Infrared Thermography of Walls in Residential Buildings in Historic Workers’ Housing Estates in Upper Silesia

Abstract

Thermal diagnostics of historic buildings in most cases requires the application of non-destructive testing methods. They are needed to carry out historical analysis of walls in historic buildings as well as to assess their level of thermal insulation. One of the most commonly used methods of measurement is infrared thermography. It allows visualisation, recording and interpretation of temperature distribution on the surface of tested walls. Diverse thermal imaging methods can be used, including passive and active thermography. In this article selected results of infrared thermography of external walls of historic workers’ residential buildings localised in Upper Silesia are presented. The scope of the tests was to diagnose the condition of the buildings and to formulate guidelines for their protection consistent with recommendations of the conservator. Numerical analysis was performed with Therm 7.4 software, based on the finite-element method.