Infrared imaging...in all our futures?

[Larry E. Freeze]

Been reading some amazing stuff about infrared imaging...
Looks like HomeSafe practically has a monopoly/lock on the market for the technology (?)
Was told today about someone suffering from mold probs....had mold samples taken...occupant was told by medical doctor: "Get outa there!"
Took sheetrock off wall...found small plumbing leak...no stains or outward signs whatsoever..
Sooo.....since it appears that an infrared imager would likely have detected the otherwise invisible plumbing leak....
Not to mention that HomeSafe's very pricey device can also detect otherwise invisible termites (with infrared coupled with acoustic detection).....
What's your opinion?
Is infrared going to be in all our bags of tools?

[Keith Swift, PhD.]

It's inevitable. The distinction between "generalist" and "specialist" has been eroding for years, and the claim that inspections are "visual" and "non-invasive" has always been wobbly. We are professionals, and whether we like it or not our clients and the courts do regard us as "specialists." Who knows, one day we might even be imaging ectoplasms. PS. I don't have a thermal imaging tool---------------yet.

[Barry Adair]

Yeah you do the image is numerical and it's just not the higher end model

[rdawes]

While investigating IR cameras last year, I talked to a rep from the company that makes the imager used in the Homesafe system. I can't remember the firm but it was not FLIR. He said the imager they use is way out of date by current standards. The imager is not radiometric, they record the image to video tape not stills and the image is black&white only. I also don't like their advertising that claims they can "see thru walls".

[Keith Swift, PhD.]

Barry, true, but how did you know? Is there a psychic element among your gifts?