Building thermography testing, also known as building thermography or infrared thermography inspection, is a non-destructive testing method used to assess the thermal performance and detect potential issues in buildings. It involves using infrared thermographic cameras to capture thermal images of a building's surfaces, which reveal variations in temperature.
During a building thermography inspection, a qualified thermographer scans the exterior and interior surfaces of a building, including walls, roofs, windows, doors, and other structural components. The thermographic camera detects and visualizes differences in surface temperatures, creating images known as thermograms or thermal images.
The thermal images show variations in heat distribution, which can indicate several conditions and problems, including:
Heat loss: Areas of the building where insulation is insufficient or damaged can be identified by the temperature differences between insulated and uninsulated regions.
Air leaks: Infiltration of outside air into the building or exfiltration of conditioned air can be detected by identifying temperature differences around doors, windows, vents, and other openings.
Moisture intrusion: Water intrusion and moisture problems, such as leaks, water damage, or hidden plumbing issues, can be identified by temperature patterns that indicate the presence of moisture or evaporative cooling.
Electrical issues: Faulty electrical connections, overloaded circuits, or other electrical problems can cause localized heating, which can be detected through thermography.
Structural issues: Thermal anomalies can indicate hidden structural problems, such as missing insulation, thermal bridging, or deteriorating building materials.
By identifying these thermal anomalies, building thermography testing helps locate energy inefficiencies, potential sources of moisture or water damage, electrical problems, and structural issues. It allows for targeted repairs, energy efficiency improvements, and preventive maintenance, leading to improved comfort, energy savings, and reduced potential for further damage.
Building thermography testing is typically conducted by trained professionals who interpret the thermograms and provide detailed reports with recommendations for remedial actions. It is often used in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings as part of energy audits, preventive maintenance programs, or during the construction and commissioning stages to identify and address building performance issues.