Thermal Imaging Inspections in Cleveland, OH
See temperature differences that ordinary photos can’t reveal.
Infrared thermal imaging helps inspectors identify unusual temperature patterns that may indicate moisture intrusion, insulation deficiencies, air leakage, or electrical hot spots. It’s an additional diagnostic tool that helps guide further evaluation.
See what a thermal camera sees.
Choose an example, then drag the divider to compare the same illustrated area in a normal view and a thermal view.
Possible moisture intrusion
The ceiling looks normal to the eye, but the thermal view shows an irregular area that reads cooler than its surroundings. Damp materials can read cooler as moisture evaporates, so this may indicate moisture. Other causes, such as missing insulation or drafts, are also possible.
What it means: An area for further investigation, such as moisture testing. It isn’t a confirmed leak, and it doesn’t show whether mold is present.
Insulation deficiencies
The framing shows as faint, evenly spaced lines, and one wall section near the ceiling reads noticeably cooler than the others. This may indicate missing, settled or poorly performing insulation.
What it means: Results depend on the indoor–outdoor temperature difference on inspection day. Patterns like this are noted for further evaluation.
Electrical hot spots
One breaker reads noticeably warmer than the breakers around it. Abnormal heating in accessible electrical components may indicate a loose connection, an overloaded circuit or another condition.
What it means: Readings depend on the electrical load during the scan. A warm spot like this calls for evaluation by a licensed electrician.
How infrared cameras work
Every surface gives off infrared energy, and warmer surfaces give off more of it. A thermal camera measures that energy and turns it into a color image, so differences in apparent surface temperature become visible. In this palette, purples and blues are cooler and oranges and yellows are warmer.
The camera shows the surface, not what’s behind it. A cooler or warmer spot is a clue that something may be different there; it takes further evaluation to find out why.
This comparison is an educational illustration created for this page. It is not a photograph or a finding from an actual inspection, and the patterns shown are examples only.
What thermal imaging can help identify
These are possible indicators that point to areas worth a closer look, not confirmed diagnoses.
Possible moisture intrusion
Unusual cool patterns may suggest areas that need further moisture investigation.
Insulation deficiencies
Temperature differences may indicate missing or poorly performing insulation.
Air leakage
Thermal imaging can help reveal temperature patterns associated with drafts and air infiltration.
Electrical hot spots
Abnormal heating in accessible electrical components may indicate issues that need further evaluation.
What thermal imaging can’t do
Thermal imaging is a useful diagnostic aid when you understand what it measures. Infrared cameras:
- Detect apparent surface temperature differences
- Can’t see through walls, ceilings or floors
- Can’t confirm mold, concealed leaks or electrical defects on their own
- Can be affected by weather, sunlight, HVAC operation, building materials and accessibility on the day of the inspection
- Don’t replace a standard home inspection, moisture testing, evaluation by a specialist or a comprehensive energy audit
Unusual patterns are treated as areas that need further evaluation by a qualified specialist. No inspection method can find every hidden condition.
How the service works
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Add thermal imaging to your inspection
When you get your price for a residential home inspection or a condo inspection, choose Thermal Imaging as an add-on, then schedule online. Condo inspections are booked the same way as a home inspection. We’ll confirm your thermal imaging appointment time after you book. For a pre-listing inspection, text 440-724-3198 and ask for thermal imaging when you request your price.
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Your inspector scans accessible areas
During the inspection, your inspector uses an infrared camera on accessible areas that may include electrical panels and electrical systems, plumbing systems, walls, ceilings and HVAC systems, as access and conditions allow on the day of the inspection.
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Findings are documented in your report
Unusual thermal patterns are documented in your inspection report, either in a separate thermal imaging section or alongside related findings in the report’s normal sections, as areas that need further evaluation.
Who benefits from thermal imaging?
Homebuyers
Add another layer of information to your inspection while you’re deciding on a home.
Buyers of older homes
Older homes can have insulation, air sealing and moisture conditions that are hard to see with the eye alone.
Condo buyers
Add it to a condo inspection to learn more about the unit you’re buying, within the areas that are accessible.
Sellers
Add it to a pre-listing inspection to learn more about your home before it goes on the market.
Thermal imaging is offered only as an add-on to residential home, condo and pre-listing inspections. It adds information to the inspection; it can’t guarantee that hidden problems will be found.
Thermal imaging questions
What is thermal imaging in a home inspection?
Infrared thermal imaging uses a thermal camera to show apparent surface temperature differences. During an inspection it’s used as a non-invasive diagnostic aid to look for unusual temperature patterns in accessible areas such as electrical systems, plumbing systems, walls, ceilings and HVAC systems. At Detailed Home Inspections it’s an optional add-on to a residential home, condo or pre-listing inspection in Cleveland and across Northeast Ohio.
Can thermal imaging detect water leaks?
It can’t confirm a leak on its own. Damp materials often show up cooler than the surface around them, so thermal imaging can point to areas that may involve moisture. Those areas need further evaluation, such as moisture testing or review by a qualified specialist, to determine what is actually happening.
Can infrared cameras see through walls?
No. A thermal camera reads the temperature of the surface it’s pointed at. Conditions inside a wall can sometimes affect the surface temperature, but the camera can’t see insulation, pipes, wiring or water behind the surface.
Can thermal imaging detect mold?
No. Thermal imaging can’t identify mold. It may show temperature patterns associated with moisture, which is one condition that can lead to mold growth. If mold is a concern, mold testing is available separately.
Is thermal imaging included in a standard home inspection?
No. Under our inspection agreement, infrared thermal imaging is an additional service that is performed when it’s selected and paid for. A standard home inspection doesn’t include a thermal scan; you can add it to a residential home, condo or pre-listing inspection.
Can I book thermal imaging separately?
No. Thermal imaging isn’t offered as a standalone service. It’s available only as an add-on to a residential home, condo or pre-listing inspection.
How much does thermal imaging cost?
Thermal imaging starts at $195 for homes up to 2,000 square feet. Pricing varies for larger homes. A finished walk-out basement counts toward the square footage. For residential home and condo inspections, your full price, including the inspection and any other add-ons, is shown in our online price estimator before you book. For a pre-listing inspection, text 440-724-3198 and we’ll include thermal imaging in your quote.
Will thermal images appear in my inspection report?
Yes. Thermal imaging documentation is included in your inspection report. It may appear in a separate thermal imaging section, or alongside related findings in the report’s normal sections when an issue is found. Unusual patterns are presented as areas that need further evaluation.
Add thermal imaging to your inspection
Get your price for a residential home or condo inspection, add Thermal Imaging, and pick a time online. Selling your home, or have questions first? Text 440-724-3198. We serve Cleveland and Northeast Ohio, including Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, Summit, Portage, Medina, Lorain and Ashtabula counties.