Thermal Imaging Highlights Heat Loss Problems
Thermal imaging is a useful tool for detecting air leakage from buildings and ensuring that there is continuity of insulation. The cameras provide a graphic representation of where heat is being lost and their images can be an important first step towards rectifying any problems.
Thermography is now part of CPS Leakage’s comprehensive range of services available in Essex and throughout East Anglia, as well as London, Kent and East Sussex. Here we explain how the cameras work and the advantages they offer.
How It Works
Thermal imaging cameras operate by recording the temperature of all the items within the frame, then assigning a colour to each of them. The temperature of the objects is detected by recording the levels of infrared light they emit.
Colder objects are usually given a shade of blue, while warmer objects are typically assigned red, orange or yellow. Police helicopters find thermal imaging cameras useful for tracking people, particularly if they are suspects who are trying to blend into the surroundings.
Highlighting Problem Areas
Thermal imaging is also extremely useful for detecting issues with buildings. The areas that the cameras can spot include:
- Air leaks and other locations where heat or energy can be lost;
- Moisture in defective insulation, in roofs and walls, both inside and outside the property. In worst case-scenarios mould can develop in these areas;
- Water, particularly when it comes through flat roofs;
- Breaches in hot-water pipes;
- Construction failures;
- And electrical faults.
The Advantages of Thermal Imaging
Unlike other tests, thermal imaging is a non-invasive procedure which requires little physical work. Some of the images can be taken from outside the property. This also means there is no risk of damage to the building, and it can help speed up the process of identifying any problem areas, potentially saving clients time and money.
Thermography is suitable for use on all sorts of buildings, from old ones which have draughts or air tightness issues, to new-builds which have to meet the latest building regulations. It can be used on domestic properties, business premises and public buildings as well.
The Role of BREEAM
BREEAM is the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method and is the world's longest-established system for assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings.
We can offer a bespoke thermal imaging survey which will fit your requirements and also meet those of BREEAM, who award credits for surveys carried out by suitably qualified thermographers. Our thermographic surveys can also help you meet the insulation requirements of Part L2 (b) of the Building Regulations.
CPS Leakage’s Thermal Imaging Service
Thermal imaging cameras should not be used in isolation for detecting the extent of heat loss problems within a building; you need very precise set of conditions which very rarely apply. They are excellent for detecting the source of the problem, but not necessarily the extent of it.
They should be used in conjunction with other air testing services, such as air leakage and air pressure tests, which CPS Leakage can also offer in Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk and London. If you are interested in any of our services, contact us by clicking on the link above.
Image: Lutz Weidner