The way you plan out your building maintenance strategy has to change.
Property inspections have always been a key element for every real estate transaction, whether an investor wants to confirm that their purchase is a smart one, or whether they just want to wrap their mind around any maintenance concerns. Naturally, investors and property owners have always considered more detail in their reports to be a major benefit, which is partially why thermography has been taking off within the industry.
Just like in residential inspections, thermal imaging as part of commercial inspections has allowed inspectors to move beyond the usual non-invasive, visual survey to uncover potential defects that are normally undetectable to the naked eye. The benefits from thermal imaging go beyond financial security, though. Thermography is also essential for keeping tenants and workers safe.
In the 2023 update to the National Fire Protection Association’s standard for electrical equipment maintenance (the NFPA 70b), thermal imaging scans every 6-12 months is now a requirement for all electrical equipment within commercial buildings. Since you’ll be seeing far more thermography work in your properties as more areas adopt this update, let’s discuss what additional information you might encounter as well as how to use it to your benefit.
What Can Thermal Imaging Detect?
Thermal imaging, also known as infrared imagery or thermography, relies on a variety of tools to translate infrared energy, which is invisible to the human eye, into a visible color spectrum display (see more about how thermal cameras work from experts at Flir). With these tools, inspectors can easily identify unexpected hot and cold spots within a structure, then use reinforcing evidence to uncover serious defects or other issues. Here are some of the most common issues found using thermal imaging:
- Moisture Issues
The number one concern of all buildings is whether or not it can keep water out. Damaged structural materials, ineffective drainage systems, or plumbing mishaps can often bring water into areas where it isn’t intended to be, leading to mold, pests, and further building degradation.
Thermal imaging can see straight through walls, uncovering things like moist insulation or active pipe leaks before they become a structural concern or even a health hazard. In the constant battle that every property owner wages against water intrusion, thermal imaging is one of the best tools available. - Gaps in Insulation
In addition to moisture problems, thermal imaging can also help inspectors identify insulation issues throughout the property. Insulation is a major factor concerning whether a building can avoid interior heat loss when it’s cold outside, and even slow heat infiltration when it’s hot outside.
Gaps in the insulation, faulty installation, or even missing insulation altogether can be a big problem. This leads to a less comfortable indoor environment for tenants, higher energy and heating bills, and lower life spans for HVAC units, furnaces, and heat pumps. Thankfully, irregularities in a building’s insulation – whether scanning the walls or the roof – can all be discovered thanks to infrared technology. - Electrical Hazards
We’ve already mentioned how thermal imaging can help property owners practice good maintenance and keep their tenants healthy and comfortable, but when it comes to detecting electrical issues, thermal imaging inspections are the new standard for safety. Using an infrared camera, inspectors can locate things like overloaded circuits, loose wiring, or transformer cooling issues.
Thermal imaging can help inspectors identify the tell-tale electrical red flags, improving energy efficiency and possibly preventing electrical fires in the process. And remember – the new NFPA standards now require regular thermal inspections of all electrical equipment within commercial properties. Keep your tenants safe and your electrical systems functioning properly! - Roofing Concerns
One aspect that often separates commercial property buildings from residential buildings is the use of flat roofs over pitched roofs. While there are pros and cons for both options, flat roofs notoriously have issues with drainage. The bright side is that infrared cameras can locate these leaks by scanning interior ceilings. Many inspectors also employ cameras while walking roofs or even utilizing drones.
Note: Due to the variable nature of outdoor conditions, most exterior infrared inspections are performed at dusk. This limits the influence that the sun might have on thermal imaging scans and provides more accuracy for the inspector. - Exterior Siding Integrity
Similarly, exterior siding and walls of commercial buildings are also often scanned using infrared technology in order to confirm the overall integrity of the building envelope. Another difference between commercial and residential buildings is a larger number of windows, which unfortunately means more opportunities for air leaks and energy loss. Leaky windows are a consistent source of discomfort for tenants and inefficiency, but thermal imaging is a great answer to this issue!
The Importance of Frequent Commercial Inspections
When closing on a new property, every veteran investor certainly knows the value of a quality inspection. Unbiased, third-party commercial inspectors who have the right experience and the right tools are the only way to secure a purchase with confidence. When property inspectors employ infrared technology during their inspections, that also means:
- Confirming the structural integrity of the building;
- Anticipating major repairs;
- Avoiding inconvenient instances of downtime;
- And keeping tenants healthy and happy!
To learn more about the latest technologies and techniques that property inspectors are using in commercial inspections, see more on our blog! And for the best inspectors in the industry, stick with National Property Inspections. Contact our team to schedule your next commercial inspection today!
