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The Heat Is On Diagnosing Problems

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By ANGIE HICKS Special to the Tribune

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 20, 2008

Updated: 08/20/2008 12:12 pm

When three roofers couldn't find the source of the leak in John Kravitz's Brandon area home, he went high-tech.

He hired Bulls Eye Leak Detection to perform an infrared scan. It quickly pinpointed the problem.

"I ended up having to replace my whole roof, but it would have saved a precious amount of time if I'd had the imaging done first and not called all the roofers," Kravitz says.

Thermal image cameras use infrared technology - think of scenes from the film "Predator" - to reveal problems with electrical, HVAC systems, foundation, plumbing, insulation and, in Kravitz's case, moisture. It works by comparing the relative temperature of one object to that of its surroundings.

Only a handful of home inspection companies offer that diagnostic tool. Infrared cameras were very expensive until just the past few years; their cost has dropped from about $75,000 to about $3,000. But using them requires extensive training; ask for proof that your inspector has received it.

"One day, every inspector is going to have an infrared camera," says Nick Gromicko, founder of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. "It does things the naked eye can't, like identify a roof leak that a traditional inspector wouldn't find even if he was standing on it."
Bulls Eye Leak Detection services the Tampa area and charges $275 for a residential inspection, which includes pictures, a report and a meeting to go over the findings.

"This is the CSI of the construction world," says Dayman Baker, an infrared technician and president of the company. "It's quick, accurate and it means people aren't wasting time and money on things they don't need."
Infrared images can also spot air leaks and electrical problems, leading to some impressive energy savings. The typical client who makes energy-saving changes after an infrared inspection will get back the cost of the inspection after only a few months, Gromicko says.

If it involves home heating, the savings may be even more pronounced.

"In some cases, they'll get it back in one month. It's surprising how many places a house can lose heat."

ON THE LOOKOUT FOR LEAKS

In a recent nationwide Angie's List poll, 30 percent of respondents said their home inspector missed items that became a major expense down the road.

Beginning July 1, 2010, Florida will require all home inspectors hold a state license, but many already have one, so be sure to ask to see it.

A large temperature difference between inside and outside air temperatures usually ensures the most accurate thermographic images.

Look at your energy bills, particularly the thermal units. If there's a big increase over last year, your home has developed a leak.

Angie Hicks is the founder of Angie's List, www.angieslist.com

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