Thermal Imaging & Commercial Properties

Thermal Imaging Helps Inspect Commercial Properties

Thermal imaging has become an indispensable tool for surveyors assessing office blocks, retail units, and other commercial buildings. Whether you’re a buyer seeking reassurance or a surveyor conducting due diligence, infrared technology can reveal critical issues long before they become costly surprises.

Why Thermal Imaging Matters for Buyers and Surveyors

Uncover Hidden Defects
Infrared cameras expose problems invisible to the naked eye, such as electrical faults, water leaks, or weaknesses in the building envelope. Early detection means buyers get a clear picture of a property’s true condition before signing on the dotted line.

Boost Energy Efficiency
Heat loss through walls, roofs, or windows shows up instantly on a thermal scan. These insights let buyers plan targeted insulation upgrades and reduce future energy bills.

Enhance Safety
Overheating electrical components and other potential fire risks are easy to spot with thermal imaging. Identifying hazards before occupancy helps protect both people and property, while reducing the need for risky high-level or confined-space inspections.

Non-Invasive Inspection
Unlike traditional methods that involve drilling or removing panels, thermal imaging is entirely non-destructive. Surveyors can inspect large areas quickly without disturbing finishes or disrupting operations.

Spot Pest Activity
Rodents and insects give off heat. Thermal imaging can detect their presence behind walls or under floors, helping prevent damage and health concerns.

Strengthen Negotiation Power
A detailed thermal report provides evidence of defects, giving buyers leverage to request repairs or negotiate a better purchase price.

How a Thermal Imaging Survey Works

Our surveys use high-resolution infrared cameras to capture temperature variations across surfaces. These subtle differences appear as colour-coded images, pinpointing hidden problems.

During an inspection, we typically scan:

• Walls, ceilings, and floors
• Electrical systems and switchgear
• Plumbing and pipework
• Roofs and insulation layers

Common issues revealed include:

• Water leaks and moisture in walls, ceilings, or floors
• Insulation gaps that drive up heating or cooling costs
• Electrical hotspots that pose fire risks or threaten uptime
• Structural defects such as hidden cracks or voids

Why Choose APT Sound Testing

APT Sound Testing delivers thermal imaging surveys that exceed BREEAM requirements. Our credentials include:

• Level 3 thermographic certification (the industry’s highest)
• Level 3 qualified electrical thermographers
• Large-format FLIR cameras with 45-degree lenses for wide, detailed scans
• Comprehensive reports with thermal indexing formulas for fault diagnosis, qualification, and severity grading

Book Your Survey

Considering a commercial property purchase? Let us help you make an informed decision.
Call APT Sound Testing on 01525 303905 to schedule a thermal imaging survey or discuss your requirements.