.png)
CHARTERED BUILDING SURVEYOR
Building Thermography
As Category 2 Certified Thermographers, Richard Bedford Surveying specialises in building thermography. It is crucial that a thermographer is certified and you should always ask this question of your thermographer from the outset and before instructing them to work for you.
We utilise the latest thermal imaging cameras, thermal drones and hygrometers which are linked by bluetooth technology, and we undertake all aspects of building thermography. This includes reporting on suspected damp issues, thermal comfort issues, missing/incomplete thermal insulation, failed double glazing, de-bonded rendering, condensation & mould issues and air leakage within buildings.
Our inspections are always critically planned and timed so that all conditions are correct, in order that the most robust thermographic inspections are undertaken as defined under current thermographic standards.
Drone Thermal Surveys
We offer a full thermographic service, covering the entire fabric of a building. Most thermographers will inspect from the ground using handheld thermal cameras only. As a result, important areas such as roofs, dormers, parapets, plant and other high level features are not inspected and reported on by them. We inspect everything, and are commercially trained and insured drone operators as well as Certified Thermographers and Chartered Building Surveyors. All of our services are therefore produced in-house with no sub-contractors involved.
External Inspections
Great care must be undertaken when inspecting a building externally. This is because a number of external environmental factors will influence what is being recorded by a Certified Thermographer using a thermal imaging camera. The areas of red walling noted on the thermal image to the left are as a result of solar loading or energy from the sun, which still remain on the nearest wall elevation some three hours after sunset. Other factors which we always take into account include wind strength, dryness of surfaces and reflected apparent temperatures of the external environment.
Services Installations
The thermal image (or thermogram) to the left was taken within a 'room in roof' during winter. The dark blue areas clearly show up as much colder than those adjacent to them. Interestingly these cold areas correspond to locations where services have been installed into insulated walls. There are also areas of lighter blue 'wisps' within the sloping ceiling where air infiltration is also occurring.
Missing Insulation
The thermogram to the left shows an area of missing insulation highlighted by light and dark blue colours. The affected area of sloping ceiling is even colder where it meets the dwarf wall, as highlighted by its darker purple colour. Such areas of missing/incomplete insulation will not only be causing thermal comfort issues for users but will also be costing them money in terms of wasted heating costs.
Air Infiltration/Leakage
The thermogram to the left shows an internal door which separates a heated space from an unheated communal stairwell. The areas shown in purple within the door, indicate areas around the door where heat is being lost and cold air is infiltrating. Very often it is possible to overcome such issues by draught-stripping the door, although sometimes it is necessary to fit a new door and frame/lining unit which is more robust in nature.
Damp Issues
The thermogram to the left is a blended view of a thermal image and a visual image. It shows a problematic ceiling. The occupant had complained of water ingress for a number of years. We were able to identify the source of the water entry into the building as it tracked along the ceiling and entered the centre of the room. Interestingly, the plasterboard ceiling fixing battens and nail fixings are also visible.
We believe that our combined competencies relating to building thermography, thermal drone technology, building surveying and architectural technology allow us to provide our clients with the most robust and professionally competent inspections and reports on their buildings currently available.
Please contact us for more information on any of the above, as we would be happy to have an informal chat with you in the first instance.
