FLIR Thermal Inspection
Every Cardinal job starts and ends with a FLIR thermal inspection. We map every air leak, insulation void, and thermal bridge in infrared before we install — then prove the seal with a second scan after. You see the Crimson Shield in thermal imaging before you ever pay the balance.
Get Your Free Quote
Itemized pricing by zone, back to you within the hour. No call required.
ProPink fiberglass, installed to manufacturer spec
Before-and-after infrared proof on every job
Local crews, never subcontracted
Transferable to the next owner
Thermal Inspection for South Florida Properties
thermal inspection is the workhorse of Florida attic retrofits. We will tell you plainly when it is the right specification and when a less expensive approach delivers the same outcome.
South Florida sits in South Florida, where the recommended attic target is R-38 to R-49. That number, along with where your ductwork runs and what condition the existing assembly is in, is what determines the right specification for your property.
Thermal Inspection at a glance
- R-value
- Diagnostic — no R-value (infrared imaging service)
- Installed cost
- $250 – $450 standalone · Free with any insulation install
- Service life
- One-time diagnostic (report provided)
- Available in
- South Florida and throughout South Florida
Types and Methods
Pre-installation FLIR scan
A full infrared scan of your home's envelope before any insulation work begins. We map every air leak, insulation void, and thermal bridge — invisible to the naked eye — and document them in a quantified thermal report so you know exactly what needs sealing.
Post-installation verification scan
A second FLIR scan after the insulation is installed, proving the seal actually works. We compare before-and-after infrared images side by side so you see the thermal delta — the difference between a guess and proof.
A FLIR scan needs a minimum 18°F temperature difference between inside and outside for accurate readings. We schedule inspections for early morning or late afternoon when the attic is hottest and the thermal contrast is strongest.
Benefits for South Florida Property Owners
- Finds every air leak and insulation void — invisible to the eye.
- Before-and-after proof that the seal actually works.
- Identifies moisture intrusion before it becomes mold.
- Documents savings with quantified thermal delta reports.
- Free with every Cardinal insulation install.
Best Applications
- Homes with high FPL bills and unknown causes
- Pre-insulation diagnostics to scope the work
- Post-installation verification of air sealing
- Moisture and leak detection before it becomes mold
- Energy audit for rebate and code compliance programs
How We Install It
- 1Set up the FLIR thermal camera and calibrate to indoor/outdoor temperature delta
- 2Scan every exterior wall, ceiling, and floor for thermal anomalies
- 3Document every air leak, insulation void, and moisture signature in infrared
- 4Generate a quantified thermal report with before-and-after comparison
- 5Walk you through every finding and recommend the highest-ROI fixes
- 6Credit the inspection fee toward any insulation install you book
Cost and R-Value Reference
Florida insulation cost & R-value reference.
Typical installed costs across South Florida by material. Pricing varies with access, square footage, and site conditions — every Cardinal quote itemizes material, R-value, installed inches, and square footage.
| Material | Installed cost | R-value / inch | Service life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blown-in fiberglass | $1.10 – $2.00 / sq ft | R-2.2 – R-2.7 / in | 20–30 years |
| Blown-in cellulose | $1.20 – $2.40 / sq ft | R-3.2 – R-3.8 / in | 20–30 years |
| Fiberglass batts | $0.90 – $2.10 / sq ft | R-3.1 – R-3.4 / in | 25+ years |
| Mineral wool | $1.60 – $3.40 / sq ft | R-3.0 – R-4.3 / in | 50+ years |
| Open-cell spray foam | $1.50 – $3.20 / sq ft | R-3.6 – R-3.8 / in | 80+ years |
| Closed-cell spray foam | $2.40 – $4.90 / sq ft | R-6.0 – R-7.0 / in | 80+ years |
| Rigid foam board | $1.40 – $3.80 / sq ft | R-3.8 – R-6.5 / in | 50+ years |
| Radiant barrier | $0.55 – $1.90 / sq ft | Reflective (no R) | 25+ years |
| Duct sealing + R-8 wrap | $800 – $3,500 / system | R-8 (duct) | 15–25 years |
| Insulation removal | $1.10 – $2.90 / sq ft | — | One-time |
Pricing reflects typical Florida installed costs and varies with access, square footage, and site conditions. Source: U.S. Department of Energy insulation guidance, Florida Building Code R402, and IECC climate zone 1 requirements.
Pricing reflects typical Florida installed costs and varies with access, square footage and site conditions.
Thermal Inspection FAQs
A FLIR infrared camera visualizes surface temperature differences, revealing insulation voids, air leaks, and moisture intrusion invisible to the naked eye. We scan your home before and after install so you see exactly what we sealed.
A standalone FLIR inspection is $250–$450. It's free with every Cardinal insulation install — and we credit the standalone fee toward any install you book. Either way, you get a quantified thermal report.
Yes — wet materials conduct heat differently than dry, so moisture shows up clearly on a FLIR scan. We catch roof leaks, condensation, and hidden water intrusion before they become mold or rot.
Serving the Boca–Delray–Boynton corridor.
From the Boca inlet to Boynton's western estates — every hot zone below is a home we sealed this year. This is our local service area.
