A thermal imaging camera detects differences in surface temperatures by measuring infrared radiation and converting it to a visual image. This allows it to identify areas of heat loss, insulation defects, moisture issues, and other problems. Thermal imaging provides an instant assessment of defects in building envelopes and structures. While it only detects surface temperatures and cannot see subsurface issues, thermal imaging is a non-invasive and rapid way to scan large areas when used properly.

1. ThermalImaging

2. A Thermal Imaging Camera makes an image from thousands of surface temperature measurementsThe Camera detects ‘thermal’ radiation in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum The Camera coverts this longer wavelength ‘thermal’ radiation into visual imagesHow it Works 2

3. Identifies the areas of air leakage/heat lossShows thermal insulation defectsIdentifies Cold bridgesCondensation Identification Electrical FaultsLeak Detection Quality Control during BuildingPost Construction SurveyPre – Purchasing SurveyCan improve previous designsApplications in Construction3

4. An instantaneous picture of heat loss allowing a quick assessment of defectsQuick inspection – Rapid Scanning of Large areasNon Invasive Results are easily shown visuallyCan be used to show efficacy of heating and cooling installationsImprove design detailingBenefits of Thermal Imaging 4

5. Medical Science – Tumour DetectionFire FightingSwine Flu/Disease DetectionBruise Detection in Apples & FruitsEquine ScienceOther Uses5

6. Only Detects Surface Temperatures DifferencesDoes not quantify heat loss Better if it has a controlled environment Cannot detect sub surface problemsCannot detect moisture levels, just a anomaly Thermal Imaging Camera Costs Limitations 6

7. Recommend a Air Tightness Test in conjunction with a Thermal Image SurveyBest to carry it out in the Morning – No sunshine on façade for 4 hours No Rain/Mild Wind Only10 Degrees Internal/External Temperature DifferenceIdeally have the heating on for 2 hours prior to SurveyAccess to all RoomsDomestic Survey 7

8. Examples – Leak Detection8

9. Air Loss/Infiltration 9

10. Missing Insulation10

11. Single Problem e.g. Leak - €200 First Hour, €75 per hour afterThermal Imaging report & photographs with description of findings - €300Air Tightness Test with & Thermal Image Survey & Report - €450 Figures Based on a 3 Bed Semi-Detached House in Dublin How Much Does a Survey Cost?11

12. Any QuestionsThank You12

13. BRECSU 2000. Post construction testing - a professionals guide to testing housing for energy efficiency. Watford, UK: Building Research Energy Conservation Support Unit.BSRIA 2002. Thermal imaging of building fabric: a best practice guide for continuous insulation. Berks, UK: The Building Services Research and Information Association.SWENNY, B. Available: http://www.bscs.ie/pdf/BSCS_Sample_Report.pdf [Accessed 13-March-2010].WILLIAMS, T. 2009. Thermal Imaging Cameras, New York, Taylor & Francis.References 13