Do you suspect that your building envelope is leaking or deteriorating? Do you want to know if your recent roof replacement is installed correctly or working efficiently? Perhaps you have replaced windows, doors or insulation and need reassurance that the improvements were done properly?
Infrared Imaging is extremely useful for facilities managers, property managers, and condo associations to better understand the condition of the building envelope, particularly as part of its maintenance program.
Figure 1 – identify thermal anomalies/verify corrective work
Figure 2 – identify/verify fastener patterns
The benefits of infrared imaging include:
Diagnostic Infrared Surveys, primarily of the roof, can be conducted as part of the building envelope commissioning process
It helps to better understand the issues affecting the building envelope, and determine the cause of air and/or water leaks
Identify areas of wet insulation on in-service roofs and locate potential leak areas or areas with reduced thermal efficiency. Understanding the extent of the leaks and leak areas, as well as the age of the roof system, can help with the decision to repair or replace the roof.
Quality Assurance Checks
Conduct immediately following a completed installation, as well as 9-12 months after installation is complete. Also recommended prior to expiring warranties (Manufacturer and Contractor).
As part of Annual Preventative Maintenance Inspections
Prior to a roof restoration, re-roofing (overlay) or roof coating to identify areas of wet insulation for replacement
Performed in conjunction with other testing services (window and door)
Figure 3 – identify leaks/punctures in roof
GRLA can provide deliverables such as inspection reports with photographic documentation of findings, roof area plan mark-up showing areas of wet insulation and approximate square footages. We can also mark areas of wet insulation during our inspection with spray paint or lumber crayon.
GRLA’s infrared scanning capabilities provides clients with more detailed building envelope inspection results.
Figure 4 – identify moisture within roof
When performing these services, GRLA follows the procedures and guidelines set by ASTM C1153 – Standard Practice for Location of Wet Insulation in Roofing Systems Using Infrared Imaging, as well as ASTM C1060 – Standard Practice for Thermographic Inspection of Insulation Installations in Envelope Cavities of Frame Buildings.
GRLA’s, Ty Spencer, a BES Assistant Project Manager is a level 1 certified thermographer who has been conducting infrared roof inspections for over five years.
GRLA has purchased a new certified FLIR E8 handheld thermal imaging camera – a significant upgrade from the E4 camera. This camera easily meets/exceeds the typical specification requirements for performing an infrared inspection.
Figure 5 – verify drain installation
The camera features a:
Spectral range of 7.5 to 13 μm (long wave infrared radiation)
9 Hz infrared detector
320 x 240 pixel resolution
Thermal sensitivity of 0.05°C (0.09°F)
Temperature range of -20 to 550°C (-4 to 1022°F) split in two ranges
-20 to 250°C (-4 to 482°F)
10 to 550°C (50 to 1022°F)
Accurate to within 2°C
The E8 is as easy to use as any other device that takes photos. It is relatively small, lightweight, and easy to carry, maneuver and operate, making it the perfect tool for diagnosing building problems.
The following are some of the detailed images captured from the FLIR E8 camera and the corresponding photo.
Figure 6 – confirm repair work addresses issues
Figure 7 – confirm repair work addresses issues
