A thermal imaging camera only finds what the person reading it knows how to interpret. Here’s what to look for in a thermal imaging company.
| What to check | What to ask | ABM Environmental |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment & certification | What camera, and who’s reading it? | FLIR camera operated by a certified Level 1 thermographer |
| What it detects | Moisture, insulation, air leakage? | Hidden moisture intrusion, condensation, missing insulation, and air leakage |
| Who conducts the survey | Backed by a senior consultant? | A Senior Project Consultant who is a certified Level 1 thermographer, with 18+ years of experience |
| Report acceptance | Accepted by banks and insurers? | Banks, insurance companies, and municipalities |
| Insurance | Professional liability (E&O) coverage? | Yes — general liability, professional liability, and WorkSafeBC coverage |
Equipment and certification
ABM Environmental uses FLIR thermal imaging cameras, operated by a certified Level 1 thermographer — not just someone who purchased a camera but isn’t trained to accurately interpret what it shows. Misreading a thermal image is as much of a risk as not using one at all: it can miss a real moisture problem or flag a false positive.
What thermal imaging can — and can’t — detect
Thermal imaging is a fast, non-invasive way to locate hidden moisture intrusion, condensation problems, missing insulation and air leakage that the naked eye can’t see. It’s a diagnostic tool that points to where a problem likely is — interpreting what the temperature pattern actually means still depends on the thermographer’s training.
Who is actually conducting the survey
Every thermal imaging survey at ABM Environmental is conducted personally by a Senior Project Consultant who is a certified Level 1 thermographer, with over 18 years of experience.
Whether the report will actually be accepted where it needs to go
ABM Environmental’s reports have been accepted by banks, insurance companies, and municipalities.
Insurance coverage
A thermal imaging company should carry professional liability (errors & omissions) insurance — insurers only issue this after a qualification process, so a company that carries it has effectively already been vetted. ABM Environmental carries general liability and professional liability insurance, along with WorkSafeBC coverage. See our full breakdown of ABM Environmental’s insurance coverage.
Red flags to watch for
Two things are worth checking before you hire anyone, because they’re the easiest way to tell a properly qualified company apart from one that isn’t: insurance and specifics.
If a company’s website doesn’t mention insurance at all, that’s worth asking about directly — not every company is willing or able to carry professional liability (errors & omissions) coverage for the work, and a company that qualifies for it usually says so, because it’s a real differentiator.
Be equally cautious of vague qualification language like “trained and certified technicians” with no further detail. That phrase says nothing about which certification, from which organization, or how much experience the specific person coming to your property actually has. Ask directly: what certification does this person hold, and how many years have they been doing this work? A company confident in its qualifications will give you a straight answer — name, credential, and years of experience — not a general reassurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment is used for professional thermal imaging?
ABM Environmental uses FLIR thermal imaging cameras, operated by a certified Level 1 thermographer — not just someone who purchased a camera but can’t accurately interpret what it shows.
What can thermal imaging detect that the naked eye can’t?
Hidden moisture intrusion, condensation problems, missing insulation, and air leakage within walls, ceilings and floors.
What insurance should a thermal imaging company have?
At minimum, general liability and professional liability (errors & omissions) insurance, plus WorkSafeBC coverage.
Are thermal imaging survey reports accepted by banks and insurance companies?
Yes — ABM Environmental’s reports have been accepted by banks, insurance companies, and municipalities.
What should I be cautious of when choosing a thermal imaging company?
Two things in particular: whether the company discloses its insurance coverage, and how specific it is about who’s actually doing the work. A company that doesn’t mention insurance on its website, or that only offers vague language like “trained and certified technicians” without naming the certification or the person’s experience, may not have much to say if you ask for specifics. ABM Environmental states its coverage and credentials plainly, and every survey is performed by a named Senior Project Consultant with over 18 years of experience.
Call (604) 568-5177 for a free phone consultation, or fill out our online assessment form for a quote or to book.
Written by Brian Mackenzie, Senior Project Consultant at ABM Environmental, with over 18 years of experience in indoor environmental consulting.