Infrared inspections of buildings are now an established field of expertise with specialised training courses available for building envelope inspections, roof inspections, damp and mould identification, etc.

A thermal image makes it simpler to see where insulation is missing or air is leaking in or out of a building. Any object that is not transmitting, generating or absorbing heat will take on the surrounding air temperature, so cold air leaking into a building (or missing insulation on a heated building) will cause cold patches on the wall, floor or ceiling. Conversely, warm air leaking from a building will cause warm patches on the outside of a wall or roof.

In short, the benefits of infrared thermography are:

	Quick inspections
	Results are easily shown visually
	Identifies the areas of air leakage
	Shows thermal insulation defects
	Reveals the efficacy of heating and cooling installations.

There are three key elements of a thermographic building survey that you need to know:

1. Understanding of the construction being inspected.

Construction drawings should be reviewed if available and a full visual examination of the construction completed prior to the start of the inspection. You should also,where possible, consult with the building owner or architect regarding any areas of concern within the building that may require special consideration.

2. Only undertake the survey under suitable environmental conditions.

Infrared surveys can only be completed under the following conditions:

 

	An external survey must be carried out during the hours of darkness or with little direct solar radiation.
	It is preferable that an internal survey be undertaken under similar conditions,particularly with lightweight construction.
	Sufficient time must elapse to allow heat previously built up from solar gain to be emitted from the building. The time for this to occur varies with the construction, but normally at least three hours is required.Problems with solar gain may limit the effectiveness of thermographic surveys during the summer months.
	No direct solar radiation on each face in the preceding hour.
	Temperature difference across the building enclosure should ideally be 10 K or greater. Standards 5 state: "a minimum of 3/U degrees"; for example, 6 K for a U value of 05 W/m2K.
	Ambient air to internal air difference at least 5 K for the preceding 24 h.
	Ambient temperature within ±3 K during test and for the preceding hour.
	Ambient temperature within ±10 K during the preceding 24 h, or 12 h for lightweight fabric.
	All building surfaces being inspected to be dry. No precipitation immediately prior to or during the survey, this includes mist and fog.
	Wind speeds during the survey not to exceed10 m/s.

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