Thermal imaging plays a key role in today’s construction and industry , thanks to it it is possible to detect hidden problems, monitor the condition of structures, installations and ensure safe working conditions. In this article we will take a closer look at the use of thermal imaging and some fascinating cases resulting from its use.
All objects emit thermal energy, also known as infrared. A thermal imaging camera detects and measures infrared energy, and then converts this data into a visible image that shows the apparent surface temperature of the object being measured.
10 reasons why every contractor should use a thermal imaging camera
Detection of leaks in installations
With thermal imaging cameras, it is possible to quickly locate areas with leaks so that appropriate corrective action can be taken immediately. One example is detecting hot water leaks from underfloor heating pipes, which can lead to energy loss and damage to the floor.
TERMOCENT offers a thermal imaging survey to detect installation leaks.
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Water vapor condensation is a phenomenon that we can associate as water droplets that form on glass or metal elements when there is too much relative humidity in a room. The phenomenon of condensation itself occurs when the temperature of the surface of the partition reaches the so-called “dew point”. “dew point”, as a consequence of which water vapor condenses. Such a partition can be, for example, plaster or gypsum plasterboard, where the described phenomenon can lead to the formation of mold, mildew or destruction of walls. The sources of the causes of condensation in most cases are thermal bridges, poor ventilation, and sometimes air leaks.
Detection of thermal bridges
Thermal bridges are areas of poorer insulation due to the building’s construction, such as metal fasteners, concrete beams, slabs or columns. Heat will find the best way to escape from a space with a higher temperature, and in many cases heat from a room will be lost through a component that has a higher thermal conductivity than the surrounding material.
This element is called a thermal bridge and can be clearly detected by an infrared thermal imaging camera. At the same time, thermal bridges are points and especially edges that are cooled more intensively due to geometric reasons or lack of continuity of insulation. With thermal imaging, it is possible to absolutely analyze thermal bridges and confirm whether they meet the technical requirements of the Building Law or do not meet the technical requirements.
Thermal imaging survey will enable you to detect thermal bridges before you buy or take delivery of the property from the developer.
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Inspection of the state of thermal insulation of the house
With thermal imaging, it is possible to identify where heat is escaping from a building, leading to energy losses and increased heating costs. This not only helps improve the energy efficiency of buildings, but also creates a more comfortable environment for residents.
Leaky roof
Thermal imaging cameras can find damp insulation on a roof. During the day the sun heats the roof, at night the roof cools, but the area with damp insulation cools more slowly. In the infrared image, this area is clearly visible, and the temperature is higher than in other areas.
Reconstruction plan and quality assurance
Infrared technology is used in reconstruction plans, as well as in quality assurance and inspection of new buildings. When drying a building structure, infrared images can determine the progress of the drying process, so necessary measures can be taken to speed up the drying process. If the drying process can be accelerated, and it can be proven with a thermal imaging camera that the building structure is completely dry, the building can be delivered to the customer more quickly.
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Building repairs
Infrared thermal imaging provides valuable information when renovating buildings and monuments. Skeletal structures hidden in mineral plaster are clearly visible on infrared images. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the exposure of these structures is useful. The separation of the plaster on the wall can also be carried out as early as possible so that maintenance measures can be taken.
Diagnostics of electrical installations
In industry, thermal imaging plays an important role in diagnosing electrical problems. It enables early detection of overloaded or damaged electrical components, such as cables, contacts or connectors. In this way, major failures, fires or power outages can be avoided, which is crucial for maintaining production and worker safety.
Examination of the condition of machinery and equipment
Thermal imaging is also a useful tool for examining the condition of machinery and equipment. With regular thermal imaging, temperatures can be monitored and potential damage can be detected, helping to prevent breakdowns and extend the life of equipment. An example of this is thermal imaging monitoring the condition of an engine, where excessive temperature can indicate the need for inspection or maintenance.
TERMOCENT also provides thermal imaging surveys of the condition of industrial machinery and electrical equipment.
Call +48 530 105 398
Industrial safety
Thermal imaging plays a key role in detecting potential hazards and preventing accidents. Thermal imaging cameras make it possible to quickly locate areas of elevated temperatures that may indicate potential sources of fire or leakage of hazardous substances. This makes it possible to take appropriate preventive measures and minimize risks to workers and infrastructure.
Unusual cases:
Stork Street
The thermal imaging survey covered a housing development with 172 residential units, with a total area of 7,600m2, volume of 25,000m3. After taking pictures with the thermal imaging camera, several problem areas were detected, among others:
- leaking window seals,
- cooled ceiling, the cause of which was most likely a lack of thermal insulation,
- Thermal bridges that do not meet the Technical Requirements, leading to the formation of fungi and mold,
- In addition, the calculated heat transfer coefficients for the roof sections turned out not to meet the current Technical Conditions.
This case indicates potential problems with thermal insulation, which can result in significant heat takeoffs, which in turn negatively affects occupant comfort and thermal comfort and generates additional heating costs. In order to improve the energy efficiency of such a building, it is necessary to carry out corrective measures, particularly in the roof.
Below are some thermograms showing the defects with descriptions:
Visible cooling in area Bx2 due to lack of thermal insulation. In area Bx3, soggy plaster is visible.
Calculated indicative heat transfer coefficient for a ceiling roof UBx2=3.19 [W/(m²K)]. Technical requirement for soffits U≤0.15 [W/(m²K)].
Visible cooling along the window due to leaky gaskets.
Visible cooling due to lack of thermal insulation.
Calculated approximate temperature coefficient fRsiBx5=0.55. Technical requirement fRsi≥0.72. There is a risk of condensation and consequent formation of mold and mildew.
The thermogram shows a section of the east wall above the kitchenette. Cooling can be seen due to lack of thermal insulation.
The thermogram shows a section of the east wall in the vestibule. Cooling can be seen due to lack of thermal insulation.
The thermogram shows a section of the east wall in the bathroom. Visible cooling due to lack of thermal insulation.
Calculated approximate temperature coefficient fRsiBx3=0.56. Technical requirement fRsi≥0.72. There is a risk of condensation and consequent formation of mold and mildew.
Apartment from the Piast Estate
The thermal imaging survey included an apartment located in one of Krakow’s housing estates. After taking pictures with the thermal imaging camera, several problem areas were detected, among others:
- high levels of carbon dioxide concentration, dew point and relative humidity,
- leaking window seals,
- Overcooling in the area where the partitions connect,
- The calculated heat transfer coefficient for the ceiling sections turned out not to meet the current Technical Conditions.
This case indicates potential problems with thermal insulation, which can result in significant heat takeoffs, particularly within the soffit. In addition, high humidity and dew point levels promote mold, mildew and frequent condensation.
Below are some thermograms showing the defects with descriptions:
The thermogram shows a section of the southeast corner in the living room. Calculated, indicative temperature coefficient met current technical requirements.
What is visible, however, is the leakage of the Sp1-2 window seal.
The thermogram shows the cooling of the wall junction in the area of the Li1 line.
The thermogram shows a section of the living room ceiling. Calculated indicative heat transfer coefficient for the roof ceiling UBx2=0.55 [W/(m²K)]. Technical requirement for roofs U≤0.18 [W/(m²K)].
The thermogram shows a section of the south window in the living room. Probable leakage of the window seal in the Li1 area can be seen.
The thermogram shows a section of the wall in the corridor. You can see the cooling associated with the location of the Li1 chimney hood.
