Brick Tie Preservation sees the ''big picture'' with FLIR thermal imaging

The answer is the ability to see the ''big picture'' in an instant and to factor-in hidden features and defects that have a bearing on the damp problem; these can easily be seen on a thermal image through differences in heat transfer and heat retention. Brick Tie Preservation''s MD, Bryan Hindle CSRT CSSW, compares his FLIR T420bx thermal imaging camera to a time machine that can help him see the building''s history and it''s a capability that is proving invaluable to his company. But this application is just one of several ways thermal imaging is changing working practice.

For Brick Tie Preservation, exploring the potential of new technology has always gone hand in hand with staff development. Indeed this commitment was instrumental in the company being named the Property Care Association''s Contractor of the Year in 2014. Bryan Hindle has been interested in thermal imaging for some time and have canvassed the opinions of other professional in the business he decided to enrol on a thermal imaging course with Thermographic Consultancy Limited (TCL) in Swindon to learn more about the technology.

"Although building thermography isn''t rocket science, it does require sound understanding of how it works and what influences equipment and results," Bryan Hindle explained. "Without this, misplaced assumptions, basic errors and bad learning will blight conclusions for months and years. I think a Level 1 thermography qualification is perfect for anyone starting out in thermography and I refused to contemplate using an IR camera in my work without it."

With the expert guidance from Stuart Holland of TCL, himself a Level III thermography, Bryan Hindle ultimately chose the FLIR T420bx with an additional wide angle lens as much of the company''s work is performed indoors.