The Benefits of Using a Thermal Imaging Camera for Building Diagnostics

Infrared thermography for the building industry provides the quickest method for performing building diagnostics, energy audits, detecting moisture damage and locating issues with the HVAC and electrical installations of a building. A thermal camera is capable of scanning and capturing an overview of the whole building, offering infrared images that clearly identify where the problem areas are for quick and accurate building diagnosis.

Moisture Detection	Air Infiltration

Infrared Cameras for Building and HVAC Inspections

A thermal imaging camera provides a non-invasive tool allowing building professionals to see the big picture when reviewing the condition of a building. A thermal imager makes it easy to scan an entire building and see the state of the HVAC system. Energy efficiency can be affected by any number of defects including poor insulation, poorly sealed windows and doors, inadequate ductwork, plumbing leaks and other issues with the heating, ventilation and air conditioning installations.

A Thermal Inspection of Building Diagnostics Will: Visualise energy loss. Detect poor insulation. Source air leaks. Locate moisture, mould and fungi. Locate thermal bridges. Detect radiant under-floor heating faults. Find electrical faults such as fuses, panels and lighting.
	Building Overview

Thermal Imaging for Building Energy Surveys

The building industry offers a massive potential for improving energy efficiency, as a result the EU has formulated the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) to improve the energy efficiency within new and existing buildings. The quickest way of performing a building energy audit is through a thermal inspection. Heat losses within properties can account for up to half of the total energy consumption and is caused by air leakage.

To detect air leaks with a thermal camera, a temperature and pressure difference is required as the air itself is not possible to see. A thermal imaging camera enables surveyors to detect patterns of heat loss when cold air is coming through a leak in the construction of a building.

Defective insulation, moisture detection and air leaks are all associated with one another. Air leakage can cause condensation to form within walls, floors or ceilings which in turn causes moisture damage and creates wet, and therefore defective, insulation. These conditions are all costly to repair and rectify for owners of residential and commercial properties. Performing an infrared survey allows auditors to determine where these anomalies lie before they become more serious and expensive to correct.

Examples of Building Thermography Applications

 AIROPTIMA use Infrared Cameras to optimise low-energy housing construction.

 Bottcher use Thermal Imaging Cameras for comprehensive building diagnostics.

 Buchstaller thoroughly inspect building insulation using thermography.

 Globus use Thermal Cameras to determine the energy efficiency of buildings.

 Termografia Express found a costly water leak in a holiday appartment swimming pool.