Thermal imaging of buildings is a popular method that makes it possible to identify areas in which heat leaves the premises, to form an effective plan aimed at eliminating structural defects. What is the procedure? What are the features of its implementation? Let's try to answer these and other questions.
What is a thermal imager?
The device used for thermal imaging reproduces an image that shows how the temperature of the studied surfaces changes. The visual picture is displayed in real time on the device display. The individual temperature ranges are marked with different colors. At the same time, the error in the indicators is no more than 0, 1 oС.
Thermal imaging of a building can also be performed using an alternative device - a pyrometer. The main differencethe latter is the absence of a color monitor. At the same time, pyrometers are less expensive and allow you to measure temperatures over a wider range.
Which organizations perform thermal imaging?
Thermal imaging control can be performed by the following structures:
- homeowner associations and property management companies;
- energy and heat supply organizations;
- power generating companies;
- supervisory government agencies.
Thermal Imaging Methodology
As you can see, a specialized camera is used to conduct a thermal imaging survey of buildings and structures, which reproduces an image in infrared format. It should be immediately noted that such events do not need special preliminary preparation, but only in cases where thermal imaging is performed during the cold season.
When conducting a study in the summer, the data obtained may be significantly distorted, due to the significant heating of surfaces by the sun's rays. To identify problem areas in the building structure using a thermal imaging device during the warm season, the use of air conditioners is required, which will cool the room from the inside.
If the above conditions are met, thermal imaging at home will allow you to get high-quality images that display areas of heat loss, deterioration of thermal insulation, destruction of enclosingstructures, holes in the roof, etc.
Ultimately, shooting with the use of a thermal imager makes it possible to assess the quality of the facility's construction. Using the device, you can instantly detect structural defects that are invisible to the naked eye, and identify other builders' mistakes.
Advantages of the research method
Performing thermal imaging:
- reduces the time required to locate heat leaks through gaps in building envelope;
- makes it possible to identify the so-called cold bridges;
- allows for a comprehensive assessment of the quality of work of specialists in the field of floor installation;
- helps to identify areas of freezing in the insulating shells of a building, to detect obvious wall defects.
Another obvious advantage of using a thermal imager is the objectivity of the information received, as well as the ability to perform calculations of the highest accuracy. The device makes it possible to obtain images of both internal and external floors. Thus, the specialist is provided with data on all available types of defects.
Performing an examination with a thermal imager is an absolutely safe method. Moreover, during the events, the integrity of the object's structures is not violated.
Housing Survey
Thermal imaging of housing is recommended to be carried out before its purchase or acceptance of an act on the work performedfrom a construction company. If during the inspection critical defects are recorded in any of the units of the object, the buyer has every right to demand a reduction in its value. If defects are found using a thermal imager after payment, you will have to repair the building yourself.
Detection of floor defects
Carrying out thermal imaging is an extremely effective solution when it is necessary to visually fix the location of cracks in ceilings, holes in window and door openings, brickwork. Determining the exact localization of these defects allows you to improve the preservation of heat in the room without any problems.
Detection of defects in the heating system
Thermal imaging inspection makes it possible to analyze the efficiency of heating systems. With the help of a specialized thermal imager, it is quite easy to find out how effective the existing heating devices are, how much heat is lost when they are placed in certain areas of the premises. Based on the information received, in the future it will be possible to eliminate the shortcomings and increase the efficiency of heating systems by contacting the relevant specialists for help.