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INFRA RED THERMOGRAPHY
For many years now since 1956 Robinson's Preservation Ltd have been
tackling problems of dry rot in churches and historic buildings. The dry
rot is usually a result of long-term water ingress into the structure of
the building.
The source of this moisture is generally a leaking gutter or roof. Due
to the walls of most churches being so very thick. The water is absorbed
into the structure without causing any deterioration to the internal
wall surfaces.
In most cases the first signs of this long-term ingress can be dry rot.
At this time it is generally too late as the dry rot will have already
established itself within the vulnerable timbers. The remedy for this
can be thousands of pounds or could lead to the building being
demolished. The common factor in most problems of dry rot and timber
decay is water.
Therefore if one could detect this water at early stages and remedy the
problems it is likely one could avoid dry rot outbreaks.
We at Robinsons have embraced a system of inspection that we have tailor
made for the application of detecting water ingress and cold bridges in
the structures of ecclesiastical and historic buildings. This system
involves the use of Infrared thermograph.
This measures the surface temperature of the objects it scans and can
measure the temperature accurately to a tolerance of 0.1 Degrees
Centigrade.The principle behind this is that the damper and wetter parts
of the structure will radiate heat differently. Infra red thermograph
relies on the fact that the constituent components of the object will
radiate or absorb thermal energy from each other from the surroundings
to varying degrees. As well as detecting cold spots the camera will also
detect hot surfaces.
The Survey
The survey is usually carried out by walking round the inside of the
building during the hours of darkness. This is so that any readings of
temperature on the object surfaces are not distorted by solar gain. An
internal heat source must also be provided. This is so that a
temperature variation exists between the internal and external wall
surfaces. This way heat will be radiating out of the building.
Simple plans are usually drawn up so one can determine other factors of
the structure which may cause a cold bridge such as buttresses and stone
lintels and details which could exist through the full thickness of the
wall.
The Results
The results obtained from the inspection are likely to aid the
following:
o As a deterrent against Dry rot
o Drawing up a maintenance plan of the building.
o Will pinpoint areas of water ingress in a building therefore can be a
valuable aid in the field of dispute resolution
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