🌡️ Building Thermography
Thermographic building inspection with infrared camera to detect thermal defects: thermal bridges, air leaks, moisture, insulation gaps.
Overview
Thermography (infrared thermography) is a non-invasive method of building thermal diagnostics consisting of recording infrared radiation emitted by surfaces using thermal camera. Enables visualization of temperature distribution on facades, internal walls, ceilings, and roofs.
Method detects: thermal bridges (lintels, ring beams, mechanical fasteners), air leaks (windows, doors, wall-roof connections), moisture (evaporation lowers temperature), gaps or damage in thermal insulation, underfloor heating defects.
Testing is performed in heating season with indoor-outdoor temperature difference ΔT ≥10°C (optimally ≥15°C), without facade sun exposure (best before sunrise or after dusk), without rain and strong wind.
Method principle
Thermal camera (FPA detector, range 7.5–14 µm, NETD <0.05°C) records infrared radiation emitted by building surfaces. According to Stefan-Boltzmann law, radiation power is proportional to T⁴, enabling surface temperature calculation. Camera generates thermogram — image with temperature map in color palette.
On thermogram, thermal defects visible as temperature anomalies: thermal bridges — higher temperature on facade (heat loss), moisture — lower temperature (evaporation), air leaks — warm air streams.
Applications
- Building energy audits (required for energy certificates)
- Building acceptance — insulation quality verification
- Heat loss diagnostics in existing buildings
- Air leak detection after window and door installation
- Underfloor heating control (pipe layout)
- Moisture detection and flat roof leaks
- Facade testing — ETICS assessment
Key parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature difference ΔT | ≥10°C (optimally ≥15°C) |
| Camera resolution | ≥320×240 px (optimally 640×480) |
| Sensitivity NETD | <0.05°C |
| Spectral range | 7.5–14 µm (LWIR) |
| Emissivity plaster/brick | 0.90–0.95 |
| Weather conditions | No rain, wind <5 m/s, no sun exposure |
Standard
- Standard number
- PN-EN 13187:2001
- Title (PL)
- Właściwości cieplne budynków — Jakościowe wykrywanie wad cieplnych w obudowie budynku — Metoda podczerwieni
- Title (EN)
- Thermal performance of buildings — Qualitative detection of thermal irregularities in building envelopes — Infrared method
Step-by-step procedure
1. Condition checking
Measure: outdoor and indoor temperature (ΔT ≥10°C), wind speed (<5 m/s), air humidity. No rain min. 24 h. No sun exposure min. 1 h.
2. Camera configuration
Set emissivity (plaster: 0.93, brick: 0.93, glass: 0.85), reflected temperature (= ambient temp.), distance from object. Choose color palette (rainbow/iron).
3. Facade thermograms
Make thermograms of all facades from distance enabling whole facade coverage. Then details: lintels, corners, wall-roof connections, window surroundings.
4. Interior thermograms
From inside: room corners, window surroundings, wall-ceiling connections, installation penetrations. Use Blower Door (pressure test) to reveal air leaks.
5. Photo documentation
For each thermogram take photo in visible light (same perspective). Save parameters: ε, Treflected, distance.
6. Analysis and report
In software: point, line and area temperature analysis. Identify anomalies. Prepare report with thermograms, photos and comments.
Required equipment and apparatus
| Equipment | Example | Indicative price |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal camera | FLIR T660, Testo 890, InfraTec VarioCAM HD | 30,000–150,000 PLN |
| Non-contact thermometer | Fluke 62 MAX+, for reference measurement | 300–1,000 PLN |
| Hygrometer | Testo 625, for humidity and air temperature measurement | 500–2,000 PLN |
| Anemometer | Testo 410-2, wind speed measurement | 300–1,000 PLN |
| Analysis software | FLIR Tools, IRSoft (Testo), IRBIS 3 (InfraTec) | 2,000–10,000 PLN |
Health and safety (OHS)
- Work at height (ladders, scaffolding) — harness, helmet
- Night / early morning work — reflective vest, flashlight
- Frost (heating season) — protective clothing, touch-function gloves
- Expensive and delicate camera — protect from drops and moisture