Infrared thermography of buildings: qualitative analysis of window infiltration loss, Federal Office Building, Burlington, Vermont. Special report

Technical Report · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1977

OSTI ID:5022310

Munis, R H; Marshall, S J

An interior, infrared thermographic survey of single-pane, aluminum-frame, projected windows was performed to pinpoint locations of excessive infiltration. Infrared thermographic inspection accomplishes this more quickly and more accurately than conventional techniques of studying window infiltration. This report presents 32 thermograms and photographs which in many cases dramatically illustrate infiltrations (1) around the mullions, (2) along the top opening cracks, and (3) under the frame/sill interfaces. Poor glazing seals were easily detected and the exact points of glass/frame leakages were pinpointed. Plumes of warm air on the window glass, rising from the convectors, were dramatically captured by the infrared camera system. In several cases, the plumes were noted 12 fr. above the convectors on the top window panels. Heat loss from the convectors was noted through the walls of the building in thermograms taken from the outside. Several recommendations were prepared for the General Services Administration, owner of this Federal Office Building in Burlington, Vermont.

• Research Organization: Cold Regions Research and Engineering Lab., Hanover, N.H. (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5022310
• Report Number(s): AD-044942; CRREL-SR-77-29
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320102* -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Office Buildings-- (-1987)
BUILDINGS
ENERGY LOSSES
HEAT LOSSES
INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY
OFFICE BUILDINGS
OPENINGS
WINDOWS