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Thermal Imaging Technology for Inspecting Building Envelopes

Jay Bowen

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• Electrician/Engineer 44 years• Thermographer 26 years• ASNT NDT Level III – TIR• BPI Certified Building Analyst• Master Electrician – WI• Certified Electrical Inspector – WI

www.boweninfrared.com

Linkedin ‐ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay‐bowen‐8a8ba4111

Test the response system!

A – Fishing

C – Energy savings projects

B –Knitting

D –Biking

Name a most favorite thing to do on the weekend.

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Thermal Camera

How many of you are currently utilizing a thermal camera in your work?

Often

Wishing to have one!

Sometimes

Choose the highest resolution imageA

C

B

D

What factor drives the best image quality and detail.

Choose the highest resolution imageA

C

B

D

80x60

640x480

320x240

240x180

What factor drives the best image quality and detail.

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Choose the iron palette imageA

C

B

D

Why would a one color choice be better than another?

Choose the iron palette image

A

C

B

DGrey Iron

RainbowLava

Why would a one color choice be better than another?

Choose which is the best focused image

A

C

B

D

Does focus matter really?

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Choose which is the best focused image

A

C

B

DFocused

Does focus matter really?

Choose an arrow that is indicating the most obvious reflection on these images

A C

B D

Choose an arrow that is indicating the most obvious reflection on these images

A C

B D

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Choose the best properly tuned image

A

C

B

D

Choose the best properly tuned image

A

C

B

D

Tuned

Pick the statement that best explains why this image is not showing studs?

A. Exterior imaging isn't possible in the daytime.

B. Siding won’t conduct

C.Thermal sheathing insulates face of stud

D.Not close enough to resolve

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Pick the statement that best explains why this image is not showing studs?

A. Exterior imaging isn't possible in the daytime.

B. Siding won’t conduct

C.Thermal sheathing insulates face of stud

D.Not close enough to resolve

Choose an image that represents missing insulation on a warm day (inside looking out)

A

C

B

D

Choose an image that represents missing insulation on a warm day (inside looking out)

A

C

B

DThis one

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Pick an appropriate diagnosis for this image

A – Light is on and heating the areaB – Air vent is blowing warm airC – Missing insulationD – Warm air leaking in and onto ceiling

Pick an appropriate diagnosis for this image

A – Light is on and heating the areaB – Air vent is blowing warm airC - Missing insulationD – Warm air leaking in and onto ceiling

Blower Doors

How many of you are currently utilizing a blower door in your work?

A

D

CB

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Blower Doors A blower system can be used create negative

pressure in the home. The process is to get the same pressure on the structure and eliminate

nonuniform airflows.

Air LeakageChoose an explanation that best fits this cantilevered joist scenario.

A – Air is escaping the house at the cooler areas

B – Insulation wasn’t tucked tight to joists.

C – Joists weren’t sealed to blockers and air is leaking into home

D – Condensation is forming along joist line at outer wall.

Air LeakageChoose an explanation that best fits this cantilevered joist scenario.

A – Air is escaping the house at the cooler areas

B – Insulation wasn’t tucked tight to joists.

C – Joists weren’t sealed to blockers and air is leaking into home

D – Condensation is forming along joist line at outer wall.

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Energy EfficiencyPick the best cost saving effort at this closet ceiling attic hatch.

A – Done! The compact fluorescent bulb will save the most.

B – Air seal the attic hatch

C – Insulate the attic hatch

D – Keep the closet door closed.

Energy EfficiencyPick the best cost saving effort at this closet ceiling attic hatch.

A – Done! The compact fluorescent bulb will save the most.

B – Air seal the attic hatch

C – Insulate the attic hatch

D – Keep the closet door closed.

MechanicalChoose an image that represents radiant floor heating.

A

D

B

C

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MechanicalChoose an image that represents radiant floor heating.

A

D

B

C

CrittersChoose an image that best represents an insect nest.

A

D

B

C

CrittersChoose an image that best represents an insect nest.

A

D

B

C

Bees!!

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WindowsChoose which image best represents window gas leakage.

A

D

B

C

WindowsChoose which image best represents window gas leakage.

A

D

B

C

Is Thermal Certification Required?

No Clue!

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Is Thermal Certification Required?

There is no governing body in the Americas that regulates or requires Thermography licensing or

(certification) to operate an infrared camera.

Being that there is no licensing or regulation of thermography then the perception might be that the certification of personnel might not be a necessary process.

The legal aspects of any client-side practice may still require and preclude the necessity of credentials that can offer verification of expertise as needed:

Is Thermal Certification Required?ASNT is quite specific as to what proper qualification and certification of NDT Personnel involves. These two definitions clarify the terms:

Qualification is comprised of three things: the organized education, the required examinations proving an individual has proper training, and sufficient work experience in a particular inspection method.

Certification is a written testimony by an employer affirming that an individual has met the requirements of training and experience regarding a particular inspection method as stated in the company's Written Practice.

‘For example. A person claiming to be a level 1 or 2 is not without an employer providing the certification. There is no such thing as a person claiming Level 1 or 2 status unless they are employed by the company that put them through the qualification process.

A training organization doesn’t certify a person. That training can only fulfill the requirements of a company’s written practice but no more.

Standards

A technical standard is an established norm or requirement. It is usually a formal document that establishes uniform engineering or technical criteria, methods, processes and practices.

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Existing Standards

• ASTM C1060-11a(2015)—Standard Practice for Thermographic Inspection of Insulation Installations in Envelope Cavities of Frame Buildings

• ASTM C1153-10(2015)—Standard Practice for Location of Wet Insulation in Roofing Systems Using Infrared Imaging”

• ASTM E779-03 Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage rate by Fan Pressurization/De-pressurization

• ASTM C 1153-97 (Reapproved 2003), "Standard Practice for Location of Wet Insulation in Roofing Systems Using Infrared Imaging

• ASTM C168(05)-Standard Terminology Related to Thermal Insulation

37Copyright 2020 – Bowen & Associates, LLC – All rights reserved – For the exclusive use of Bowen & Associates, LLC2/18/2020

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Good Luck and Thank you very 

much!!!

jay.bowen@boweninfrared.comwww.boweninfrared.com

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