Thermal Imaging: Helping Surveyors
Thermal Imaging Helps Surveyors Assess Commercial Properties
When investing in a commercial property, whether it’s an office block, retail space, or mixed-use building, it’s vital to uncover hidden issues before you commit. Traditional surveys are essential, but they often can’t see what lies beneath the surface. That’s where thermal imaging comes in.
Thermal imaging surveys use advanced infrared cameras to detect temperature differences in building materials and systems. These subtle variations can reveal problems that the naked eye would miss, helping surveyors provide buyers with a far more accurate picture of a building’s condition.
Here are some of the key ways thermal imaging benefits commercial property buyers:
1. Spotting Hidden Building Issues
Thermal imaging highlights issues like electrical faults, water ingress, and defects in the building envelope, problems that standard inspections might overlook. Detecting these early allows buyers to make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises after purchase.
2. Improving Energy Efficiency
Heat loss through poor insulation or gaps in the building fabric is a common (and expensive) issue. Thermal imaging pinpoints these areas precisely, so targeted repairs can be made. This not only improves comfort but also reduces long-term energy bills—a major consideration for commercial buyers.
3. Enhancing Safety
Overheating electrical components and circuits can be a serious fire risk. Thermal inspections quickly identify these hazards, ensuring they can be repaired before occupation. The technology also reduces the need for intrusive checks in hard-to-reach areas, keeping surveyors safe during inspections.
4. Non-Invasive Inspections
Unlike methods that involve drilling or dismantling parts of the building, thermal imaging is completely non-destructive. Surveyors can carry out detailed checks quickly and efficiently, without damaging the property in any way.
5. Detecting Pests
Rodents and insects often go unnoticed until they’ve caused significant damage. With thermal imaging, surveyors can spot unusual heat signatures behind walls or ceilings that suggest pest activity, helping prevent future health and maintenance issues.
6. Negotiation Power
Knowledge is leverage. A comprehensive thermal imaging report gives buyers hard evidence of hidden defects, strengthening their position in negotiations. Whether requesting repairs or securing a price reduction, this insight can directly save money.
How Our Thermal Imaging Surveys Work
At APT Sound Testing, we use the latest high-specification thermal cameras to deliver detailed and accurate surveys. Here’s a look at how the process works:
- Infrared Technology – Our cameras detect subtle temperature changes across surfaces, translating them into clear images that highlight areas of concern. We only use large-format, high-resolution FLIR thermal imaging cameras with wide-angle lenses for maximum coverage.
- Comprehensive Scanning – Our Level 3 certified thermographers examine walls, roofs, floors, electrical systems, plumbing, and insulation. This thorough approach ensures that no hidden issues go unnoticed.
Common Issues We Identify
Thermal imaging can uncover hundreds of potential faults. Some of the most common include:
- Water Leaks & Moisture – Detecting damp areas inside walls, ceilings, and floors before visible damage occurs.
- Insulation Gaps – Pinpointing missing or failing insulation to improve energy performance.
- Electrical Overheating – Identifying hot spots in wiring and equipment that could pose fire risks.
- Structural Defects – Highlighting cracks, weak points, and other problems within the building envelope.
Each of these findings can directly impact negotiations, repair plans, and the long-term value of the property.
Why Choose APT Sound Testing?
When it comes to thermal imaging, expertise and equipment matter. At APT Sound Testing, we go above and beyond industry standards to deliver the most accurate results possible:
- Level 3 Thermographic Certification – The highest accreditation available.
- Level 3 Qualified Electrical Thermographers – Ensuring electrical inspections are carried out to the highest safety standards.
- Large-Format FLIR Cameras – With 45° lenses for wide-area scanning.
- Detailed Reporting – Every survey includes thermal indexing formulas for fault diagnosis, grading, and prioritisation.
Our surveys not only meet but exceed requirements such as BREEAM, giving clients full confidence in their investment.
Book Your Thermal Imaging Survey
If you’re considering a commercial property purchase, don’t leave hidden issues to chance. Our thermal imaging surveys provide peace of mind, negotiation leverage, and a detailed roadmap for future maintenance and improvements.
📞 Call APT Sound Testing today on 01525 303905 to book your survey or discuss your requirements with one of our experts.