Irvine Home Inspections

A home inspection is a visual examination, and that is both its strength and its limit. An experienced inspector can read a great deal from what is visible - but some problems only announce themselves as a difference in temperature behind a finished surface.

Ingraffia Home Inspections has been inspecting in Orange County since 2003. To book in Irvine, call (714) 371-8422 or request an inspection.

Where thermal imaging helps

An infrared camera does not see through walls. What it sees is surface temperature, and the patterns in it are often the only visible trace of something behind the finish. On an inspection it is used for:

• Moisture intrusion, including damp that has not yet stained or blistered a surface
• Missing or damaged insulation, which shows as cold or warm patches across an otherwise even wall or ceiling
• Air infiltration and exfiltration around openings and penetrations
• Overheating electrical components, where a connection is running hotter than the ones beside it
• Leaking duct work and plumbing, and roof leaks tracked back from where the water shows up

The thermal imaging page goes through the applications in more detail.

What it is and is not

Thermal imaging narrows down where to look and what to look at further. It does not replace the inspection, and an anomaly on camera is a reason to investigate rather than a diagnosis on its own. Used properly it turns a suspicion into a specific question for the right specialist, which is a better position than either guessing or tearing something open.

Booking an inspection in Irvine

A single family residence starts at $500, and a condo, townhome or manufactured home starts at $350. Multi-family and properties over 5,000 square feet are quoted on a call. The full rate card is published.

The inspection itself covers grounds, exterior, utilities, interior, kitchen and bathrooms. Attend if you can - it is the cheapest way to understand your own report.