Thermal Imaging

We bring engineering-grade thermal imaging to building diagnostics, turning invisible heat-loss and anomaly patterns into clear, actionable findings. Our structured surveys focus on measurement quality and documentation, so you get results you can trust and use to target the right next steps.

Thermal imaging, also known as infrared thermography, captures surface temperature patterns and helps identify thermal irregularities associated with missing or disturbed insulation, thermal bridges, and air leakage pathways. It is a powerful diagnostic method for building assessments, but it is only reliable when the survey is performed under the right conditions and with correct measurement controls. Guidance for building thermography is covered in recognized standards and best-practice documents, including the ISO 6781 series and ASTM practices for building envelope thermography.

Thermal imaging surveys

When thermal imaging is most reliable

A high-quality thermal survey is primarily about controlling conditions. We plan surveys to achieve a meaningful indoor to outdoor temperature difference and stable thermal conditions, because without sufficient temperature contrast, defects can be masked or misrepresented. Best-practice guidance commonly references an indoor to outdoor temperature difference on the order of 10°C (and maintaining conditions long enough for surfaces to respond) to support clear interpretation.
Where feasible, we prioritise internal thermography because it is generally less affected by wind, rain, and solar loading than external scans, improving repeatability and reducing false patterns.

Our measurement methodology

We assess the building type, expected construction build-up, and the most likely defect mechanisms (heat loss, air leakage, thermal bridging). We also plan around factors known to distort results, especially solar loading and wind effects, which can create misleading temperature patterns on façades and roofs.

1) Survey planning and condition control

2) Camera setup for defensible results

To avoid “pretty images with weak conclusions,” we use disciplined parameter control and documentation:

Correct use of emissivity and reflected apparent temperature settings for more accurate temperature interpretation
Focus and image discipline (sharp thermograms, consistent viewing angles, and repeat images where needed)
Awareness of low-emissivity and reflective surfaces (for example metal finishes), which can show reflections rather than true surface temperature, and controlled techniques to reduce reflectivity error where safe and appropriate

3) Systematic scanning and anomaly confirmation

We scan in a structured sequence (room-by-room or façade-by-façade), record anomaly locations precisely, and capture paired evidence (thermogram plus visual photo). For air leakage investigations, industry practice also recognises the value of combining thermography with controlled pressure differences (pressurisation or depressurisation) to make leakage pathways more visible; this approach is reflected in standards and training guidance for air leakage site detection.

4) Interpretation that avoids common false positives

Thermal anomalies can be caused by multiple mechanisms (insulation discontinuity, air movement, thermal bridging, moisture effects, or stored heat from sun exposure). We interpret findings in context of construction, ventilation, and survey conditions, and we clearly classify results as confirmed, likely, or requiring follow-up, rather than overstating certainty.

Deliverables and value

You receive a clear, decision-oriented output:

Annotated thermograms with matching visual images and precise locations
A prioritised list of findings (what matters most, and why)
Recorded survey conditions and key assumptions to support traceable interpretation
Practical next-step recommendations for targeted investigation or corrective work by the appropriate contractor.

Why choose us

Standard aligned methodology (ISO and ASTM guidance) rather than ad-hoc scanning
Active control and documentation of the factors that most commonly invalidate thermography (solar loading, wind, reflective surfaces, insufficient temperature difference)
Evidence-based engineer report, with clear confidence levels and traceable survey conditions, so results are useful for maintenance decisions and follow-up work