SR232 Using infrared thermal imaging to audit retrofitted wall insulation in houses (2018)

This is the first of two reports prepared during research into the potential use of infrared thermal imaging for evaluating the retrofitting of wall insulation in houses.

Thermal imaging may be useful:

• for training installers
• as part of the actual installation process
• as a tool for auditing the installation quality
• as a method for assessing the ongoing thermal performance of retrofitted insulation.

The conclusion from this study is that a thermal imaging camera can be useful for all four of those tasks, but success requires not only the correct choice of camera capabilities and settings but also the temperature conditions must be right well. Even with the best equipment and conditions, it is the knowledge and experience of the operator that is critical to understanding what is observed.

Guidance is given on camera requirements, temperature conditions and suitable wall construction types along with some of the pitfalls that might be encountered.