Inspection Reveals Hidden Roof Leak Detected With Infrared Camera

The clients were complaining of odors and indoor air quality issues in the basement bedroom. An inspection of this area and brief infrared scan revealed a hidden roof leak, a disconnected HVAC supply duct, and insufficient ventilation. Additionally, we found a wall cavity in the basement bedroom that was missing significant portions of insulation. The client had complained of an inability to keep this room warm and had spent money to install a supplemental wall heater.

Findings

A roof leak that was found during an infra-red scan

A roof leak that was found during an infrared scan

The same roof leak as seen in rainbow mode

The same roof leak as seen in rainbow mode

Missing insulation found in the exterior wall of a basement

Missing insulation found in the exterior wall of a basement

A disconnected HVAC duct contributing to indoor air quality concerns

A disconnected HVAC duct contributing to indoor air quality concerns

A Cost-Effective Solution

A thorough and detailed inspection by an unbiased contractor can resolve indoor air quality issues and improve energy efficiency without tacking on expensive unnecessary services. The client was able to improve the ventilation with a simple adjustment to the furnace’s fresh-air intake system (made by the inspector), and can have focused and cost-effective repairs done on the damaged ducting, missing insulation, and roof leak. Getting to the root of these problems allows the client to choose only the work that is necessary and avoid upselling by contractors.

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