Thermographic survey and material testing

Infrared thermography – building / Energy performance

What is infrared thermography?

From a technical perspective, it is the measure of the amount of thermal radiation in the camera’s sensitivity range. Infrared thermography enables to detect defects in the building envelope at the source of discomfort for occupants. With infrared thermography, it is possible to detect thermal defects in the building envelope such as air infiltration (sometimes water infiltrations), thermal bridges, lack of or humid insulation, excessive humidity in masonry, leaks in closed-loop heating systems, electrical components overheating, etc.

Usefulness of infrared thermography

  • Visualization and quantification of thermal defects in the building envelope
  • The possibility to complete part of the energy audit of your property
  • The possibility to control the quality of work performed and the scope of work to be performed

In the case of new buildings, exam of the vertical envelope (walls, windows, roof and sidings) is recommended prior to final acceptance of the work or in case of dispute with the general contractor in order to rectify problems or to substantiate defects in the envelope.

Data we collect during our survey is summarized in a detailed report and includes:

  • The extent and quantification of deficiencies
  • Identification and location on plans of surfaces affected by thermal disorders (air infiltration and exfiltration, thermal bridges, weakness of insulation, etc.)
  • Interpretation of the nature of each disorder, quantification and comparison with theoretical models
  • Record of representative thermograms of each type of disorder
  • Thermal imaging performance of the vertical envelope
  • Indication of required repair, maintenance or complete renovation work on a computerized 11’’ x 17’’ plan
  • General technical recommendations on how to undertake corrective work
  • A complete report and descriptive photos with color thermograms showing typical deficiencies

Our workforce includes three Level 1 technicians and one Level 2 technician, based on the classification and training of the Academy of Infrared Training.

Thermography – Roof & water infiltration

Thermography assists us in the detection of humid insulation in a roof waterproofing complex of the “sandwich” type (mainly commercial buildings), or roofs that are not ventilated and with an exposed membrane (an electronic hygrometer may also quantify the percentage of humidity in the insulation).

IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THERMOGRAPHY IS NOT EFFECTIVE, IF NOT USELESS, TO LOCATE WATER INFILTRATIONS.  THERMOGRAPHY IS A COMPLEMENTARY TOOL AND DOES NOT PERMIT TO CLEARLY ESTABLISH THE CAUSE(S) OF WATER INFILTRATIONS.  A COMPLETE SURVEY ON THE CAUSES OF WATER INFILTRATIONS MUST FIRST BE PERFORMED (WATER TESTS, EXPLORATORY CUTS, THOROUGH VISUAL INSPECTION OF PREMISES, ETC.)  – SEE SECTION Survey – Solutions to water infiltrations & mold.

*** USE OF THERMOGRAPHY TO LOCATE WATER INFILTRATIONS IN BUILDINGS

This type of survey is often requested by clients after a water infiltration or when complete re-roofing is planned with the intent to preserve healthy insulation and only replace humid insulation.

It can be part of a complete roof survey.  The client is protected if this is performed prior to the end of the warranty period.

Data we collect during our survey is summarized in a detailed report and includes:

  • Indication of required repair, maintenance or complete renovation work on a computerized 11’’ x 17’’ plan
  • General technical recommendations on how to undertake corrective work
  • Budgetary estimate of the work
  • A complete report and descriptive photos with color thermograms showing typical deficiencies

Our workforce includes three Level 1 technicians and one Level 2 technician, based on the classification and training of the Academy of Infrared Training.

Thermography – Electrical components & others

Thermography is frequently used to assess the condition of electrical apparatus.  By viewing the inside of control panels and transformers, the thermograph is in a position to detect the equipment’s overheat points and to take action before a breakdown occurs.

Data we collect during our survey is summarized in a detailed report and includes:

  • The electrical panel number and its position in the building
  • The maximum recorded temperature at the surface of components in the control panel
  • A complete report and descriptive photos with color thermograms showing typical deficiencies

Our expertise also includes exam by thermography of several industrial components (rotors, motors, buried heating systems, etc.).  We assist the project leader and provide temperature data of surveyed objects.

Our workforce includes three Level 1 technicians and one Level 2 technician, based on the classification and training of the Academy of Infrared Training.