thermal image looks steady and consistent. However, when something disrupts that flow, the thermal camera will show a temperature that stands out. That gives a clear signal that a problem might be happening behind the surface. This then gives a useful starting point for further inspection.
Insulation Gaps
Thermal imaging shows the places where heat is lost due to weak or missing insulation. By identifying these areas, comfort can be enhanced, and energy costs can be managed and potentially reduced.
Hidden Moisture
Cooler patches on a thermal scan can point to the presence of moisture behind the walls or beneath the flooring. Mould growth and timber damage can be prevented by spotting these areas early.
Drafts and Air Leaks
Using a thermal imaging camera, air that escapes or enters around windows, doors, and roof joints can also be shown. In order to keep the heat inside and boost overall efficiency, sealing these areas and spots is needed.
Roof and Ceiling Leaks
Unusual cooler areas on a thermal scan can also show moisture from a roof leak, even before the marks and stains appear. By catching it early, you can act before the damage spreads through the ceiling.
Electrical Hot Spots
A thermal imaging camera can also show where overloaded circuits or wiring faults are. In the scan, these will appear as bright and warm areas. By identifying these, the risk of fires can be greatly reduced.
Issues in Underfloor Heating
Lastly, thermal imaging can show uneven heat in underfloor heating systems. This way, it becomes easier to locate faults or broken heating elements and avoid lifting the flooring just to find them.
Can Thermal Imaging Detect Water Leaks?
The answer is yes, and it is one of the most common uses in Tasmania. Water leaks do not always drip or leave a visible mark. In fact, they can just sit quietly behind plaster or sit inside roof spaces until they spread through the timber and insulation. As mentioned earlier, cool spots or patches, unusual shapes, or areas that look different from the rest of the surface can point to a damp spot starting to form.
When to Use Thermal Imaging During a Hobart Home Inspection
Thermal imaging is definitely useful at many points in your home journey. It works during pre-purchase inspections, routine checks, and even those times where something feels off at home. If you live in Hobart, you know that our weather can challenge a property, and this extra layer of protection ensures your property stays in good condition.
You can choose thermal imaging if you notice:
- A room that always feels harder to heat than the rest
- Paint or plaster that looks uneven or slightly raised
- A sudden increase in energy cost for no clear reason
- Parts of the floor feel unusually cool
Check Your Home Today
At Fearless Building Inspections, we take the time to look beneath the surface and assess what is happening around a property. With over 30 years of experience, we help buyers and homeowners identify issues early and understand the true conditions of a home before making any decisions.
If you want that peace of mind, get in touch with us today, and we will make sure you have clear answers about the property you are looking at.