Sustainable Homes Scotland
Thermal imaging
The most effective diagnostic procedure for determining the thermal performance of a structure envelope is thermal imaging.
Thermography identifies surface temperature variations of the building envelope, which are directly related to problems in structure, thermal bridging, moisture content, and air leakage. These problems are the largest source of energy loss in most homes.
It can be used to find hidden heating and cooling losses due to moisture intrusion, inadequate or non-existent insulation, and poor construction. Fixing the problems will have a major impact on increasing energy efficiency, structural integrity, and individual comfort. Early correction of the faults identified can also prevent extensive damage in the future.
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Typical Practice: Here is a typical old building's window. The center of glass surface temperature is already below 14 °C. In addition, there are large installation thermal bridges, particularly where the window meets the concrete wall. The consequences: significant eadiant temperature asymmetry, drafts, and pooling of cold air in the room.
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Low-e glazing (2 panes) already have higher surface temperatures (16 °C in the average). Additionally, the poor insulation of the conventional window frame is remarkable. Passive house frames allow a dramatic improvement in insulating quality.