Buildings Course Details

(please note this course is only available to students who have already completed the Level 1 course).

With the cost of heating industrial and commercial buildings, along with private dwellings increasingly rapidly, there is a huge demand for all energy saving devices and technologies that may assist in reducing energy costs. Thermal imaging is unique in its ability to evaluate structures for heat loss without the need to know the structures' internal actual make up. Infrared cameras can see heat paths that are invisible to the naked eye.

Thermal imaging plays a key role in the detection of design and building faults that result in energy losses. The results of a thermal imaging survey can help identify the most cost-effective remedial work to be undertaken.

The use of a thermal imaging camera is not a mandatory requirement of building regulations, nonetheless thermal imaging is an ideal add-on service to any energy supply, energy saving or energy auditing business.

The outer surface of an object gains heat from its surroundings. Buildings absorb heat from the sun, atmosphere, and human beings. This heat/energy is released in the form of thermal radiation which can be quantified by a thermal Imaging camera. If the make up of the structure is known a thermal imaging camera can give very precise temperature measurements across the buildings surfaces. In the context of buildings, thermal imaging can identify spatial temperature variation i.e. patterns. This allows conditions or events we wish to eliminate, to be identified.

Examples of applications in buildings:

• Assess installation of insulation

• Reduce uncontrolled heat loss

• Identify extent and impact of thermal bridging

• Insulation inspection

• Insure buildings have dried completely following flooding

• Inspection of repair work

• Identify roof defects

• Identify hidden leaks

• Identify damp areas with the building envelope

• Identify failure in thermal performance

Benefits of thermal imaging of buildings:

• Reduced heating costs

• More comfortable living conditions

• Less condensation

• Health benefits associated with improved living conditions

• Less mould and damp

• Peace of mind

Course duration:TBA
Course Fee: TBA
Average class size: 9 students

Course objectives:

The aim of this course is to introduce students to thermal imaging. The course gives particular focus to the electromagnetic spectrum, as well as how best to use and operate thermal imaging camera’s for the inspection of buildings.

The course combines thermography with construction theory allowing students:

• Identify heat loss in a dwelling

• Understand the cause of heat loss

• The role of thermal imaging in building surveying

• Conduction fundamentals

• Convection fundamentals

• Radiation fundamentals

The examination will be a combination of practical demonstration and a written exam.

Surveying Buildings

Surveys are best carried out when conditions to ensure that a satisfactory interpretation of the results can be made. Night-time and the winter months are typically the easiest times to carry out a thermal imaging survey.

Survey may be carried out from ground level, or from the air. Aerial surveys are most common in large buildings, they allow data on the performance of the roof be gathered.

Thermography can be used in conjunction with a blower door test to illustrate failings of the building envelope, cold air pumped into a building by the blower door leak’s through a joints in the structure, these leakages are easily identified the thermal imaging camera.

The survey methods required to produce satisfactory results are described in ISO 6781. The requirements for a survey vary according to the thermal properties of the building envelope being surveyed. Some general requirements include:

• A minimum internal to external temperature difference of 10ºC for at least 4 hrs prior to the examination.

• No sunshine on the façade for a minimum of 4 hours prior to the survey.

• The building surfaces are dry, surveys cannot be carried out while it is raining.

• Wind speeds are less than 8 m/s

Thermal imaging of buildings is effective from within the building or from outside. If access is available, imaging of both the inside and outside surfaces of the building may be completed to aid the surveyor.

See the massive benefits of Thermography usage in Building application scenarios with this short video.
Click Here to watch video.

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