Infrared thermal imaging for home inspections
Thermal imaging (infrared) is a non-invasive screening tool that helps identify possible hidden moisture, missing insulation, air leakage, and overheating electrical components without opening walls. It is offered as an add-on to standard home inspections across Vancouver, Surrey & the surrounding Lower Mainland and can be combined with any service on our Services page.
What thermal imaging can help reveal
Possible Hidden Moisture
Cooler or warmer surface patterns that may be consistent with plumbing leaks, roof intrusion, or damp building materials.
Insulation Gaps
Cold or hot spots that can indicate missing, damaged, or settled insulation affecting comfort and energy use.
Air Leakage
Areas around doors, windows, and penetrations where temperature differences suggest drafts or air movement.
Electrical Hot Spots
Overheating breakers, connections, or motors that may require further evaluation by a qualified electrician.
When infrared screening is most useful
Before You Buy
Helps screen for concealed moisture or energy-loss issues during pre-purchase home inspections.
After a Leak or Water Event
Checks for patterns that may be consistent with residual dampness behind finishes after repairs or drying.
Comfort & Efficiency Concerns
Assists in tracking down drafts, cold rooms, or poor insulation so you can plan targeted improvements.
What’s included with our thermal imaging add-on
- Limited infrared screening of key areas commonly checked during a standard home inspection, such as representative exterior walls, ceilings, bathrooms, kitchens, and selected accessible plumbing or electrical components (visual screening only).
- Use of thermal imaging as a supportive tool to help identify patterns that may warrant further investigation – not as a stand-alone diagnostic or code compliance inspection.
- When desired, a full thermographic scan of the property can be arranged separately through a certified thermographer if a comprehensive infrared assessment is required.
Important notes & limitations
- Thermal imaging is a helpful screening tool that reads surface temperature differences only. It is not X-ray vision and does not directly measure moisture or structural damage.
- All findings are interpreted in the context of a standard visual home inspection and the conditions present at the time of the inspection.
- Where accessible, suspected moisture areas may be checked with a moisture meter or referred for further evaluation by an appropriate specialist.
- Results can be influenced by temperature differential, sunlight, recent rainfall, building materials, and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) operation.
Disclaimer & client commitment
Anhar Home Inspections provides thermal imaging strictly as a supplemental screening service to a standard home inspection. We do not offer certified thermographic analysis or engineering services. If infrared images suggest potential concerns, you may wish to engage a certified thermographer or other qualified specialist for full investigation and repairs.
Example thermal images
Possible Moisture Pattern
Example of cooler areas that may indicate potential moisture intrusion and need follow-up.
Missing or Thin Insulation
Cold bands in the ceiling that suggest gaps or voids in insulation coverage.
Electrical Hot Spot
Localized heat at an electrical component that may warrant assessment by an electrician.
Add thermal imaging to your home inspection
Available across Vancouver, Surrey & the Lower Mainland