Infrared imaging is a proven non-destructive testing method to detect faults and problematic areas in buildings and industry applications. First used in military technology it has become standard practice in a range of industry and building applications in the last years, especially since energy efficiency has become a big issue.
Thermographic imaging is showing a picture of emitted infrared (IR) radiation. Every object, which is warmer than absolute zero (-273.15°C) is emitting IR radiation and every material has its own specific parameters and characteristics, how it reflects, absorbs and emits IR radiation.
An IR image is showing the infrared radiation from an object and leads to conclusions about its surface temperature. With software, thermo-physical background knowledge and experience the IR image is then compared to the expected baseline characteristics to spot abnormalities. These abnormalities often indicate a fault or an area requiring further investigation.
With a good infra red camera, taking an infrared image is almost as easy as taking a photo. It is the analytic skill of the thermographer to detect the irregularities or abnormalities and to interpret them in the right way.
Depending on the area of interest and the complexity of the thermography different methodologies can be used. There is a number of factors influencing the successful application of the technology and careful planning is crucial to obtain meaningful results.
If you want to detect thermal leakage of a building hull, this cannot be measured if there is no temperature differential between inside and outside. It is best to do the measurement when the actual problem occurs, on a hot summer day or a cold winter day with a high internal / external temperature differential any issues concerning the building’s hull will be best visible.
One of the key advantages of thermographic analysis is the non-intrusive and non-destructive nature of the measurement. Just like a photo, the camera is just ‘looking’. No need to open a surface or to damage any part of the object to be measured.
For example, if a room has a musty, mouldy smell the usual approach is to check the walls with a moisture and temperature meter. They have little spikes, which need to be pushed into the wall for measurement. And to find an irregularity, the wall needs to be pierced over a wide area to establish a baseline. This is not only inaccurate and labour intense, the surface of the wall will also be damaged. With IR technology an image is taken on site at the right time and analysed it in the office. The client then receives a clear report with an image showing the exact location of the problem – no damage, no dirt, no guesswork.