Level 3 Building Thermography Report Writing, High-Rise Residential Block, Edinburgh

The survey was conducted as a non-intrusive, qualitative thermographic assessment in accordance with EN 13187 and ISO 6781-3, with thermographer competence governed by ISO 18436-7 and ISO 9712. Imagery was captured in March 2026, approximately one hour and twenty-five minutes after sunset, under clear-sky conditions with an ambient air temperature of 8.0°C and zero recorded windspeed. The clear-sky condition was confirmed independently from the building’s own thermal response, which showed a substantial differential between the solar-loaded south-facing elevation and the radiatively overcooled north-facing elevation.

An ambient air temperature of 8.0°C with zero windspeed gave an estimated delta-T of 10 to 13°C, at the lower threshold of the minimum recommended by EN 13187, and this limitation was carried through the analysis. A reflected apparent temperature was derived individually for each thermogram or elevation group using a specular window reference method, giving a calibrated radiometric correction appropriate to the varying altitude, camera angle and sky-to-built-environment view factor ratios across the dataset.

A relative anomaly threshold methodology was applied to the west, east and north elevations, with the working threshold set at the coolest reliably recorded mid-elevation panel reference temperature plus 2°C. The south elevation was assessed descriptively only, as residual solar loading precluded reliable disaggregation of any fabric heat loss signal. This held the severity framing consistent across the full dataset.

The dataset confirmed a building envelope of extremely low thermal resistance across all four elevations and the roof, consistent with the known characteristics of the Bison pre-cast large panel system. The findings were assessed using a zonal, comparative approach rather than a conventional discrete-anomaly-led method, because the entire fabric presents a continuous heat loss signature within which specific zones of elevated heat flux concentration could be identified at structural interfaces.

Against the pervasive panel-field heat loss baseline, the anomaly threshold methodology confirmed a three-dimensional structural thermal bridge at the north-west corner junction, with a maximum recorded value of 8.2°C above threshold, and an equivalent north-east corner junction at 5.7°C. Both are consistent with an uninterrupted concrete-to-concrete heat flux path running the full building height and were classified as Medium severity. Warm signatures at parapet level were confirmed on all four elevations and corroborated from above by both roof nadir thermograms, reaching up to 4.5°C above the north elevation threshold and also classified as Medium severity.

The roof thermograms identified moisture retention indicators across both halves of the roof surface. On the south half, differentials of up to 12.6°C above the dry field reference were recorded, classified as High severity, with RGB imagery confirming replaced membrane sections and the original-to-replacement junction identified as the most credible locus for moisture ingress. The north half presented indicators up to 11.6°C above the dry field reference, classified as Medium severity. Additional findings included air exfiltration signatures at open window and trickle vent positions, and a ground floor utility enclosure on the west elevation recording 7.6°C above threshold, noted for separate assessment.

What did the thermographic assessment deliver for the client?

The final deliverable was a complete, Level 3 certified thermographic assessment report covering all four elevations and the roof. The report was produced under the Thermography Services (UK) Level 3 report writing service, progressing from survey data review and methodology establishment through image-by-image annotation and classification to the complete findings compilation and signed report. All 18 thermograms were annotated in full and carried directly into the report structure, each page carrying calibrated parameters, measurement data and Level 3 reviewed annotation text.

The report provided a technically defensible, standards-aligned record of the building’s thermal condition in its pre-refurbishment state, suitable for use alongside other professional condition assessment processes. The findings identify areas warranting further investigation by suitably qualified specialists and support informed decision-making for the planned envelope improvement programme. The principal areas for attention were the roof moisture indicator zones, where High severity differentials and visible membrane replacement present the strongest case for early specialist investigation, the corner thermal bridge junctions at both north-facing corners, expected to be addressed within any competent external wall insulation scheme, and the ground floor utility enclosure on the west elevation, noted for separate assessment.

The Level 3 sign-off gives the client assurance that the analytical and reporting standards governing the work are those of a Certified Master Thermographer Level 3, independently of the data capture operator. The Level 3 report writing service is designed precisely for this scenario, where a Level 1 or Level 2 operator has captured the dataset and a separate, documented Level 3 analytical and reporting standard is required for the deliverable.

Thermography Services (UK) delivers Level 3 thermographic assessment and report writing services for building surveys across the UK, Ireland and Europe, and thermographic consultancy worldwide. Our Level 3 Master Thermographer provides certified, standards-aligned analysis and reporting, whether you have captured thermal data and require it professionally reviewed, or you are commissioning a building survey from the outset. If your project requires Level 3 thermographic oversight, we welcome your enquiry.