Has anyone here actually had a thermal scan catch something legit that you wouldn’t have found otherwise? I’ve seen a lot of false alarms, but I’m curious if there are cases where it really saved someone from a disaster. Or is it mostly just a backup for what you already suspect?
Had a thermal scan done last fall after a nasty hailstorm. Honestly, I was pretty skeptical—figured it’d just confirm what I already knew. But the scan actually picked up a weird cold spot near the chimney that I hadn’t noticed. Turned out there was a slow leak under some flashing, and water had started soaking the insulation. Would’ve missed it until things got way worse. I get the false alarm thing, but in my case, it definitely paid off.
That’s actually pretty wild—did the scan show anything else you weren’t expecting, or was it just the chimney area? I’ve always wondered if those thermal scans pick up stuff like missing insulation or gaps around vents too. Makes me think about how many leaks or cold spots go unnoticed, especially in older roofs. Did you end up having to replace a big section, or was it just a small repair? Curious if you’re considering any upgrades after catching that leak... maybe better flashing or even switching materials?
- Thermal scans are great for finding more than just leaks—I've seen them flag missing insulation, especially around attic hatches and vent stacks.
- Chimney areas are classic trouble spots, but sometimes you’ll spot heat loss along eaves or valleys too.
- If it’s just a small leak, targeted repair with upgraded flashing usually does the trick. No need to rip up half the roof unless there’s widespread damage.
- For upgrades, I’d look at step flashing and maybe a higher grade underlayment. Swapping materials is a bigger investment, but sometimes worth it if your area gets wild weather.
- Honestly, most folks are surprised by how much those scans reveal... even stuff you can’t see from inside.
Had a scan done on a 60s duplex last winter—honestly, the amount of heat loss around the old skylight was wild. The tenants kept cranking the heat and I couldn’t figure out why bills were so high. Scan showed missing insulation and a gap in the step flashing. Quick targeted repairs made a noticeable difference. I’m with you, no need to go overboard unless you’re seeing widespread rot or mold. Those scans pay for themselves pretty quick, especially in older buildings.