Question 1

Is thermal imaging worth it in Waterloo?

Accepted Answer

Yes — particularly in Waterloo's older housing stock where finished basements, multiple renovations, and decades of moisture exposure create ideal conditions for hidden deficiencies. Thermal imaging regularly identifies active moisture intrusion behind finished walls before it becomes visible mold, missing or damaged attic insulation that drives up heating costs, and electrical hotspots on aging panels that pose a fire risk. A hidden water intrusion that costs $200 to find with thermal imaging can cost $15,000–$40,000 to remediate if left undetected through several more freeze-thaw cycles in Ontario's climate.

Question 2

Can thermal imaging see through walls?

Accepted Answer

No — thermal imaging does not see through solid objects. What it detects are surface temperature differentials: areas of a wall or ceiling that are warmer or cooler than surrounding surfaces, indicating differences in what lies behind them. A cold wet spot behind drywall shows cooler than dry drywall. A missing insulation bay shows as heat loss compared to insulated bays on either side. An overloaded electrical connection shows warmer than surrounding components. Our inspectors cross-reference all thermal anomalies with calibrated moisture meters to confirm findings before including them in the report.

Question 3

When should thermal imaging be done?

Accepted Answer

For optimal results in Waterloo, there must be at least a 10°C temperature differential between interior and exterior. Ontario's winters are ideal — when the furnace is running and outdoor temperatures are well below zero, even small insulation voids and moisture anomalies show clearly on the camera. Summer with air conditioning running also works if the differential is sufficient. Spring and fall can be marginal if temperatures are mild. We assess conditions at booking and advise if rescheduling would produce significantly better results for your specific scan.

Question 4

Do you include thermal imaging in a home inspection?

Accepted Answer

Thermal imaging is available as an add-on to any ASADS home inspection in Waterloo for $199, or as a standalone service starting at $199 for existing homeowners who want to assess specific concerns — persistent cold spots, suspected roof leaks, unexplained moisture odours, or aging electrical panels. Adding thermal imaging to your pre-purchase or pre-listing inspection is the most cost-effective approach, since the inspector is already on site. Standalone thermal scans are available for homeowners who want a targeted assessment without a full inspection.

Thermographic & Thermal Imaging Waterloo | Infrared | ASADS