Which standard should a project brief refer to?
BS EN 13187:1999 was withdrawn in August 2023. It addressed qualitative detection of thermal irregularities in building envelopes using infrared methods. The UK successor is BS EN ISO 6781-1:2023, which addresses general procedures for infrared investigation of heat, air and moisture irregularities in buildings. A legacy report or contract may still mention BS EN 13187, so the specification and the applicable document edition should be agreed before a survey.
What does a thermographic investigation involve?
The appropriate service depends on the question being asked and the conditions of the building. The general procedures address matters such as service scope, equipment, operator and analyst competence, inspection methods and reporting. Temperature differences, solar exposure, weather, surface properties, occupancy and access can affect interpretation. An image should be reported alongside the conditions, observations and limitations relevant to its use.
A thermogram shows a surface-temperature pattern under the prevailing conditions. By itself it does not measure in-situ U-values, reveal every concealed defect, prove water ingress or establish the quantity of moisture in a wall. Other readings, drawings or targeted investigations may be needed.
What about personnel competence?
The ISO 6781 series also contains material relating to qualifications of people involved in building thermography. The requirements for a particular job must be distinguished from any certification actually held by a supplier or individual. Refer to the named certificate and issuer rather than assuming competence from general design experience.
Do I need a thermal survey?
Tell Vertex whether the concern is a cold surface, an insulation discontinuity, a window or roof junction, or a suspected moisture issue. We can discuss whether thermography is a suitable part of a wider building-envelope investigation and clarify survey conditions and reporting before providing a quotation.
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