Thermomodernization or acceptance of an investment from a contractor is a good time for a home thermal imaging service. It can save a serious amount of money.
The most common problems for our customers are thermal discomfort, mold/mildew problems or incorrectly installed windows and doors. If the saying “Prevention is better than cure” has 100% truth in it, then you should check your investment with a qualified professional!
In this article:
- A brief history of the thermal imaging survey in a single-family home
- Thermal imaging survey of a building. What it is.
- Advantages of performing thermal imaging of a building
- When is it a good idea to opt for thermal imaging measurement?
- How to perform a thermal imaging survey of a building? Choosing a company
- Inspection of the house with a thermal imaging camera – price of the service
- Thermal imaging survey – 2 variants
- What does a thermal imaging survey look like?
- Thermal imaging measurement of a house step by step
- Thermal imaging of an apartment step by step
- Preparing a building for a survey – what you need to know
- How to choose a date for a thermal imaging survey?
A brief history
Mr. and Mrs. Eve and Matthew were considering investing in the thermal modernization of their home.
The need to replace the furnace and the suspicion of large leaks in the building made them consider an investment of up to 90,000 zlotys.
For this reason, they decided to check exactly what the heat loss was due to. They ordered a thermal imaging survey service.
During the measurement at their home It turned out that only a few hot spots are responsible for serious heat loss. Once they are sealed, the huge cost of replacing all the window and door frames and insulating all the walls can be easily avoided.
It is interesting that the indicated sites were not previously considered for the planned thermal modernization.
There are many such stories. Our engineers have examined about 8100 properties across the country. We believe that each house is specific and can expertly advise on complex situations.
Thermal imaging survey of a building. What it is.
A thermal imaging survey of a building is a measurement of a house, apartment or factory floor using a special camera that captures infrared radiation.
Based on this, the device determines the temperature of the indicated place or object. The camera provides a record of the test in the form of images (thermograms).
During a thermal imaging survey, the heat emitted by an object is recorded. The camera transmits infrared images, so we can accurately see the distribution of warmer and cooler areas. We also see where heat or cold escapes from the building, so we are able to verify which partitions and materials used are sufficiently airtight, and which areas require possible improvements. In order for the survey to bring the expected results, it is worth entrusting it to professionals.
Advantages of performing thermal imaging of a building
Conducting a thermal imaging of a building offers many benefits to its owners, residents or managers. The examination is completely non-invasive – it allows a very precise diagnosis of numerous structural and finishing problems without interfering with the structure of the building. In addition, thermal imaging, carried out in accordance with the recommendations, is extremely effective and authoritative – it allows you to indicate both the places that need to be corrected and estimate the scale of the problem.
The main advantages of a thermal imaging survey are:
- Savings. Detection of places that let too much heat through should be a prelude to implementing corrective measures, i.e. fixing leaks and improving insulation. This significantly increases the energy efficiency of the building and reduces electricity (energy) bills.
- Detecting problems. Early diagnosis of abnormalities protects against the development of mold and moisture on the walls. It also increases the comfort of residents and users of the building.
- Increasing the value of the building. An energy-efficient property is more attractive to a prospective buyer, who will pay more for it than for a building with undiagnosed problems.
- Argument in disputes. With evidence in the form of thermograms, we can demand the removal of hidden defects from the seller of the property – whether an individual or a developer.
When is it a good idea to opt for thermal imaging measurement?
Thermal imaging measurement is the best way to diagnose abnormalities such as inadequate insulation and thermal bridges in a building. It is worth carrying it out especially in the following cases:
- Before buying a property. Instead of buying a building and then experiencing a shock when you receive your energy bill, it is better to check beforehand for hidden defects in the form of places from which heat or cold escapes excessively.
- After completion of construction or major renovation. Also, a new or refreshed house is worth a survey. In this way we will check whether the construction or renovation team has properly fulfilled its obligations. We will also be able to demand possible improvements.
- Before and after thermomodernization. If you are planning to thermomodernize your home, it is useful to know which areas to focus on. Also, after thermomodernization, it’s a good idea to check whether it had the desired effect.
- If problems are detected. If the building is still cold despite intensive heating, heating bills are very high, and damp patches or mold are visible in the house, thermal upgrading is mandatory.
How to perform a thermal imaging survey of a building? Choosing a company
The study can be done by yourself (renting equipment) or with the help of a specialized company. When choosing a company for thermal imaging of a building, you need to consider two pieces of information:
- The type of equipment used for the study. It is worth asking: What is the resolution of the camera that the thermographer will use. Contact us: e-mail biuro@termocent.com We will suggest what equipment to avoid.
- Thermographer’s experience. TERMOCENT engineers always conduct a site visit and collect additional information about the building. We have been involved in thermovision for 15 years and have a database of at least 8100 investments examined. As a result, we know how to professionally interpret the photos (thermograms). Ultimately, we will suggest whether the defect found is repairable.
Inspection of the house with a thermal imaging camera – price of the service
We know that the cost of renovation (thermo-modernization of the house) is amounts reaching 50-150 thousand and more zlotys. Our experts are responsible for their measurements and guidance.
Therefore, among other things, we offer customers 2 variants of our services:
| Basic variant | From PLN 900 gross |
| PREMIUM Variant | From 1500 PLN gross |
The price of the basic version of the thermal imaging survey is 900 PLN, while the PREMIUM variant includes a much more detailed study of the results. We have described them below.
Thermal imaging survey – 2 variants
During each thermal imaging inspection, TERMOCENT specialists evaluate the building and point out areas in need of repair.
The basic option includes a site visit, professional advice and photos(thermograms in the report).
The PREMIUM variant additionally includes calculations and a report.
The report is a document containing thermograms with a written analysis by our engineers. We will mark all visible infrared defects and add factual descriptions needed, for example, by a construction company.
In the report we will include calculations of heat transfer coefficients U and fRsi. Thanks to them we will learn, for example, the risk of mold and mildew in sensitive areas. We can also estimate the thickness of insulation needed.
What does a thermal imaging survey of a building look like?
The method of thermal imaging survey is most influenced by the type and purpose of the building.
Thermal imaging in service and manufacturing facilities looks different from that in residential buildings.
We finalize the thermal imaging survey of a building, such as a production/warehouse hall, by providing specialized documentation. For this reason, the time required for measurements in large facilities is even 5-8 hours.
The thermographer begins the examination with a thorough visual inspection of the premises. Later, using a thermal imaging camera, he checks the exterior and interior facades.
Several days after the survey, we send a report and a report with a precise description of the defects. The documents include information that will help:
- Check the compliance of the building with the construction project.
- Make a list of necessary repairs.
At the request of the purchaser, after the removal of defects, our engineers go to the site of the investment, confirm whether the problems have been successfully solved.
We are proud of the orders we have received from well-known companies and state institutions.
We see, that a growing trend, is the study of buildings for BREEAM certification and European taxonomy purposes.
For this reason, we specialize in, among other things, leakage tests, which are needed for certification.
We describe this important issue in a separate article. Click and check it out: BREEAM certification.
We have briefly described each type of study. Check it out and be ready!
Thermal imaging measurement of a house step by step
We start the thermal imaging survey of the house with an initial site inspection. Our engineer looks at the building, especially the areas with a high risk of heat loss (balconies, window and door openings). The specialist will also talk to the owners to get their suggestions and find out what worries them most.
Then the specialist examines the house with a thermal imaging camera. The device picks up all defects only “from the inside,” so the thermographer should go inside.
The camera marks the cooled areas of the walls on special images (thermograms). In this way, the device documents construction defects responsible for high bills and low temperatures inside the building.
A thermal imaging survey of a single-family home usually takes 30-50 minutes and ends with a conversation with our engineer, who provides expert advice on next steps.
If serious defects in the building are detected, we will prepare a detailed report and report. The documents will help the employees of the construction company to remove the defects. The next step will be to carry out thermal upgrading, after which it is worthwhile to carry out the survey once again.
Thermal imaging of an apartment step by step
Thermal imaging survey of a house and apartment look very similar.
At first, the thermographer looks at the entire apartment, and then takes pictures in areas of heat loss.
Of course, apartments are much smaller than houses, so the survey time is shorter. The measurement will take about 10-20minutes and will conclude with expert advice.
Again, the study will be preceded by an interview with the householder. The engineer will make recommendations to improve thermal comfort and energy efficiency.
Preparing a building for a survey – what you need to know
Key to proper measurement is the preparation of the building. Here are the 3 most important information for future customers of our company.
Checklist before the thermal imaging survey:
- Is the temperature inside the building at about 22 degrees C? Is The temperature difference between the inside and outside of the building is at least 10 deg C?
Note: The temperature value of 22 degrees C usually corresponds to the setting of thermostats at the radiator in the “3” position. - Does the thermographer have free access to the areas being examined?
Note: You should uncover curtains and drapes, remove objects from window sills, etc. min. 8 hours before the thermal imaging survey of the building. - Did no one ventilate the room min. 4 hours before the measurement? Also applies to the case of unsealed windows.
How to choose a date for a thermal imaging survey?
When choosing a date for a thermal imaging survey, you must first of all be guided by weather conditions. The best period is the winter months between October and April. It is then easier to hit a day with the required 10 degrees C difference in temperature between the interior and exterior of the building.
In addition, it is worth knowing that on cool cloudy days you can examine the building at any time, but on sunny days early morning or late evening will usually be better.
In the case of investigating a specific problem, for example, the tightness of windows on the south side, our engineer will propose a suitable date.
Ask when is the best time to schedule a thermal imaging survey for your home or business: e-mail: biuro@termocent.com or tel. +48 530 105 398
Summary
Thermal imaging of buildings is a modern, non-invasive diagnostic method that has gained popularity due to its effectiveness in identifying thermal insulation, leakage and moisture problems. Initially used mainly in industrial buildings, thermal imaging has also become common practice in single-family homes and apartments.
Understanding what a thermal imaging survey is and how it is carried out allows building owners to make an informed decision to perform one. Regular performance of such measurements brings numerous benefits, such as improved energy efficiency, increased occupant comfort, as well as the ability to detect defects early, leading to significant savings in the long run.
Choosing the right time and preparing the building for the survey are key to obtaining reliable results. With a carefully conducted thermal imaging survey, problems can be accurately diagnosed and corrective measures can be planned, which positively affects the quality of the building and its market value.
Whether for a single-family home or an apartment, thermal imaging is an increasingly popular tool used to improve the condition of a property and reduce operating costs.
Before accepting a building or investing in thermal upgrading, it’s a good idea to talk to a specialist and take measurements such as a thermal imaging camera test.
The results will be reliable when the thermographer uses a thermal imaging camera with adequate resolution. Equally important is the experience of the specialist, that is, a minimum of several hundred measurements taken by him in the field.
For those who are determined, we have prepared a checklist (item 7) Our engineers are available at +48 530 105 398 and e-mail: biuro@termocent.com
