THERMOGRAPHY IDENTIFIES LEAK BORN IN BARN

The Granary is a converted barn, domestic dwelling near Oxford, UK. The homeowner had called its energy provider to investigate problems experienced with the heating system. The engineer found that the boiler pressure was dropping, but could not identify the source of the problem. The energy provider then contacted Polygon to carry out a leak detection assessment at the property. Polygon provides a non-destructive solution to finding hidden water leaks and other moisture sources within a property’s walls, floors and roofs.

Solution

An in-depth thermographic survey was carried out using a 320 x 240 thermal imaging camera. This technology highlights hot or cold spots in the thermal image contact sheet. These detailed thermal images are supported with a standard digital photograph to help easily identify the affected area.

The entire property was subject to a thermographic survey. No areas of concern were noted on the outside of the property. A moisture survey noted water damage to the hallway wall by the bathroom and also in the bedroom. The floor was reading a lower figure than the walls; it was therefore suspected that the escape of water came from the shower. After further investigations the shower cover below the tray was removed and a thermal survey was carried out. Warm water was applied to the shower wall and tray, and the result showed that warm water was running down the rear of the shower.

The Polygon technician then carried out a full thermal survey of the ground floor, mapping out all the heating pipes. An area of concern was noted in the main bedroom by the door. This was identified as a failed T joint which was causing the leak. Once the carpet was removed the technician noted water damage to the underlay and concrete slab.

The Polygon technician recommended that the leak in the shower tray and beneath the bedroom floor were repaired immediately and was able to pinpoint the exact location of both leaks. Thermal images and digital photographs were given to the homeowner along with the full report so that the leak could be fixed quickly and accurately with minimal damage to floor and walls.

The Polygon technician also contacted his colleagues in the Temporary Climate Solutions division who were able to quickly install dehumidifiers to stabilise conditions and completely dry the property.

Benefits

• Polygon technicians quickly identified areas of concern and provided a full report backed up with thermographic and digital images
• Non-destructive testing methods increase detection speed of all types of leaks and minimise interruption for inhabitants
• Thermography is a cost effective method which reduces material and labour cost by pinpointing the source of leaks and speeds repair
• Supported by the world’s largest fleet of drying equipment, our technicians can immediately install dehumidifiers to dry affected areas and control the environment within the property.