Why You Need a
Thermographer
Case Study 1
A newly constructed, high-performance insulated dome was chosen as the subject of this study. The structure had passed all visual inspections and met modern energy-efficiency standards, it was considered flawless by conventional assessments. However, to truly understand its thermal performance, we conducted multiple thermal imaging sessions using drone-based thermography.
We captured thermal data of the dome across various times, and under changing weather conditions. At first glance, each thermal image seemed to tell a story.
Despite being taken just hours apart, the thermal readings varied drastically. Light levels, moisture, time of day, and ambient temperature all influenced how the heat signatures were presented.
Beyond the Naked Eye:
The Thermographer’s Advantage
Case Study 2
Our second study was on an aging storage barn roof constructed of corrugated metal sheeting. The purpose was two-fold. First, determine the extent, if any, of energy loss because of aging. Second, determine if the time of day mattered when thermal imaging occurred.
The left image is a regular photograph showing what is seen by the naked eye. The middle image, taken mid-day, only tells you that it was a hot day. The temperature readings are largely consistent primarily because of solar loading. The right image was taken near midnight after the building cooled. This provided significantly better information regarding energy loss and thermal bridging that is occurring.
Why Interpretation Matters
This is where an untrained operator could make costly mistakes. Without understanding the science behind thermal behavior — or the environmental context affecting infrared readings — misinterpretation is easy. Incorrect reporting can lead to unnecessary repairs, missed issues, or invalid certifications.
A certified thermographer understands how materials retain or release heat, how to normalize environmental variables, and how to produce actionable, unbiased reports. Thermal imaging is not just about flying a drone and taking pictures — it’s a science requiring trained expertise.