Buildings

Infrared Building Envelope Surveys

The two most common problems identified during Infrared Building Envelope Surveys are excess energy loss and latent moisture. Our Infrared Building Envelope Surveys can identify different two types of energy loss that can occur within a building envelope.

The first type of energy loss is conduction which is most often due to missing/damaged within the walls or its roof. Under proper conditions, Infrared Building Envelope Surveys can also detect and document evidence of latent moisture within building sidewalls, including EIFS.

The second type of energy loss is air leakage. Air infiltration or exfiltration can occur at numerous locations within a building envelope through seemingly insignificant cracks and openings. Air infiltration can be detected when Infrared Building Envelope Surveys are performed from the interior of the building; exfiltration may be detected when the infrared survey is performed from the exterior of the building.

In order to avoid errors associated with solar reflections and solar loading, our Infrared Surveys are usually performed post sunset. This provides optimal results and avoids disruptions when working in office spaces.

Misapplied Insulation

Defective IGU Window

Water in EIFS

Wet Ceiling Tiles

Infrared Building Envelope Survey by Jersey Infrared Consultants

Jersey Infrared Consultants Infrared Building Envelope Surveys are conducted by Infraspection Institute Level III Certified Infrared Thermographers® using high-resolution infrared imaging radiometers. This equipment detects infrared energy emitted from an object and converts it into an image which is displayed on a monitor screen. All work meets or exceeds current industry Standards.

When an area or component with an unusual temperature pattern, or a thermal anomaly, is located, the associated infrared image is electronically recorded. This thermogram along with a control photograph and our description of the problem, are combined into a written report to provide you with the necessary information to correct a problem.

Applications

Building Energy Loss/Efficiency
Quality Assurance
EIFS Wall Systems
Failure Investigation
Legal Documentation
Storm Damage Assessment
CMU Wall Systems

Benefits

Survey 100% of the building surface
Noninvasive & nonintrusive
Documentation for LEED Certification
Most cost-efficient method of testing
Identify areas requiring further review/repair

Contact us to schedule your Building Envelope Survey.

Sample Report

Survey Standards

Required Site Conditions

FAQs

How does an Infrared Building Envelope Survey work?

Infrared thermography is a form of non-contact, nondestructive testing used to detect and document thermal patterns associated with the presence of excess energy loss, air leakage, or latent moisture. Our high-resolution infrared imagers detect infrared energy emitted from the building surface and convert it into an image which is displayed on a monitor screen.

Depending upon the purpose of the Infrared Building Envelope Survey and the existing conditions, the Survey may be performed from the interior and/or exterior of the building. The time of day and the site conditions may also vary depending on the purpose of the Survey.

When an area with an unusual temperature pattern is located, a thermal image is recorded, along with a detailed description of the anomaly including its location. Thermograms, control photographs, and all pertinent data are compiled into a report that is available in both hardcopy and digital formats.

What kind of problems can be identified during an Infrared Building Envelope Survey?

Our Infrared Building Envelope Surveys can detect thermal patterns caused by excess energy loss and latent moisture. Excess energy loss may be caused by missing/damaged insulation or air leaks. Latent moisture may be the result of leaks in the weatherproofing envelope or condensation problems.

The presence of latent moisture within the building envelope results in conduction losses. Under proper weather and site conditions, our Infrared Building Envelope Surveys can detect and document evidence of latent moisture within building sidewalls including EIFS.

Should the Infrared Survey be performed from the interior or the exterior?

When deciding whether to perform an Infrared Building Envelope Survey from the interior or the exterior of the building, many factors should be considered. The most common considerations include:

What is the purpose of the Survey?

Quality Assurance
LEED Certification
Location of possible problems
Identification of a specific problem

What is the site access?

Are there any security restrictions?
Is there line-of-sight to the areas to be inspected?

Does the budget and project time frame allow detailed interior access?

It is important to remember that Required Site Conditions will vary depending on the purpose of the Survey, as well as interior versus exterior access.

The experienced staff of Jersey Infrared Consultants will work with you to define your specific project and which approach may best fit your needs.

What are the Required Site Conditions for an Infrared Survey?

The success of an Infrared Building Envelope Survey is dependent on many conditions. These conditions vary somewhat depending on the purpose of the survey, as well as interior versus exterior vantage points. Because infrared imagers cannot ‘see’ through walls or glass, a direct line-of-sight to the subject surfaces is absolutely necessary. For detailed information on site requirements for different types of Infrared Building Envelope Surveys, please see our Required Site Conditions.

What standards apply to Infrared Building Envelope Surveys?

Standards that apply to Infrared Building Envelope Surveys are authored by ASTM International (ASTM), the International Institute for Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC), and Infraspection Institute. They cover topics including procedures, applications, certification of personnel, equipment use and performance standards, and safety. Following these standards helps to ensure quality results from your Infrared Building Envelope Survey.

More information can be found on our Standards Page.

What will my report include?

Jersey Infrared Consultants reports are clear, easy-to-understand, and available in hardcopy and/or digital formats. Your report will include the following sections:

• Introduction covers the procedures followed and provides information to assist understanding the report including priority assessment for problems.

• Thermographer’s Comments will discuss the areas inspected, number of problems identified and special notation of any serious problems.

• Deficiencies will be documented with a Thermogram and control photograph, the location of the problem, and a description that includes the following information:

Accurate description of the location
Ambient temperature
Sit conditions
Description of each anomaly and related information