Building physics tests
By carrying out building physics tests such as thermography and a blower-door test, information is obtained about the quality of a building’s thermal shell.
Thermography
Everything around us constantly emits thermal energy into the environment in the form of infrared radiation energy that is invisible (to the naked eye). We can make this infrared radiation visible with the aid of a thermal imaging camera. It takes pictures or videos in which the temperature is made visible, spread over a colour palette.
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Thermographic test
We often conduct structural thermography for buildings (both existing and new constructions), where we examine:
- heat loss due to a lack of or poorly applied insulation (quality control)
- heat loss due to old, sagging insulation
- heat loss as a result of thermal bridges
- heat loss due to air leaks in the outer shell (can be combined with an airtightness measurement if necessary)
In addition, thermography is also used for other purposes, including:
- Indoor climate problems
- Problems with damp and investigating leaks
- Testing the functioning of installations (e.g. floor heating)
To achieve a reliable result, the thermography has to be carried out in good (weather) conditions:
- At least a 10K difference across the construction (20°C inside and 10°C outside). The greater the temperature difference, the easier it is to detect defects. This means that structural thermography can only be applied in seasons when the heating is on due to the required temperature difference
- No rain or heavy snowfall
- Wind force ≤ 3 Bft
- No sun radiation on the constructions to be examined
The thermography is conducted in accordance with NEN-EN 13187 Thermal performance of buildings.
We often conduct structural thermography for buildings (both existing and new constructions), where we examine:
- heat loss due to a lack of or poorly applied insulation (quality control)
- heat loss due to old, sagging insulation
- heat loss as a result of thermal bridges
- heat loss due to air leaks in the outer shell (can be combined with an airtightness measurement if necessary)
In addition, thermography is also used for other purposes, including:
- Indoor climate problems
- Problems with damp and investigating leaks
- Testing the functioning of installations (e.g. floor heating)
To achieve a reliable result, the thermography has to be carried out in good (weather) conditions:
- At least a 10K difference across the construction (20°C inside and 10°C outside). The greater the temperature difference, the easier it is to detect defects. This means that structural thermography can only be applied in seasons when the heating is on due to the required temperature difference
- No rain or heavy snowfall
- Wind force ≤ 3 Bft
- No sun radiation on the constructions to be examined
The thermography is conducted in accordance with NEN-EN 13187 Thermal performance of buildings.
Blowerdoor Test
A blowerdoor test or airtightness measurement, measures a building’s air permeability. This measurement is conducted with both This test is conducted both at positive and negative pressure. The. The measurement result is expressed as an infiltration value that can be tested against the Building Code or a design calculation. The airtightness is expressed as the qv10 value.
The measured qv10 value from the airtightness test can be used in the calculation of the energy label for both existing and new buildings. If the air permeability of a building is too high, it has negative consequences for the energy consumption and comfort and it could possibly lead to building physics issues.
Carrying out airtightness measurement or a blowerdoor test in your existing or new building will easily bring to light any air leakages through gaps and seams in the building envelope.
Airtightness measurements are conducted in accordance with NEN 2686 and its replacement standard NEN-EN-ISO 9972. We also apply the SKH basis for assessment, 13-01 (SKH-BGS13-01).
Airtightness measurements can be conducted in all kinds of buildings and for a variety of purposes:
- Existing buildings and new constructions
- Housing and non-residential constructions
- Residential block measurements
- Room / pressure difference measurements hospitals/laboratories
- Cold stores
- Investigating air leaks
