Background
Our client, a commercial property owner, required a thermal survey of their industrial manufacturing park to identify the location of a water leak and plan a repair program. Water infiltration in industrial buildings can lead to significant damage, including rot, pooling, leaks, and mould, which often go unnoticed without the right detection tools.
Project requirements
The client needed to locate the source of a water leak in the manufacturing park efficiently and accurately, without causing disruption to the ongoing operations. Traditional methods of leak detection could have been time-consuming, costly, and required the removal of building fabric. Therefore, they sought an alternative solution that would minimise downtime and maximise safety.
Methodology
To meet the client’s requirements, Sky Revolutions conducted a thermal aerial survey using advanced technology:
- Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS): A UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System or drone) fitted with a thermal imaging system was deployed to survey the site. This allowed us to capture high-resolution thermal images from above, identifying subtle changes in temperature across the roof and facades of the manufacturing park.
- Thermal imaging technology: Thermal imaging technology is highly effective in detecting water infiltration. Changes in temperature captured by the drone indicated areas where water had accumulated, helping to identify leaks and potential damage points that are often invisible to the naked eye.
Advantages of thermal aerial surveys
- Non-invasive: Thermal aerial surveys do not require any removal of building fabric, ensuring the site remained operational throughout the process.
- Efficient data collection: The use of drones enabled the collection of extensive data in a short time, delivering accurate results without lengthy manual inspections.
- Cost and time savings: By avoiding invasive methods and collecting comprehensive data efficiently, the survey reduced both the cost and time required for the project.
- Improved safety: Using drones eliminated the need for surveyors to physically access high or potentially hazardous areas, minimising safety risks.
Results
The thermal survey successfully identified the exact location of the water leak within the industrial manufacturing park. The thermal images revealed areas of temperature change corresponding to water infiltration. Armed with this information, the client was able to plan a targeted and effective repair program, saving both time and resources while preventing further damage.
Conclusion
This project highlights the efficiency and accuracy of thermal aerial surveys in identifying water leaks and other potential issues in large industrial properties. Our use of UAS technology allowed the client to address the problem quickly, without disruption to their operations, and with minimised repair costs.
Does your business require a thermal survey to identify water leaks or other issues? Contact our team today to learn how thermal imaging can help you pinpoint the root of the issue and plan repairs quickly and efficiently.
