BREEAM Thermal Imaging Surveys
All building surveys are completed to BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)
Thermal building surveys are a way of evaluating the condition of a property in a non-invasive manner through the use of infrared cameras.
BREEAM is known as the world’s leading science-based suite of validation and certification systems for a more sustainable built environment and regulating building performance and characteristics. Project owners depend on BREEAM to achieve their sustainability goals and enhance the performance of their assets.
Thermal imaging greatly contributes to BREEAM building examinations by providing a visual representation of heat loss across a building’s enclosure, allowing inspectors to recognise areas with poor insulation, air leaks and thermal bridging, which are the fundamental factors in assessing a building’s energy efficiency and achieving high BREEAM ratings. It helps pinpoint areas where improvements could be made to enhance the building’s thermal performance and sustainability by determining energy inefficiencies. These diagnostic devices can be used not to only maximise the energy efficiency of a building but can also be utilised to improve the design and construction process of future or existing projects.
The BREEAM surveys provide frameworks to enable property investors, owners, managers and occupiers to make sustainable improvements to their assets. This standard helps to improve the performance of buildings that are already in use.
Drone-based surveys for large buildings
There are a range of challenges when conducting building surveys. However, we provide drone-based BREEAM surveys to help the inspection process, enhance safety and provide valuable insights for better decision-making. Enforcing drone technology makes it easier to conduct building inspections.
So, what are some of the benefits of drone surveying? Drones are able to survey large areas of building frontage more accurately than from ground level; in fact, research shows that it is up to 5 times faster than traditional surveying methods. It can decrease planning time and turnaround time for projects. Not only that, but drones can survey hazardous areas with minimal risks to the surveyor and eliminate the need to work at heights and hard-to-reach areas like roofs and taller structures.
Detection of structural deficiencies and energy inefficiencies can be highlighted utilising thermal imaging. It works by capturing infrared radiation from objects, forming a thermogram, which then shows up as a heat map of the area. These thermograms highlight areas of warmer and cooler temperatures where it can reveal gaps in insulation, insulation bridged by building fabrics, electrical or mechanical equipment flaws, concealed pipes, moisture and paths of warm or cold air leakage.
How does a Thermal imaging building survey work?
Thermal imaging cameras detect differences in heat radiating from buildings, liquids and gas, electrical circuits, capacitors, vehicles, machinery and insulation. Thermal imaging cameras can quickly determine leaks and temperature loss as well as connection troubles and malfunctions. This is all captured in high definition to create a detailed thermal imaging map.
So how does it work? The thermal camera is equipped with an infrared detector, which captures the infrared radiation emitted from all objects in the field. The camera’s built-in software then processes the captured radiation data. An optical system focuses infrared energy on a sensor array with thousands of pixels in a grid. Each temperature value is assigned in a different colour; warmer areas are often illustrated as red, and cooler areas are shown as blue. A matrix of colours corresponding to temperatures is sent to the camera display as a picture. Leading thermal and infrared cameras will give you the power to edit, transfer, store and analyse thermal images.
In a nutshell, gas leaks need a special type of camera that works at different wavelength and is specifically tuned to the gas type it is meant to be looking for. It is not possible to pick up gas leaks with a normal thermal camera. However, pressure differentials can make objects colder, so if heavily compressed gases were escaping, it would show as a cold spot.
Why choose Thermascan for building surveys?
Thermascan is an industry leader in thermal imaging in the UK, an Inframation ITC accredited training centre, recognised for providing premium thermal imaging training. Specialising in offering a wide range of services related to thermal imaging and infrared technology, offering both automated and thermal imaging cameras and thermographic surveys for a broad range of commercial and industrial businesses.
Our team consists of level 2 certified field engineers who are highly qualified to conduct inspections and diagnostics. We also care about all our customers; we spent years building long-lasting relationships with our clients by offering a wide range of customised surveying solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you have some questions about thermal imaging, we provide a page dedicated for frequently asked questions, where you can find the answers here or if you can’t find the answers to all your questions online, reach out to one of our friendly team and they will assist you with any specific inquiries.
Consult Today
The surveying offered by Thermascan serves as a powerful tool for promoting energy efficiency, reducing environmental impact and the overall sustainability of buildings. Leveraging thermal imaging technology and expert analysis optimises building performance and contributes to a more sustainable built environment.
If you’re looking for a thermal imaging survey to secure a BREEAM credit and require an estimation of the cost, you can fill our online form. Should you require further assistance, please call us on 01234 219421.