Thermal Imaging

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A Thermal Imaging Camera makes an image from thousands of surface temperature measurements

The Camera detects ‘thermal’ radiation in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum

The Camera coverts this longer wavelength ‘thermal’ radiation into visual images

How it Works

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Identifies the areas of air leakage/heat loss Shows thermal insulation defects Identifies Cold bridges Condensation Identification Electrical Faults Leak Detection Quality Control during Building Post Construction Survey Pre – Purchasing Survey Can improve previous designs

Applications in Construction

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An instantaneous picture of heat loss allowinga quick assessment of defects

Quick inspection – Rapid Scanning of Large areas

Non Invasive Results are easily shown visually Can be used to show efficacy of heating and

cooling installations Improve design detailing

Benefits of Thermal Imaging

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Medical Science – Tumour Detection Fire Fighting Swine Flu/Disease Detection Bruise Detection in Apples & Fruits Equine Science

Other Uses

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Only Detects Surface Temperatures Differences

Does not quantify heat loss Better if it has a controlled environment Cannot detect sub surface problems Cannot detect moisture levels, just a anomaly Thermal Imaging Camera Costs

Limitations

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Recommend a Air Tightness Test in conjunction with a Thermal Image Survey

Best to carry it out in the Morning – No sunshine on façade for 4 hours

No Rain/Mild Wind Only 10 Degrees Internal/External Temperature

Difference Ideally have the heating on for 2 hours prior

to Survey Access to all Rooms

Domestic Survey

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Examples – Leak Detection

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Air Loss/Infiltration

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Missing Insulation

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Single Problem e.g. Leak - €200 First Hour, €75 per hour after

Thermal Imaging report & photographs with description of findings - €300

Air Tightness Test with & Thermal Image Survey & Report - €450

Figures Based on a 3 Bed Semi-Detached House in Dublin

How Much Does a Survey Cost?

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Any Questions

Thank You

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BRECSU 2000. Post construction testing - a professionals guide to testing housing for energy efficiency. Watford, UK: Building Research Energy Conservation Support Unit.

BSRIA 2002. Thermal imaging of building fabric: a best practice guide for continuous insulation. Berks, UK: The Building Services Research and Information Association.

SWENNY, B. Available: http://www.bscs.ie/pdf/BSCS_Sample_Report.pdf [Accessed 13-March-2010].

WILLIAMS, T. 2009. Thermal Imaging Cameras, New York, Taylor & Francis.

References