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THERMOGRAPHIC SURVEYS
Thermal Imaging
or 'Thermography' is a non-contact, temperature measuring
technique and can be described as the ability 'to see' heat.
By scanning buildings with specialist infrared camera equipment,
(particularly housing stock with a known reputation for
being difficult to heat - such as non traditional properties),
the thermal energy emitting from these objects can be seen
in the form of a picture or 'thermal image'.
From within this thermal image we can acquire and evaluate
temperature measurements that can be used to identify potential
problems.
Any object above absolute zero (-273°C) has thermal
energy emitting from it. Although this thermal energy is
invisible to the naked eye, it is possible, by using specialist
camera equipment, to see and measure it.
Unlike normal cameras that transform beams of light into
electronic images, infrared imaging devices can provide
electronic images out of thermal emissions.
These are called 'Thermal
Images'.
Conductive heat losses are almost
often due to missing, damaged or water saturated insulation
within the walls or roof which will affect how well your
property is insulated and how well it retains the heat within
the building envelope.
Almost anywhere within the building envelope i.e. doors,
windows, chimneys or brickwork, there is potential for air
leakage and thus heat loss.
The amount of air leakage from a building is important to
maintain comfort and the cost effective operation of the
heating and cooling systems. Many factors can affect the
air tightness of a property so, by identifying where air
leakage falls outside the accepted range, it is possible
to expose defects which can then be brought to the attention
of the Local Authority / housing association / owner / landlord.
Current building regulations demand
that all new buildings in England and Wales with a gross
floor area above 1000sqm must be tested for air permeability.
Amendments of Part
L2 of Building Regulations recommend thermal imaging
as a method of ensuring continuity of insulation over exposed
building surfaces.
| Why is Thermal
Imaging so useful? |
Thermal Imaging is done in real
time. It allows fast scanning of subjects and produces immediate
images that can be used for analysis.
As Thermal Imaging is a non-contact and remote means of
temperature measurement it can be used effectively, on both
still and moving subjects, whilst at all times placing the
person carrying out the survey in a safe position.
We can measure temperature in two points or a hundred points
in the same Thermal Image. A Thermal Image will show us
where the problem is without having any prior knowledge
of where temperature measurement should be taken.
Whilst the cost of the survey will
depend on the size and complexity of the subject this cost
is relatively small compared with the value of the subject
being surveyed.
Results from the survey will provide an accurate indication
of the condition of the subject and will generate reliable
and precise information upon which any potential cost saving
decisions can be made.
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