Drone Thermal Imaging

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 conveniently place taller building next door.
Vertex Air 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, along side 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.

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).
Vertex Air have successfully undertaken 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. With the support of our ITC qualified thermographers’ analysis of exhibited temperature differentials, Vertex’s UAV 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. Our sister companies Vertex Rope Access and Vertex Heritage and Specialist Roofing have the experience to offer advice on access and repair strategies.

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

To browse the full range of our services, click here or to discuss your drone thermal imaging survey requirements, LiveChat below, email us on info@vertexaccess.co.uk or call 01709 379 453