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LabCoda / Knowledge Base / Building Thermography

🌡️ Building Thermography

Construction PN-EN 13187

In short

Thermographic building inspection with infrared camera to detect thermal defects: thermal bridges, air leaks, moisture, insulation gaps. The test is performed according to PN-EN 13187:2001; Spectral range: 7.5–14 µm (LWIR). The procedure comprises 6 steps (about 3 h 20 min–6 h 20 min in total); it is used for: Building energy audits (required for energy certificates), Building acceptance — insulation quality verification, Heat loss diagnostics in existing buildings.

At a glance

  • Standard: PN-EN 13187:2001
  • Category: Construction
  • Procedure steps: 6
  • Total time of stages: 3 h 20 min–6 h 20 min
  • Temperature difference ΔT: ≥10°C (optimally ≥15°C)
  • Camera resolution: ≥320×240 px (optimally 640×480)
  • Sensitivity NETD: <0.05°C

Overview

Thermography (infrared thermography) is a non-invasive method of building thermal diagnostics consisting of recording infrared radiation emitted by surfaces using thermal camera. Enables visualization of temperature distribution on facades, internal walls, ceilings, and roofs.

Method detects: thermal bridges (lintels, ring beams, mechanical fasteners), air leaks (windows, doors, wall-roof connections), moisture (evaporation lowers temperature), gaps or damage in thermal insulation, underfloor heating defects.

Testing is performed in heating season with indoor-outdoor temperature difference ΔT ≥10°C (optimally ≥15°C), without facade sun exposure (best before sunrise or after dusk), without rain and strong wind.

Method principle

Thermal camera (FPA detector, range 7.5–14 µm, NETD <0.05°C) records infrared radiation emitted by building surfaces. According to Stefan-Boltzmann law, radiation power is proportional to T⁴, enabling surface temperature calculation. Camera generates thermogram — image with temperature map in color palette.

On thermogram, thermal defects visible as temperature anomalies: thermal bridges — higher temperature on facade (heat loss), moisture — lower temperature (evaporation), air leaks — warm air streams.

Applications

Key parameters

ParameterValue
Temperature difference ΔT≥10°C (optimally ≥15°C)
Camera resolution≥320×240 px (optimally 640×480)
Sensitivity NETD<0.05°C
Spectral range7.5–14 µm (LWIR)
Emissivity plaster/brick0.90–0.95
Weather conditionsNo rain, wind <5 m/s, no sun exposure

Standard

Standard number
PN-EN 13187:2001
Title (PL)
Właściwości cieplne budynków — Jakościowe wykrywanie wad cieplnych w obudowie budynku — Metoda podczerwieni
Title (EN)
Thermal performance of buildings — Qualitative detection of thermal irregularities in building envelopes — Infrared method

Step-by-step procedure

  1. Condition checking

    Measure: outdoor and indoor temperature (ΔT ≥10°C), wind speed (<5 m/s), air humidity. No rain min. 24 h. No sun exposure min. 1 h.

    ⏱ Time: 10 min

  2. Camera configuration

    Set emissivity (plaster: 0.93, brick: 0.93, glass: 0.85), reflected temperature (= ambient temp.), distance from object. Choose color palette (rainbow/iron).

    ⏱ Time: 10 min

  3. Facade thermograms

    Make thermograms of all facades from distance enabling whole facade coverage. Then details: lintels, corners, wall-roof connections, window surroundings.

    ⏱ Time: 30–60 min

  4. Interior thermograms

    From inside: room corners, window surroundings, wall-ceiling connections, installation penetrations. Use Blower Door (pressure test) to reveal air leaks.

    ⏱ Time: 30–60 min

  5. Photo documentation

    For each thermogram take photo in visible light (same perspective). Save parameters: ε, Treflected, distance.

    ⏱ Time: —

  6. Analysis and report

    In software: point, line and area temperature analysis. Identify anomalies. Prepare report with thermograms, photos and comments.

    ⏱ Time: 2–4 h

Required equipment and apparatus

EquipmentExampleIndicative price
Thermal cameraFLIR T660, Testo 890, InfraTec VarioCAM HD30,000–150,000 PLN
Non-contact thermometerFluke 62 MAX+, for reference measurement300–1,000 PLN
HygrometerTesto 625, for humidity and air temperature measurement500–2,000 PLN
AnemometerTesto 410-2, wind speed measurement300–1,000 PLN
Analysis softwareFLIR Tools, IRSoft (Testo), IRBIS 3 (InfraTec)2,000–10,000 PLN

Health and safety (OHS)

Frequently asked questions

Which standard describes this test?

The test is performed according to PN-EN 13187:2001 — “Thermal performance of buildings — Qualitative detection of thermal irregularities in building envelopes — Infrared method”.

How does this method work?

Thermal camera (FPA detector, range 7.5–14 µm, NETD <0.

What is the measuring range and accuracy?

Temperature difference ΔT: ≥10°C (optimally ≥15°C); Camera resolution: ≥320×240 px (optimally 640×480); Sensitivity NETD: <0.05°C; Spectral range: 7.5–14 µm (LWIR).

How long does the test take?

The times given for the individual stages add up to approximately 3 h 20 min–6 h 20 min. The procedure comprises 6 steps.

What equipment is required?

Thermal camera, Non-contact thermometer, Hygrometer, Anemometer, Analysis software. Indicative cost of the core instrument (Thermal camera): 30,000–150,000 PLN.

Where is this test used?

Building energy audits (required for energy certificates); Building acceptance — insulation quality verification; Heat loss diagnostics in existing buildings; Air leak detection after window and door installation; Underfloor heating control (pipe layout); Moisture detection and flat roof leaks; Facade testing — ETICS assessment.

What safety precautions apply?

Work at height (ladders, scaffolding) — harness, helmet; Night / early morning work — reflective vest, flashlight; Frost (heating season) — protective clothing, touch-function gloves; Expensive and delicate camera — protect from drops and moisture.

Which laboratory can perform this test?

The test is performed by laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. On LabCoda you can find them by the standard number PN-EN 13187.

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