Building Thermography

All components of a building emit infrared radiation - light invisible to the human eye which is produced by the temperature of the surface observed. Using an infrared camera our technicians observe this infrared radiation and display the resulting images of thermal patterns electronically.

These images show the relative warmer and cooler areas area of the building structure, and are interpreted to establish where there may be heat loss or other problems.

Our technicians can look for the following:

Continuity of Insulation
Thermal imaging is a quick and non-destructive method for detecting areas of missing, moisture-laden or damaged insulation or thermal bridging in walls, roofs, crawlspaces and attics. It may be used to demonstrate compliance with the Building Regulations Part L2

Moisture and mould growth
IR cameras are capable of detecting temperature differences down to 0.1 °C and so are used to detect the differences in thermal characteristic between wet and dry materials. This enables the pinpointing of leaks and moisture migration paths within the building fabric. Roof leaks may be detected in inaccessible areas, e.g. flat roofs, simplifying repair and reducing costs.

Building structure examination
Timber frames behind render, weather-boarding and plaster etc. are visble using infrared thermography. In masonry walls structural joints, infilled openings etc. are visible behind render or plaster.

Services
Overloaded circuits, faulty wiring and loose electrical connections generate heat and may be visually detected using infrared thermography. Badly insulated pipes resulting in costly heat loss may be quickly located.

Underfloor heating
Pipe-work associated with under-floor heating systems radiates heat through the floor surface. The pipe runs are easily observed with an infrared camera, showing the integrity of heat patterns and possible zone failures and leaks.

Plant and machinery
The cameras can detect hot spots in furnace heat exchangers and flues, mechanical problems such as worn or under-lubricated bearings in motors, pumps and fans, refrigerant leaks, and blockages in HVAC components.

Post disaster inspections
After a fire, an infrared cameras can be an invaluable method of rapidly identifying remnant hot spots, assuring safety and providing Cause and Origin data for insurance assessors. After flooding, infrared can rapidly define the degree of water damage by rendering the wet portion of materials visible.

Air leakage paths
Combining a blower door test with thermography enables a systematic recording of air leakage paths. Visual evidence in the form of thermograms and photographs can be combined with annotated floor plans in a report if required. See the airtighness page for more on pressure testing.