Product category:
Thermal Imaging and Aerial Surveys
News Release from: Etek | Subject: Thermal Technology
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 21 March 2007
Building testing using thermal imaging
technology
Kevin Gould, Director of Etek, makes the case for introducing thermal technology as an integral part of building testing.
Having recently participated the EcoBuild Exhibition at Earls Court, London I was impressed with the quality and innovation of the many exhibiting companies
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 11 Mar 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Mathcad: Florida Transportation Dept. Case Study
The Florida Department of Transportation has selected Mathsoft's Mathcad to perform and manage design calculations.
Maple Leaves Them Standing
Although Maple is widely known for its symbolic algorithms, recent releases have also delivered what may be industry-leading accuracy and speed in numerical computation
However, in conversation with many of them together with many building surveyors and architects that visited our stand they were all at a loss as to why thermal imaging of buildings cannot be used if not as an alternative but as a compliment to air tightness testing for new or refurbished buildings.
The modern 'breed' of thermal imaging cameras provide so much more information about a building that the air tightness test and is much more versatile in its approach to building testing and might I add none intrusive.
Air tightness provides one piece of information, which whilst it is important, does not provide all the information required, particularly by surveyors etc.
I would like someone to explain to me why a sophisticated piece of equipment which provides useful information on the building fabric such as air leakage, cold spots, damp, thermal bridges, cavity wall insulation roof insulation, ceiling/wall junctions, roofing, floors, lift shafts, dry rot, wet rot, doors.
On electrical work, cabling faults, distribution boards, isolation panels, installations, motors, power switches, transformers, lighting energy loss.
On mechanical work such as bearings, pumps, hot water systems, leaks silted pipe-work, valves and more.
A typical report will report on all those items with the severity of problems and how to resolve them.
How can a simple air tightness test compare? Please someone do tell me, I want to learn? I am neither a building surveyor nor architect but I recognise their undoubted knowledge in their field of expertise and when they collectively tell me they cannot understand why the Government does not accept Thermal Imaging for testing of buildings as part of the regulations involving part L, I cannot ignore their informed comments.
So why does Government or those advising Government do so?.
Is it not time for them to embrace new technology and at very least introduce Thermal Technology as an integral part of building testing.
Kevin M Gould Director Etek .
• Etek: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Buildingtalk email newsletter
• Buildingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
