What is infrared thermography?+
Infrared thermography uses a thermal imaging camera to detect temperature variations on building surfaces. These variations reveal hidden problems such as water infiltration, heat loss, insulation gaps and electrical hotspots that are invisible to the naked eye.
Is thermography available with a pre-purchase inspection?+
Yes. FLIR thermal imaging can be added to any inspection at Inspecteur Élite. Contact us for pricing tailored to your project.
Can I book a thermography inspection on its own?+
Yes. Standalone thermography inspections are available starting at $350+tax. This is ideal for homeowners investigating a specific issue such as moisture, drafts or high energy bills, or for property managers performing preventive maintenance.
See our detailed pricing for context on other services.
What time of year is best for a thermography inspection?+
Thermography is most effective when there is a significant temperature difference between the inside and outside of the building. In Montreal, the heating season (October to April) provides ideal conditions. However, thermography can reveal useful findings year-round.
How long does a standalone thermography inspection take?+
A standalone thermography inspection typically takes 1 to 2 hours depending on the size of the building. The report with annotated thermal images is delivered within 24 to 48 hours.
Can thermography detect mold?+
Thermography does not detect mold directly, but it identifies moisture and damp zones behind walls and ceilings where mold is likely to develop. These findings can guide further investigation, such as air quality testing or targeted opening of surfaces.
What training does your thermographer have and why is expert interpretation critical?+
In building thermography, two factors determine diagnostic quality:
thermal camera resolution and sensitivity, and
training in thermogram interpretation. Our thermographer uses a professional camera (≥320×240 pixels, sensitivity ≤0.05°C) and holds training to correctly interpret thermal images. Why this is critical: a thermogram can reveal real water infiltration or simply normal temperature variation depending on ambient conditions. Without proper training, interpretation can be wrong in both directions:
false positives (cold zone wrongly attributed to infiltration when it's actually a minor thermal bridge) triggering unnecessary expert investigations, or
false negatives (real defect missed for lack of thermal differential at measurement time). For legal use (evidence in a
hidden defect claim), a thermogram must be documented and interpreted by a trained professional.
What specific defects does thermography detect that standard inspection cannot?+
Thermography reveals defects hidden behind finished surfaces: water infiltration (wall, ceiling, foundation — water cools the surface), insulation defects in walls (cold or hot zones), air leaks around windows, doors, outlets (temperature differential), hidden piping (hot or cold), electrical panel overheating (faulty connections, overloaded breakers), radiant floor heating (non-functional zones), basement moisture (indicative cold zones). Powerful tool complementing visual inspection.
When is it particularly useful to add thermography to inspection?+
Recommended in several situations: 1) Pre-purchase inspection of high-risk properties (finished basement, older buildings, prior moisture signs). 2) Moisture or mold investigation — precise location of hidden sources. 3) Energy audit — thermal loss identification. 4) Hidden leak detection (plumbing behind walls). 5) Post-renovation inspection to verify insulation and sealing. 6) Commercial inspection (electrical panel, flat roof). Complementary or standalone service as needed.
What equipment do you use and what are its limitations?+
We use a professional thermal camera (minimum 320×240 resolution, thermal sensitivity 0.05°C or better). Thermography has important limitations: requires temperature differential (doesn't work if interior and exterior are same temperature — worst time: cloudy spring/fall day), doesn't penetrate surfaces (measures surface, not what's beneath), sensitive to ambient humidity and wind, requires interpretation training (a poorly interpreted thermogram can mislead). Optimal conditions: cold exterior (differential ≥ 10°C).
What cost and duration for thermographic inspection?+
Complete thermographic inspection (integrated with pre-purchase inspection or standalone): adds typically 1 to 2 hours on site and additional cost by scope. Targeted thermographic inspection (e.g., specific infiltration search or electrical panel audit): 1 to 3 hours. Custom quote. The report includes photographed thermograms with analysis, suspect zones identified, and recommendations for additional investigations (moisture probe, specialised expertise if needed).