Choose the scope for your concern.
Targeted imaging
360: Inspection + Imaging includes targeted thermal imaging of key accessible areas during the home inspection.
THERMALSCAN
A separate survey of accessible areas. Coverage depends on safe access, operating conditions and useful temperature differences.
A specific concern
For a stain, warm floor or uncomfortable room, ask about a targeted screening. MVI confirms the area and objective before scheduling.
Temperature patterns that deserve attention.
Patterns can point to areas worth checking. The inspector compares the image with visible conditions and other observations.
Illustrative temperature pattern. This image does not confirm moisture or a leak.
Moisture-related concerns
Temperature patterns can help identify areas to check around ceilings, walls, windows or plumbing. A thermal image alone does not confirm moisture or locate a leak; moisture readings or further evaluation may be needed.
Illustrative ceiling-temperature variation. The pattern alone does not establish an insulation defect.
Insulation and air-leakage concerns
Under suitable conditions, patterns may suggest insulation gaps or air leakage. Framing and other building features can look similar, so interpretation requires context.
These patterns can help focus a closer review of conditions, but they do not confirm a defect on their own.
Illustrative warmer area at an electrical panel. This is not a documented defect from an inspected property.
Unusual electrical heating
Unusual heat at accessible components may warrant evaluation by a qualified electrician. Load, materials and operating conditions affect the image; it does not establish the cause on its own.
A thermal image is one piece of information. The inspector considers the pattern, conditions and other observations before recommending any follow-up.
UNDERSTANDING THE IMAGE
The colors show temperature differences.
A thermal camera turns infrared energy from visible surfaces into an image of apparent temperature differences. The scale, surface materials and reflections all affect how to read it.
1
Detect the energy
The camera receives infrared energy from the surfaces in its view.
2
Display the differences
The image assigns colors or shades to the temperature information.
3
Interpret the pattern
The inspector considers the pattern alongside its location, surface materials, visible conditions, and how the home’s systems are operating.
Does red always mean something is wrong?
No. In commonly used palettes, warmer areas appear yellow, orange, or red, while cooler areas appear purple or blue. Other palettes use different colors or grayscale.
The meaning depends on the image’s temperature scale and palette.
Red does not automatically mean danger, and blue does not automatically mean moisture.
FROM IMAGE TO OBSERVATION
From image to informed next steps.
Location / Where the pattern was observed.
Thermal pattern / What prompted a closer look.
Illustrative example.
Documented follow-up / What was checked and what comes next.
Illustrative report structure
Observed pattern: What the thermal image showed.
Supporting information: What other observations or measurements were available.
Recommendation: Whether additional evaluation was needed.
Conditions matter.
Sunlight, recent weather, indoor and outdoor temperatures, surface materials and system operation affect the image.
Reflections can also make some surfaces appear warmer or cooler than they actually are. Electrical concerns may be less apparent when the relevant equipment is not operating under a meaningful load.
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About this service
Thermal imaging is a non-invasive screening of apparent surface-temperature patterns at the time of inspection. It cannot see through materials or conclusively identify concealed moisture, leaks, insulation defects or their causes. Unusual patterns may need testing or evaluation by an appropriate licensed professional.
Understanding what the image can tell you.
Have a thermal imaging question?
Tell us about the property and your concern. MVI will help clarify the appropriate service scope before scheduling.