Thermal Imaging Surveys – Saving Energy

Thermal Imaging Surveys

Thermography helps us to save energy and the planet

Reducing the output of Co2 gasses, the use of energy and the consequence of global warming should be a concern to us all, if we want to avoid the global catastrophe of climate change.

Doing our own small part is something everyone can do and it all adds up to a significant part of reducing global warming.

It can also help reduce the cost of heating our home, make it more comfortable to live in and eliminate a possible toxic build-up of fungal mold spores that can promote Asthma or other chronic lung problems

How can thermography help?

Thermography uses the Infrared spectrum that is invisible to the human eye but can be detected by special cameras.

The range of temperatures can be highlighted by converting surface temperatures to colours i.e. white (hotter) to blue (cooler).

In this way we can see where heat is escaping from a building and work out what is the cause.

Typically, these can include: missing insulation, draughts or thermal bridges (such as a piece of mortar dropped down the cavity of a wall)

If high moisture is present and surface temperatures are low then condensation can form on these surfaces (known as the dew point) which are ideal condition for toxic black mould to grow.

What will you see in a report?

A Thermographic Report will include digital images both externally and internally with a temperature scale to enable an accurate assessment of heat being lost

In order to help calibrate these temperatures an “environmental conditions” annotation is included e.g. External Air Temp: 13.5°C, Internal Air Temp: 24°C, Relative Humidity: 65%, wind speed indicator 15mph and elevation direction (north, south, east or west)

(A Thermal image showing areas of white that have timber cladding without insulation underneath)

A thermography expert will use these pictures to determine the cause of the heat loss and provide recommendations to improve these in order to meet good building practice and healthy living conditions

Domestic or commercial survey assessments

Thermographic surveys enable a buildings thermal performance to be evaluated without having to remove sections of wall or drilling holes to insert probes.

A number of thermal photographs are taken both internally and externally to highlight areas of concern and sometimes may need to be undertaken at night to compare values and eliminate Solar gain

Missing or poor Insulation values

Many homes built even 10 years ago do not have adequate insulation to meet modern Building Regulations (the minimum standard) and even new-build houses can have defects such as missing insulation.

This can occur when insulation has been poorly fitted has compacted or slumped leading to increased heat loss across the cavity wall or where mortar has dropped bridging the cavity. This can only be assessed by a thermal image.

In older homes heat loss can be dramatic leading to a high risk of condensation and mould growth which is a poor health hazard and can promote Asthma or other chronic lung problems.

We all want to feel warm and comfortable in our home and heat loss can give rise to a high degree of thermal discomfort.

Energy saving is also a significant factor for us all given the high cost of energy

Thermal Comfort

Human beings are sensitive to heat and this can feel uncomfortable where thermal stratification occurs i.e. where there are more than 2°C – 3°C of temperature differences between the head and foot

This can occur where different levels of insulation allow different temperatures to exist within a room

Air Leakage

The loss of heat through excessive air infiltration- draughts, can be assessed by the thermal image and measures taken to eliminate these

A small amount of air circulation is however needed to reduce trapped moisture from cooking, clothes drying and water vapour exhaled from our mouths

Damp & Mold assessment

The Thermal Index is the temperature at which condensation and black mold growth significantly increases. Condensation is the dew point but this water promotes mould and black mold is toxic to humans (commonly seen in bathrooms and wall tile grout)

How much will a thermal imaging survey cost?

Our qualified surveyors use the latest FLIR “T 460 series” thermal cameras that cost over £11,000 and give precise dual photos. These offer an accurate assessment that is interpreted by skilled surveyors to provide thermal image analysis and recommendations.

From only £200, discover how to improve your home, save energy and save the planet

Call Northeast Surveyors and Engineers

7-days a week from 9am to 9pm 0191 482 5902 to book your survey