Thermal imaging camera is extremely useful(and expensive) tool in property inspection because it can often find invisible defects and it can be used in diagnosis of structural faults.

In the example above, a twelve year old dwelling was inspected for a prospective purchaser. Although ceiling and cornice sag are readily visible it will leave you scratching as to why. After all the frame was inspected and passed at mandatory frame inspection during construction and before completion of this home.  Thermal imaging scan produced the preliminary diagnosis below.

From the image above it appears that a framing defect exists where a proper bearing for truss load was not provided and the top plate sagged. The usual provision of a double stud under truss load was missing.

Think about it:

1 Framing carpenter erred.

2 Building supervisor did not do his job

3 Building inspector did not do his job

4 Owner did not get competent independent frame inspection to look after investment

Think about it. Will the owner take a big hit on the asking price because of this defect?

You Bet!