Hidden building defects can derail even the best-laid plans for home retrofit. Many of these issues - such as heat loss, air leakage and moisture ingress - are invisible to the naked eye. Infrared thermography offers a powerful solution, making the unseen visible and enabling early intervention.
ISO 6781-1:2023 - Performance of buildings — Detection of heat, air and moisture irregularities in buildings by infrared methods establishes the standard for using infrared thermography in building diagnostics, ensuring consistent and reliable assessments.
These three simple physical concepts - heat, air and moisture - form a powerful foundation for understanding how qualitative infrared thermography reveals hidden building defects.
Heat loss
Temperature variations within a building can reveal much about its thermal performance. Infrared thermography detects heat loss caused by settled cavity wall insulation, thermal bridges and other structural inefficiencies. These issues create temperature gradients, often resulting in thermal discomfort. To compensate, residents may increase heating levels, driving up energy consumption and costs.
Beyond financial implications, these cold spots can lead to condensation when surface temperatures fall below the dew point. This moisture accumulation significantly increases the risk of mould growth, which can have serious health consequences. Identifying and addressing these thermal inefficiencies is key to improving indoor comfort while reducing energy waste.
Air leakage
Draughts are a common but often overlooked source of energy inefficiency. Infrared thermography can detect air infiltration and exfiltration points, from defects in dot and dab wall construction to gaps around doors and windows. These leaks enhance convective heat transfer, leading to unwanted heat loss and temperature fluctuations.
Addressing air leaks through effective draught-proofing is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to enhance a building’s energy efficiency. Sealing these gaps not only prevents unnecessary heat loss but also improves overall indoor comfort, reducing reliance on heating systems and lowering energy bills.
Moisture intrusion
Water damage can be one of the most destructive forces in a building, yet early-stage moisture issues often go undetected until significant damage occurs. Infrared thermography is instrumental in identifying moisture ingress from sources such as breached damp-proof courses, roof leaks or plumbing failures.
Unchecked moisture creates an ideal environment for mould growth, which is linked to respiratory illnesses and other health problems. By identifying moisture intrusion before visible damage appears, infrared thermography enables proactive maintenance, preserving both property value and occupant health.
Things to remember
It’s important to understand that these issues remain undetectable through standard visual inspections or RGB cameras. Infrared thermography provides an advanced diagnostic method, revealing surface temperature patterns that indicate underlying issues.
Problems such as moisture ingress may begin subtly and worsen over time. By identifying and addressing these issues early, building owners and contractors can improve energy efficiency, enhance thermal comfort and reduce health risks.
Infrared thermography drives informed decisions about energy efficiency improvements and preventative maintenance strategies. In upcoming posts, we’ll explore these issues in the context of retrofit projects, particularly in pre- and post-retrofit assessments and long-term performance monitoring.