Sloppy Insulation

[Sean Fogarty]

The more i use this camera, the more I find or realize how the lack of the smallest details actually results in poor performance of the house.
This guys home had a poor insulation job done when it was built and it shows.
Here are a few photos. Obviously a poor job insulating the walls. One section was missing all together.

[ldapkus]

Originally Posted by sfogarty

The more i use this camera, the more I find or realize how the lack of the smallest details actually results in poor performance of the house.
This guys home had a poor insulation job done when it was built and it shows.
Here are a few photos. Obviously a poor job insulating the walls. One section was missing all together.

Are you sure the insulation was missing or could that have been air convection from poorly installed insulation? Be careful what you report. I saw this posted on an international professional blog:

It was recently pointed out to me that InterNACHI is offering "Introduction To Infrared Thermography Online Video Course". I have been told that this course qualifies the InterNACHI Home Inspectors to advertise that they are "Certified" Thermographers.
We have had no rain in Central Florida for 21 days but yet a quick Thermal Assessment by this InterNACHI Certified Thermographer found a home to be free of any water intrusion.

The stain on the ceiling and wall along with the homeowners report confirmed, for me, that the leak was active the last time it rained and that there have been no repairs to the roof to correct the leak.

In this case the inspector used his camera to impress the client. Bells and Whistles. He was hired to find the leak so that it could be repaired before the next rain. The images taken by the InterNACHI inspector that I reviewed were taken in the middle of the day. The home is block construction on the first floor and wood frame on the second. Far too many issues with the thermal inspection to even begin to discuss. Needless to say once again a camera owner was paid to provide a service that he was not qualified to provide and clearly his online training was not sufficient.

I find it amazing that there are inspectors out there that will consider themselves Certified Thermographers after only a few hours of training.

[Sean Fogarty]

No, the first pic was missing. I went into the attic to look. The rest was just poorly installed.

[ldapkus]

How did you do to verify it was poorly installed or missing and how did you report it? You probably should get some training for that equipment before you get yourself in trouble. Read the disclaimer on that video.

[Brandon Clark]

I usually don't report little areas of sloppy insulation. If there's a significant amount of insulation missing such as half the ceiling or an entire wall than I do report it.

If you start reporting every single area of sloppy or missing insulation while bragging about how your camera found it than your gonna be labeled a "deal killer".

I always make a point to show home buyers how well certain areas are insulated vs. how I found a tiny area of missing insulation. I point out major defects but I also use the infrared to provide the buyer with confidence instead of leaving them worried about small things my camera was able to detect. Every home has a few small areas of missing insulation.

I brought up the areas below because the areas are large enough to have a significant effect on their electric bill. For the most part, I try an stay away from being a home inspector/energy consultant combo.

[Sean Fogarty]

Actually, I was only over at this house for some other things. I personally know the guy and I was just looking around.

The post was not to boast about reporting insulation defects, only just to share how one never realizes the real effect of poor insulation job until you can see it in another light..

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

I know for a fact that many code enforcement officers DO NOT inspect the insulation at all prior to installation of the sheetrock. (After the rough-in inspection, they don't return until the final.) Even if it was put in fully, if it wasn't stapled, it tends to fall down and compress over time. Thus the uninsulated space at the top of the wall.

[Brandon Clark]

Originally Posted by sfogarty

Actually, I was only over at this house for some other things. I personally know the guy and I was just looking around.

The post was not to boast about reporting insulation defects, only just to share how one never realizes the real effect of poor insulation job until you can see it in another light..

I know Sean. I wasn't trying to give you a hard time or anything. I was just posting how I personally handle insulation issues since the topic was about insulation.

I'm glad you posted some images. I wish more folks would post images. Glad your enjoying your camera.