The Effects Of Testing And Checking; Publ. No. 1558440 Rev. A156 - English (En) - February 28, 2006 - FLIR ThermaCAM BX320 User Manual

Table of Contents

7 – Introduction to building thermography

the results of measurements, there are special requirements in terms of the skills and

experience of those taking the measurements, e.g. by means of authorization by a

national or regional standardization body.

7.3.2

It can be difficult to anticipate how well the thermal insulation and airtightness of a

completed building will work. There are certain factors involved in assembling the

various components and building elements that can have a considerable impact on

the final result. The effects of transport, handling and storage at the site and the way

the work is done cannot be calculated in advance. To ensure that the intended function

is actually achieved, verification by testing and checking the completed building is

required.

Modern insulation technology has reduced the theoretical heat requirement. This

does mean, however, that defects that are relatively minor, but at important locations,

e.g. leaking joints or incorrectly installed insulation, can have considerable conse-

quences in terms both of heat and comfort. Verification tests, e.g. by means of ther-

mography, have proved their value, from the point of view both of the designer and

the contractor and of the developer, the property manager and the user.

For the designer, the important thing is to find out about the function of various

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types of structures, so that they can be designed to take into account both working

methods and functional requirements. The designer must also know how different

materials and combinations of materials function in practice. Effective testing and

checking, as well as experiential feedback, can be used to achieve the required

development in this area.

The contractor is keen on more testing and inspection in order to ensure that the

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structures keep to an expected function that corresponds to established require-

ments in the regulations issued by authorities and in contractual documents. The

contractor wants to know at an early stage of construction about any changes that

may be necessary so that systematic defects can be prevented. During construction,

a check should therefore be carried out on the first apartments completed in a

mass production project. Similar checking then follows as production continues.

In this way systematic defects can be prevented and unnecessary costs and future

problems can be avoided. This check is of benefit both to manufacturers and to

users.

For the developer and the property manager it is essential that buildings are checked

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with reference to heat economy, maintenance (damage from moisture or moisture

infiltration) and comfort for the occupants (e.g. cooled surfaces and air movements

in occupied zones).