The importance of thermal imaging on Commercial Buildings
Thermal imaging inspections are the best way to assess continuity of insulation once the building fabric is complete on commercial buildings. It is also a very effective method of locating air leakage paths in a completed building.
This article discusses the legal requirements in Building Regulations and also the availability of BREEAM credits for thermal imaging, as well as England & Wales Building Regulations and supporting guidance, specifically Part L (Conservation of Fuel and Power).
At the time of writing this publication, it was not known what form these would take. Building Regulations for England and Wales require that reasonable provision shall be made for the conservation of fuel and power in buildings by trying to limit heat gains and losses through thermal elements and other parts of the building fabric. This requirement is supported by guidance in four Approved Documents:
The above approved documents highlight the importance of thermal imaging for investigating the thermal performance of the building envelope. The four Approved Documents also provide the following guidance: “The building fabric should be constructed so that there are no reasonably avoidable thermal bridges in the insulation layers caused by gaps within the various elements, at the joints between elements, and at the edges of elements such as those around window and door openings”.
All our APT’s thermographic engineers hold a minimum of Level 2 certification. We use the latest Flir high resolution thermal imaging cameras for all our surveys. Thermal imaging is the only practical way of checking that thermal insulation hidden in the structure meets the requirements for continuity of insulation.
The importance of using Level 3 trained thermographers cannot be understated. Our thermal engineers are trained to be write predictive maintenance and inspection practices and to develop test procedures and ascertain severity criteria. To try and help clients prepare for the thermal imaging survey to their building, we have written the following article: How we carry our thermal Surveys on commercial buildings. Also, this article explains how we previous articles on how to prepare for thermal imaging surveys on commercial buildings.
Also, to help facility managers with their electrical and mechanical surveys, we have written the following article: thermal imaging inspections for facilities management. Also, throughout the UK BREEAM projects are becoming more common place. BREEAM provides extra points to projects that have a BREEAM Thermal survey undertaken. As not many clients are aware of BREEAM thermal surveys, we have included more information in our ‘What is a BREEAM thermal Imaging Survey’ article. Also to try and help clients prepare for their survey please download our Thermal Imaging Checklist.
If you would like more information on our Thermographic Building Inspection services, please contact us at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk or call us on: 01525 303905