As Designed or As Built? Narrowing the Thermal Performance Gap

Thermal imaging surveys are increasingly used to assess the thermal performance of a building. The non-destructive technique is used to diagnose issues with heat loss and the comfort of building occupants. As energy efficiency and carbon emissions become ever more significant concerns, thermal imaging is also becoming a vital quality assurance tool to identify any gaps between ‘as designed’ and ‘as built’ thermal performance.

Thermal imaging cameras are highly sensitive and able to pinpoint sources of heat loss such as gaps in insulation, air leaks or thermal bridging losses. In sustainable building projects and accreditation schemes such as BREEAM and Passivhaus, proving that thermal performance corresponds with the design and specification is critical in the QA and commissioning process.

Depending on what the survey reveals, clients and contractors could be faced with a variety of issues. These could range from poorly fitting doors and windows, air leakage through roof soffits or insulation that was inadequately specified, poorly fitted or missing altogether. These are all real issues revealed by surveys.

Why the Gap?

Some issues can be expensive or difficult to correct. They can be caused by variability in the construction process, poor workmanship, or misinterpretation of design information. If buildability wasn’t sufficiently considered it may be that the issue goes back to the design.

Discovering flaws with thermal performance during the commissioning phase or in service can be highly problematic and frustrating. Surely, it’s better if the design and production process is better integrated and configured to avoid any gap between ‘as designed’ and ‘as built’ building performance.

With the Innovaré  System, thermal performance is designed into the panels. And importantly it’s also tested so we know that the desired thermal insulation will be replicated under real world conditions in a completed structure.

The controlled production environment works to fine tolerances to minimise gaps and ensures that what was designed is exactly what gets built. To minimise the variables and potential ‘gaps’ in the process we also retain control throughout. We use our own teams and facilities for design, manufacture and installation.

Thermal imaging is a useful tool in driving up standards of energy efficiency. But its usefulness is ‘after the event.’ A more reliable route to buildings that have sustainable energy efficiency is to use modern construction methods that take variability out of the process.