Retrotec USACE - Manual (Page 347)

Appendix G G17
Figure G17. IR thermography showing a failed window pane. (Images from BCRA.)
failed pane
In the buildings made of prefabricated concrete elements the anchors
could be localized; in some cases, the insulation quality variations, such as de-
pressions in insulation, gaps between the insulation plates and the defects in
the seam, and so on, can be detected by applying IR thermography. In older
apartment buildings, the thermal performance, especially in the attics and
basements, can be examined with rather good results.
To summarize, the common applications for IR thermography in the in-
spection of concrete or brick facades are as follows:
Seams ■
Joints between outer walls and balconies ■
Corners in the outer walls ■
Primary structures between fl oors ■
Window frames and surrounding ■
Structural elements and their degradation (missing or defective insulation, ■
moisture, or other damage)
Ground fl oors vs. other fl oors
■
Joint of outer walls and upper fl oor ■
Anchoring, reinforcements, etc. ■
Evaluation of heat energy balance ■
Coatings ■
In evaluation of thermal performance of renovated buildings, the following
stages must be completed:
Measures before renovation, building envelope (roof, exterior walls) ■
Thermal performance of building envelope ■
Material performance of building envelope ■
Ventilation system ■
Indoor air quality and thermal comfort ■
Heating system ■
Cooling system ■
Automation system ■