UAV Drone Thermographic Inspections

Thermal imaging surveys by drone have a variety of uses and can assist many different industries.

Thermal Imaging uses infrared camera technology to detect small differences in surface temperatures. Traditionally, thermal imagery uses handheld thermal imaging cameras for a variety of different uses, and covering large areas is accordingly costly and time-consuming.

It can also be very difficult to obtain thermal imagery from a high perspective (such as a flat roof) with traditional methods, either requiring the hire and use of expensive mobile platforms or using a conveniently placed taller building next door.

Along with our Drone Partners, we utilise the best in UAV mounted infrared camera technology to deliver quality thermographic surveys, quickly, cost-effectively and safely.

The data and analysis that can be gained from undertaking a thermal imaging survey by drone, alongside a visual drone condition survey, can provide facilities managers actionable information about the condition of the buildings under their care. Defects that are invisible to the naked eye can present themselves clearly using the infrared image.

Reduce Risks

Reduce costs by eliminating risk before it becomes a problem

Early Detection

Detect fire hazards early on and save money

Non-Destructive

Non-destructive testing which allows for in-depth inspections without causing damage

Zero Downtime

Get fully inspected without needing to stop operations

Sub-Surface Water Leaks

Water suppliers across England and Wales have seen great increases in the amount of water leakage across their networks. In 2013, an average of 3,113 megalitres of water per day was estimated to have been lost (that’s over 1 TRILLION litres per year).

We successfully undertake projects with water suppliers to undertake subsurface water leak surveys using our UAV mounted thermal imaging camera. On cold mornings (0C-2C) any escaped water (10C-12C) is clear on the thermal image. The benefits of using a UAV mounted thermal imaging camera is that it allows survey of large areas in a short space of time and with access typically difficult or inaccessible areas such as rural land.

The same UAV mounted thermal imaging technology can also be used to detect subsurface steam leaks from district heating networks. The strict environmental conditions are not as necessary, as the steam running through the pipe is a lot warmer and much more visible on the thermal camera.

Thermal Building Inspection

Infrared Thermography is also used to evaluate the condition of building envelopes. We can accurately detect:

  • • Moisture entrapment
  • • Delamination of roofing elements
  • • Water ingress points
  • • Concealed defects
  • • Air loss

The swift detection and pinpointing of such defect can help those in charge of looking after the condition of ageing or new buildings to better plan and manage remediation works with much greater certainty. Often, the repair works that are discovered are in hard to reach area.

UAV thermal imaging technology can be used to enhance BREEAM grade advanced building inspections. Typically, thermal building inspectors have trouble obtaining quality thermographic information about the roof and upper levels of facades on building envelopes due to access on and around a site.
Thermal imaging of commercial and domestic buildings can help identify inadequate, damaged or missing insulation, and air leaks and moisture intrusion.

District heating network fault

District Heating Network Fault

Building envelope thermal survey

Building envelope thermal survey

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