Thermal Imaging Inspection

What Thermal Imaging Reveals

Thermal imaging uses infrared technology to detect temperature differences on surfaces. These temperature variations reveal hidden problems that would otherwise be invisible during a standard visual inspection.

Why Thermal Imaging Matters in Northern Colorado

Our region's climate makes thermal imaging particularly valuable:

Extreme Temperature Swings

Northern Colorado and Cheyenne experience temperature ranges from -20°F to 100°F annually. These extremes stress building envelopes and reveal insulation deficiencies. During inspections, we can identify areas where your home will lose the most heat in winter or gain the most heat in summer.

Wind-Driven Moisture

Our region's frequent high winds can drive moisture into wall cavities around windows, doors, and other penetrations. Thermal imaging reveals moisture intrusion before it causes visible damage or mold growth.

New Construction Quality

In rapidly growing communities like Windsor, Timnath, and Johnstown, thermal imaging catches insulation gaps and air sealing defects in new construction. We regularly find issues that passed visual inspection but show clearly on thermal scans.

Older Home Evaluation

Historic homes in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley often have inconsistent insulation from decades of modifications. Thermal imaging maps exactly where insulation exists and where it's missing or inadequate.

How Thermal Imaging Works

Thermal imaging doesn't "see through walls"—it detects surface temperatures. However, what's happening inside walls affects surface temperatures in predictable ways:

• Wet materials conduct heat differently than dry materials, making moisture appear cooler on scans
• Missing insulation allows heat transfer, creating warm spots in winter (heat escaping) or cool spots in summer (cold air escaping)
• Electrical problems generate heat that transfers to surrounding materials and surfaces
• Air leaks create temperature gradients as conditioned air mixes with outside air

Our professional-grade thermal camera captures these temperature differences and displays them as color-coded images. We then interpret these images based on training and experience to identify actual problems versus normal temperature variation.

What You'll Receive

Thermal imaging findings are included in your inspection report:

• Thermal images of any significant findings, clearly labeled
• Interpretation of what each thermal anomaly indicates
• Recommendations for further evaluation or repair when needed
• Context photos showing the same area in normal light for reference

We don't just hand you colorful pictures—we explain what they mean and what action, if any, is recommended.

Limitations of Thermal Imaging

We believe in honest, accurate information. Thermal imaging is a powerful tool, but it has limitations:

• Temperature difference required: There must be a significant temperature difference between inside and outside for best results
• Surface only: We see surface temperatures, not direct images of what's inside walls
• Interpretation required: Not every thermal anomaly indicates a problem—experience and training matter
• Not X-ray vision: We cannot see through solid materials or identify specific materials inside walls

Thermal imaging is a screening tool that identifies areas needing further investigation. When we find thermal anomalies, we may recommend additional testing (like moisture meters) to confirm findings.