Thermography – the complete picture
July 04th 2007 An independent expert in his field who regularly appears on the TV programmes Watchdog and Rogue Trader, Rod Appleyard invested in a ThermaCAM® B series infrared camera from FLIR Systems - a dedicated tool for the building industry allowing non-invasive investigation and providing what he describes as ‘robust evidence’ in line with new industry requirements. However, he insists that without a thorough understanding of building materials, structures and their physics you cannot see the full picture in relation to the thermographic findings. And this is a view that is thoroughly supported by FLIR Systems itself, a world leader in infrared and committed proponent of accredited training.
Providing expert assessment in disputes is Rod Appleyard’s skill. The public, the trade and insurance companies alike call upon his services to investigate the problem, report his findings and suggest a course of remedial action. “Although we try to avoid legal action sometimes it is inevitable. If a case does go to court it is vital that the evidence I produce is 100% correct and efficiently reported,” Rod explains.
“Legal professionals are not building professionals and this is where thermal imaging can really help,” he continues. “It provides a visual summary of the problem even to the untutored eye. However, interpretation of this thermal evidence has to be undertaken by a qualified building professional otherwise the claimant’s case could be jeopardised.”
“The ThermaCAM® allows me to spot the problem without interfering with the structure. It saves me time and reduces labour, whilst often identifying problems that are not visible to the naked eye. ”
The reason for Rod’s choice of the FLIR ThermaCAM® B Series ultimately came down to the quality of the company’s technical back-up. “It was clear from the start that FLIR Systems is not just selling a camera,it’s also supporting the technology with dedicated training and readily-available help. I only have to pick-up the ‘phone to get the advice I need.”
Using the camera to investigate problems with fenestration and structures is Rod Appleyard’s particular speciality. Glass is now a highly engineered product and its composition and surface finish have a profound effect on its performance.So too do the frames that accept the glass. “With the ThermaCAM® I can see at a glance whether the glazed structure is doing its job, “ continues Rod. “I can even determine if there is a gas leak in a double glazed unit. Gas is heavier than air and will sink to the bottom of the unit. Where there’s gas there’s greater thermal efficiency and the camera shows a clear dividing line in the unit’s performance.”
Using the ThermaCAM® to study the efficiency of double glazed units is a new discovery for Rod Appleyard. He concludes, “This is leading edge technology and I’m sure we are just scratching the surface of what it can do.” More articles from Flir Systems Ltd: | 
