Commercial Building Heat Loss – Thermographic Analysis for Energy Efficiency

~ Summary ~

Using advanced thermal imaging, we conducted a commercial heat loss and insulation survey for a client in Dublin. The assessment compared an older and newer building, identifying thermal bridging, air infiltration, and insulation deficiencies. Key findings included heat loss at roller doors, window seals, and structural components, with recommendations for insulation upgrades and energy efficiency improvements. This non-invasive thermographic analysis provided the client with targeted solutions to enhance building performance and reduce energy costs.

Thermography UK-Commercial Building Heat Loss – Thermographic Analysis for Energy Efficiency

Introduction

Our Client commissioned a thermal imaging heat loss survey at their commercial facility in Dublin, Ireland, to assess insulation performance across different building structures. The survey aimed to compare heat retention efficiency between an older building (constructed in 2001) and a newer structure (built in 2015). Additionally, the inspection focused on material airlocks, truck docking stations, and roller doors, identifying potential thermal inefficiencies and air infiltration points that could impact energy consumption.

Using high-resolution thermographic imaging, our team at Thermography Services (UK) Ltd conducted an extensive heat loss assessment of the building envelope, including external elevations and key access points. By detecting thermal anomalies, air leakage, and insulation performance variations, the inspection provided crucial data for targeted energy efficiency improvements.

Project Subjects

"commercial heat loss survey, building insulation assessment, thermal imaging inspection, infrared survey for energy efficiency, thermographic heat loss detection, insulation performance testing"

Project Skills

Infrared Thermal Analysis, Georeferenced Thermal Mapping, Air Infiltration Detection, Thermal Bridging Assessment

More Portfolio

Heat Loss Inspection, Building Insulation Survey, Thermal Imaging for Energy Efficiency, Infrared Building Survey, Air Leakage Detection, Roller Door Heat Loss, Commercial Thermography, Energy Efficiency Assessment, Thermographic Heat Mapping, Non-Invasive Building Diagnostics

Commercial Building Thermal Heat Loss and Insulation Inspection

Scope of Work

Thermal Imaging Inspection Approach

The thermal inspection was carried out over three days—one dedicated to external building envelope analysis and the other two for internal thermal assessment. The survey was structured to capture heat loss patterns across various building components while ensuring accurate readings through controlled environmental conditions.

This method enabled a comprehensive understanding of insulation efficiency, highlighting key areas where heat loss could be mitigated through retrofitting and insulation upgrades.

External thermographic imaging was performed after sunset, eliminating solar heat interference and capturing true thermal dissipation from the building.
Internal imaging was conducted after 24 hours of maintaining indoor heating at a minimum of 10°C above the external temperature, ensuring a clear thermal gradient for insulation assessment.
FLIR T-530 and FLIR MR77 thermal cameras were used to record high-resolution thermal anomalies, measuring temperature differentials and heat loss points.

Heat Loss Comparison Between Old and New Buildings

One of the primary objectives was to compare the older 2001 structure with the newer 2015 structure to evaluate differences in thermal performance.

The older building exhibited significant thermal bridging, particularly at fabrication fixings and structural joints, indicating potential insulation gaps.
The newer building showed improved insulation, with minimal heat loss observed along external elevations, confirming better energy efficiency standards.
Heat loss through the base walls of the older building was evident, suggesting potential weaknesses in wall insulation or conduction through the material.

This comparison provided valuable insights into how construction methods and insulation materials have evolved, informing future energy efficiency strategies for our Client’s facilities.

Air Leakage and Structural Weaknesses

Beyond the exterior assessment, the survey also focused on specific entry points, ventilation areas, and operational zones that could contribute to energy loss.

Material airlocks and truck docking stations were evaluated, with some older roller doors displaying excessive air leakage due to worn-out seals and poor closure mechanisms.
Windows and access doors across both buildings were identified as key heat loss points, with thermal imaging confirming heat escape patterns.
Evidence of thermal bridging at door frames suggested a lack of secondary insulation, which could be addressed through additional sealing solutions.

By identifying these critical problem areas, the client was provided with targeted recommendations for insulation improvements, door replacements, and sealant upgrades.

Challenges & Solutions

Environmental Variability Affecting Readings

Challenge: External temperature fluctuations and wind speeds exceeding the optimal 5m/s threshold introduced potential variances in thermal readings.
Solution: The survey was conducted over multiple days, ensuring consistent thermal patterns were observed across different weather conditions.

Limited Internal Access to Some Areas

Challenge: Some internal spaces were obstructed or inaccessible, limiting the ability to directly assess insulation from within.
Solution: External readings were cross-referenced with accessible internal scans, using structural analysis to infer likely insulation performance in inaccessible zones.

Differentiating Heat Loss from Structural Design

Challenge: Some areas of thermal loss aligned with structural ventilation features, making it difficult to distinguish between intentional airflow and insulation failure.
Solution: Additional visual and physical inspections were conducted, confirming that some thermal anomalies were design-related rather than insulation deficiencies.

Key Findings

Extensive Thermal Bridging in the Older Building

Thermal bridging occurs when heat transfers through materials with higher conductivity, bypassing insulation. In old building, several areas exhibited elevated heat loss patterns, particularly around fabrication fixings and external structural components.

The thermal anomalies suggested that insulation was either missing, degraded, or insufficient in some sections.
The base walls consistently lost heat, indicating potential insulation gaps or conductive material properties.
Unlike the older structure, the newer building maintained better thermal integrity, reinforcing the importance of modern insulation techniques.

Air Infiltration at Cargo Doors and Material Airlocks

Truck docking stations and material airlocks were identified as significant weak points, with roller doors exhibiting both heat loss and air leakage.

Some roller doors failed to create a complete seal, allowing warm internal air to escape and cold external air to infiltrate.
One particular docking station showed extreme air infiltration, likely due to a faulty door closure mechanism
Potential solutions included retrofitting with insulated roller doors, improving sealant application, and reassessing docking area insulation strategies.

Windows and External Doors as Key Heat Loss Points

Windows and entry doors were naturally expected to contribute to thermal losses, but the survey confirmed specific areas where improvements could be made.

Air leakage was detected around window frames and door edges, suggesting seal degradation over time.
Thermal bridging was evident in door structures, indicating that secondary insulation layers could improve overall energy efficiency.
Recommendations included seal replacements, frame insulation improvements, and the use of secondary glazing where applicable.

Conclusion & Impact

The commercial heat loss and insulation survey for our Client provided critical data on thermal inefficiencies affecting their facility. By leveraging advanced thermographic imaging, we were able to:

Identify significant thermal bridging and insulation gaps in the older building, supporting targeted retrofit solutions.
Highlight air leakage issues in material airlocks and roller doors, helping enhance energy efficiency in operational zones.
Assess window and door heat loss patterns, guiding improvements in seal integrity and insulation layering.

With this comprehensive thermal assessment, the Client now has actionable insights to improve insulation, reduce energy waste, and enhance overall building efficiency. The findings will help prioritise upgrades, ensuring long-term cost savings and better environmental sustainability.