THERMAL IMAGING

Thermal Imaging is often used to identify and highlight areas of heat loss in buildings, in order to improve or correct insulation. In order to visualise this heat loss successfully, we need to fulfill two criteria:

1.    The survey is best be carried out morning or night. This is because during the daytime, sunlight (both direct sunlight and sunlight that has been diffused through cloud) causes infra red reflections on the property which can mask the subtle emissions we are looking for, and it can confuse the picture, as parts of the structure that emit heat may also absorb heat well, and so in daylight they show up much darker than areas of the building that reflect light well.

2.    Ideally the survey should be carried out in cold conditions. The colder the better as the greater the difference between the exterior of the house and the outside air temperature, the more clearly the heat emission will be seen. In practical terms, you won't get much value out of a survey done when outside air temperatures are above 15°C.  Ideally, you want the survey done when outside temperatures drop lower than 15°C.

BOOKING A THERMAL SURVEY

To book a thermal survey, please contact us via email or phone to arrange a suitable date/time.

PREPARING A THERMAL SURVEY

In order to maximise the difference in temperature between the building and the outside air, we recommend that the house is heated prior to our visit. Ideally, the house should be heated for 10-12 hours to a comfortable room temperature (18-20°C), but particularly during warmer weather, there may be extra benefit in heating the house to a higher temperaure - say 25-27°C. It is important that the house is heated for several hours prior to our visit - this allows the fabric of the building to warm up, which requires considerable time. It also allows any heat losses in the ceiling of the upper floor to heat the attic sufficiently to show up minor heat loss through the roof covering.

THE SURVEY

We will photograph your property with our thermal imaging camera from various angles. We would normally expect to produce around 10-15 good quality images of the building. Other areas of interest may also be photographed at the same time if required (eg underfloor heating system, boiler, hot water cylinder, insulated pipes etc). We generally aim to complete a thermal survey in around 30-60 minutes, depending on the inspection requirements.