Building and dwelling thermal imaging
Infrared imaging offers a fast, non-invasive means of monitoring and diagnosing the condition of buildings.
Infrared Imaging can be a very effective, non intrusive building diagnostic procedure when used professionally for appropriate applications. There are many applications, and recent restrictions on working at height and ever increasing demands for carbon foot print reduction has increased the demand for this service.
| Samples | Application | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Reduction in uncontrolled heat loss | Can account 25% or more of a building’s heat loss | |
| Identify structural defects that create thermal bridges | Remove / manage sources of thermal discomfort and condensation problems | |
| Check or prove insulation continuity | Avoid another source of thermal discomfort and condensation problems | |
| Find hidden leaks, source of damp in a building or home | Eliminate uncontrolled moisture that can lead to mould and associated health problems | |
| Ensure building fabric has dried following flooding, identify areas that have been contaminated with hygroscopic elements | Avoid storing up trouble by trapping moisture behind new finishes | |
| Identify and isolate roof defects | Make effective repairs and avoid expensive early replacement of roof elements | |
| Pinpoint areas that need repair e.g. concrete delamination | Reduce man-hours spent on preventive maintenance and defect identification | |
| Evaluate and verify repair work | Peace of mind for repairer and their customer |
How Infrared Imaging Works
The outer skin of any object absorbs thermal energy from its surroundings. A building obtains thermal energy from the sun, atmosphere, and human activity. This energy is emitted as thermal radiation which can be measured by an Infrared Imaging camera. If the specific properties of a material are known and Infrared Camera can give very accurate temperature measurements across its surface. In the context of dwellings, buildings and civil engineering, professionals use Infrared imaging to observe spatial temperature variation i.e. patterns. This enables them to identify conditions or events they wish to eliminate, isolate or confirm.
Why choose REN Solutions
REN solutions provides infrared imaging services delivered by professionals with building maintenance and infrared imaging expertise. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the technique is critical for successful application. REN solutions works objectively with customers to ensure they receive a value for money service, using the following commissioning process:
- Identify perceived problem – thermal discomfort, damp etc
- Classify problem – building fabric defect, condensation etc
- Decide if infrared imaging can effectively confirm / map / diagnose the problem
- Develop suitable method - necessary environmental conditions, view points for imaging, control images etc
- Agree deliverables – report, presentation, image only
- Confirm equipment to be used - including secondary investigation techniques such as temp and RH data loggers
- Health and safety responsibilities, risk assessments and method statements
- Select suitable time - access considerations, weather parameters
- Survey process
- Analysis of results
- Production of deliverables
- Next steps
