Technology Used

At Brisbane Building and Pest Inspections we use the latest technologies. Some of these include:

  • Thermal Imaging Cameras
  • Termatrac
  • Borescope
  • Moisture Encounter
  • Termite Detection Dog

Thermal Imaging Cameras (Thermal Imaging)

With the use of modern Thermal Imaging Cameras we are now able to detect areas of moisture or thermal inconsistencies and make a diagnosis, often without the need to carry out further more invasive inspection techniques. So Thermal Imaging Cameras should be used where possible.

Examples of termite nests revealed in IR thermal images.
Source: Inframation, Bart Bruni, Spectrum Infrared Building Solutions

Moisture is the leading causes of problems in buildings, it is also the most common finding for building and pest inspectors. From leaking shower recesses to rising or penetrating damp to roof leaks to issues of condensation with potential mould growth and termite damage, water is almost always the source of major issues needing attention. Having the ability to diagnose and identify moisture issues within a building allows the prospective purchaser to be better informed prior to the purchase of the property, reducing the risks associated with moisture significantly.

Thermal or infrared (IR) imaging is becoming just as important a tool as the moisture meter for performing non-destructive testing on building elements and components. The major difference is the expense of these IR cameras. One of the most common excuses from inspectors who decide not to use the cameras/technology is the expense. These cameras are very expensive, and the training to learn to use them effectively is also expensive and time consuming. Another reason some inspectors are hesitant to get on board is that infrared diagnostic evaluations are considered to be outside the scope for standard home inspections.

Infrared cameras can see more than the naked eye and more than our moisture meters. They can be used in the right conditions to detect and pinpoint locations of a variety of major concerns ranging from Termite. termite damage, plumbing leakage, window leakage, missing thermal insulation, energy effectiveness of the building envelope, to overheating electrical equipment. Thermal imaging assists in detecting many items that may be of concern that are concealed by wall linings, these include termite damage or termite sub-nests, moisture damage and many other building issues. Although the thermal imaging may have indicated a possible problem, further investigation is often needed to determine the possible causes of the area of concern, if a termites sub-nest is located then the combination of a moisture meter + Term-a-Trac, acoustics devices, borescopes and fibre-optics are commonly used to determine concealed termite activity etc'. Some of these tools can only be used while performing a more invasive inspection rather than the non-destructive inspection carried out in a pre-purchase situation.

We wish to emphasise the fact that thermal imaging is not a stand alone tool used for the detection of termites as has been the conception provided to the general public by some other companies - thermal imaging when used with the expertise gained from years of termite, inspection and building experience by the operator, together with other advance technology tools, will provide valuable information that can not be gained in any other manner. Therefore it is prudent to have a property scanned with a thermal imaging camera.

 

Termatrac

Termatrac is a breakthrough development in the detection of termites, invented and developed in Australia using technology similar to radar, Termatrac is the exciting answer to detecting termites through timber, plaster board, brick or masonry with no interference to the building material or termite activity.

With no drilling, tapping or prodding, Termatrac is the answer to termite detection without termite defection! With Termatrac, the pest professional enjoys the advantage of accurate detection and customer peace of mind.

 

Borescope

 

 

 

Moisture Encounter

A non-destructive overall building inspection tool that has applications for many industries including but not limited t building/home inspection, roofing, drywall, painting, flood and water restoration, flooring and pest control. Three ranges of sensitivity make it suitable for various building materials.

  • Uses low-frequency electronic signals
  • No probes or pins to cause surface damage
  • Detects moisture through paint, varnish, wallpaper, tiles or roofing felt.

 

Termite Detection Dog - By Arrangement

Dogs have at least 200,000 more olfactory receptors than humans do, so even substances we consider odorless can waft a powerful whiff toward a dog's nostrils. We all know that police and Customs officers depend on dogs to locate illegal narcotics quickly and without bias. With similar training, dogs can detect termites as the insects give off telltale methane gas produced by microorganisms in their digestive tracts. Fifteen gases have been reported from more than 20 species of termites worldwide. The most common and abundant gases emitted from termite colonies are carbon dioxide and methane. Any dogs trained for detection work can learn to sniff for these pests.

Our dog was trained by a certified trainer. She went through an extensive training program for the initial training and is still being trained every day to keep up on Termite detection.

Termites cause over a two hundred million dollars in property damage in Australia every year. Yet termite infestations go undetected by human inspectors about two-thirds of the time. That's because human inspectors must rely on visual signs, such as damage, in order to detect termite activity. Unfortunately, by the time the visual signs are there, so is the damage.

Research shows that dogs are up to 400% MORE ACCURATE than visual human inspections in locating termite points of entry. The Termite Detection Dog offers you the capability for early termite detection .They can detect termites inside walls, under floor coverings, behind exterior siding, stucco and brick veneer where no human inspector can. They can locate infestations in areas of a house or building where there are no apparent signs of termites.

If you are serious about finding termites, call us today on 1300 369 550!