Noble Property Inspections

Thermal & Infrared Scanning

Advanced infrared sensors that reveal what the naked eye can't see — from missing insulation to hidden water leaks and electrical hot spots.

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How do you do a Thermal Scan?

Thermal imaging employs infrared sensors that measure temperature by capturing and measuring infrared light. A thermal scan assesses temperature differentials throughout the home to highlight areas of excess heat or unusual cold spots that indicate underlying problems.

What do you look for?

  • Insufficient or missing attic insulation
  • Water leaks behind walls and ceilings
  • Electrical panel problems with hot circuit breaker spots
  • Air leaks around doors and windows
  • AC duct air leaks in the attic

Can I fix it?

Hot spots typically indicate insufficient or missing insulation, leading to energy inefficiency and higher electricity bills. The remedy usually involves redistributing, replacing, or installing new insulation.

Thermal imaging also detects water leaks that require remediation through pipe repair or replacement. Unresolved leaks can cause ceiling sagging, structural deterioration, and mold growth. Early detection through thermal scanning saves homeowners significant money in the long run.

What Thermal Imaging Reveals That Visual Inspection Misses

Thermal imaging cameras detect temperature differentials on surfaces — and temperature differentials reveal a wide range of hidden problems that are completely invisible to the naked eye. Noble's FLIR-certified inspectors use calibrated thermal cameras as a standard part of every full home inspection and as a standalone scanning service.

  • Active moisture intrusion — wet insulation and framing appear as cool spots
  • Missing or damaged insulation — visible as thermal bridges in walls and ceilings
  • Electrical hot spots — overloaded breakers, loose connections, and failing outlets
  • Radiant heat system failures — broken loops visible as cold zones in flooring
  • Air infiltration paths — gaps in the building envelope appear as thermal anomalies

Thermal imaging does not replace a thorough physical inspection — it adds a diagnostic layer that dramatically increases defect detection rates. All thermal findings are documented with both thermal and standard photographs and interpreted in the context of the full inspection report.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does thermal imaging detect?
Thermal imaging detects temperature differences that indicate hidden problems — including moisture intrusion behind walls, missing insulation, electrical hot spots, HVAC leaks, and pest activity. It is non-invasive and does not require cutting into walls.
Is thermal imaging included in a standard home inspection?
Yes, Noble Property Inspections includes thermal imaging at no additional cost with every standard home inspection. Our inspectors use FLIR infrared cameras throughout the inspection.
Can thermal imaging find mold?
Thermal imaging cannot directly detect mold, but it can locate moisture — which is where mold grows. If thermal imaging identifies a wet area, we recommend a follow-up mold inspection to confirm whether mold is present.
What conditions are needed for thermal imaging to work?
Thermal imaging works best when there is a temperature differential of at least 10°F between inside and outside the home. The camera detects heat, not light, so it works day or night — but extreme heat can reduce effectiveness.
Do you provide the thermal images in the report?
Yes. Every thermal anomaly found during the inspection is documented with both a thermal image and a standard photograph in your same-day report, along with our interpretation and recommendation.

See What's Hidden in Your Home