by Safe House Property Consultants | Apr 1, 2019 | Safe House Property Consultants
Why is Thermal Imaging also called Thermography?
Thermography is the use of a thermal imaging camera which detects infrared radiation in which the camera then converts the infrared radiation to a visual image called a Thermogram. The thermogram is a visual image which represents temperatures of the surface being viewed.
Thermal cameras measure surface temperature differences of the element being examined. Thermal cameras do not see through walls or other building elements.
Surface temperatures being tested are influenced by the presence of things inside walls such as termites, moisture or other materials. This may allow identification and presence of termites to wall cavity areas, moisture or other anomalies present in building structures.
The use of thermography for detection of air leakage, moisture leaks and defective or missing insulation are common applications in the building assessment. When conducting a thermal imaging survey of buildings, your consultant is looking for thermal anomalies which may relate to a building defect.
Why we are your first choice
Our consultants are highly trained in thermography and we are one of the pioneers, and industry leaders in using this technology for building and termite inspections.
Two of our consultants were the first Australians to be accredited, as Building Science thermographers. Two of our Thermographers have had training with the – University of Melbourne Private training which meets compliance for to ISO 9712 and ISO 18436.7.
Infrared Cameras are an effective tool of choice for leading professionals in the detection of:
Termite activity
- With standard pest inspections, reporting is restricted to those areas visible with the naked eye.
- Moisture meters are used; however, it is not practical to check all wall or ceiling surfaces with a moisture meter.
- Thermal image camera inspections can extend the inspection boundaries using non-invasive, environmentally friendly technology.
- Termite activity gives off heat and moisture, which may be detectable on wall surfaces using a thermal camera.
- Most termite activity is hidden in wall cavities and is not visible until termites reach the roof void, particularly if the structure is on a concrete slab.
- By the time termites reach the roof void they have usually caused considerable damage to the wall framing timbers on the way up.
Moisture problems
Roofs, showers, penetrating damp to wall and ceilings which may relate to wood decay damage to timbers.
Waterproofing problems
- Below ground rooms and balconies.
- Source of moisture – associated with hazardous mould and fungi.
- Insulation and thermal defects – including missing or poorly installed installation.
- Leaking pipes – Infrared is extremely effective in locating leaking pipes.
Electrical Problems
Elevated temperatures of meter board components can be scanned to check for potential failures.
Energy Assessment
A survey can be conducted to test for missing or poorly installed insulation. Identification of air leakage to the external envelope can be identified. Scans of solar voltaic panels can be checked for defects.
Structural defects
Identification of concealed structural elements or missing elements.
If you would like to know if thermal imaging or thermography can be used for a certain application, please contact our office for further details.
Image 1: Termites located to the wall around the window to the wall
Image 2: Heat loss to external envelope of an indoor heated pool complex.
Image 3: Water leakage to the ceiling from the 
upper-level bathroom shower
by Safe House Property Consultants | Mar 28, 2018 | Safe House Property Consultants
Make sure your building is safe
Owners and tenants should check if their apartment has cladding made of aluminium composite panels and that the fire safety measures in the building are appropriate and effective.
Owners
Find out if your building has aluminium cladding
Contact your strata managing agent, building manager, property manager or maintenance manager and ask them to review all design and construction documents to determine whether external wall cladding made of aluminium composite panels was used on your building.
Check whether your building’s fire safety statement is up-to-date
Your strata managing agent, building manager, property manager or maintenance manager should be able to advise you. You should also ensure that all fire safety maintenance measures have been addressed. Annual fire safety statements should be prominently displayed in your building.
Ensure a fire safety professional has inspected any cladding
If aluminium composite panels have been used in your building, ask the strata managing agent, building manager, property manager or maintenance manager if a fire safety professional has:
- reviewed and inspected the cladding – including the suitability of the type of material used and installation method
- checked the overall fire safety of the building
- provided an assessment of any steps required to maintain or improve the building’s fire safety.
If this has not been done, you should ask for this to be arranged.
Take immediate action to make any recommended changes
Make any recommended changes to the building.
by Safe House Property Consultants | Mar 28, 2018 | Safe House Property Consultants
Falls are the most common cause of injuries in children. Over 8,000 children are admitted to NSW hospitals each year due to a fall. In 2010 across NSW, 34 children were hospitalised after falling from a window and 46 children were hospitalised after falling from a balcony.
Are there any alternatives to locks?
The alternative is security screens, such as bars or grills on the windows so long as they have gaps less than 12.5cm. Flyscreens do not comply unless they are the reinforced security type and capable of resisting the very strong outward pressure which would prevent a child falling through.
by Safe House Property Consultants | Apr 13, 2015 | Safe House Property Consultants
You get what you pay for!
Bargain shopping for a home inspector just does not make sense when you consider the size of the investment you are about to make. The cost of the home inspection is very small in comparison to the benefits one will receive from the inspection. You need to consider that the home inspection fee is a small investment for the critical information you need to make the bigger financial decision.
We are committed to offering you a fair price for your inspection. In return you will receive the benefit of knowing that you are making an informed home buying decision. The purpose of the home inspection is not to pass or fail the home, but to give you a detailed report on the condition of the home at the time it was inspected.
Safe House Property Consultants will spend an average of 2 to 3 hours on site not the half hour of other providers in this industry.
It is not possible to pay a little and receive a detail report that informs you a lot.
Be aware that a large number of companies and individual inspectors within this industry are unqualified, lack experience in buildings and often uninsured, taking less than 30 minutes on average to conduct an inspection which should otherwise take 2 – 3 hours to complete. This is common with companies charging low prices for combined building & pest inspections. Most of these inspectors will not want you present during inspection.
