Cheap Thermal Images

FreeBear

kungfu_navs said: This is another way to do 'thermal' images

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0044R87BE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This device will change colour as you move it around the area so you can see changes in temp more easily

Exact same model that I have(d). No instructions with it though, but the manual is easy enough to find online - https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1216226/Black-And-Decker-Tld100.html

Norman_Castle

Not sure you need thermal imaging. Check where the skirting meet the floor and wall and where the window frame meets the wall. Also check where pipework comes through a wall or floor. Use either filler or twisted plastic bags to fill gaps.

FreeBear

Just a bump....

 How are the checks going ?

deannagone

Thank you for the loan Freebear.  I decided to not move furniture around and just get down to using the unit. 

Its very easy to use.  It has a laser light that shines on the wall and you watch either the pointer colour (not as reliable) or the temperature reading on the back of the unit while moving the pointer around the object you want to scan.  I've had some 16 degree temps but does go down to 10 (its 5 degrees centrigrade outside) - most of them are around 13 degrees.  My house is fairly cold lol, I don't use heating much.  

It has confirmed the hinge problem with one of the windows where I thought there'd be a cold spot but also which of the glass seal strips need replacing elsewhere (a lot of them lol).  Thereafter it goes from green to blue to red if you point it at something that drops in temperature.  You point it at a reference point that you know won't have cold points, move a thing at the front to show when you want.

But I can't as yet determine where the draft is coming from so may have to move furniture from the offending wall after all.

But its a useful device.  Thank you.

I've just done one room, black marker pen all over the window frames lolol. Will do the rest later or tomorrow.

Will get my 15 year old to do his own room, he'll probably enjoy it.

FreeBear

Take your time, make plenty of notes, and then start pestering the housing association to do repairs. Knowing what & where the problems are is a good starting point.

deannagone

lol thank you but I will do it myself. Last time council came round to replace a broken hinge on a window they 'repaired' it and for some reason removed the apparatus at the bottom of the window that allowed me to slide it so I could clean it.  Wasn't happy.  So this time I'll do it myself.  I'm still waiting for hinges to be replaced 6 months on to my broken back door (also very drafty.  I just cross everything I can still lock it every time I need to.  I keep ringing and they keep saying "I'll check the hinges have been ordered and get back to you."  Unfortunately, the door is way to heavy for me to fit the hinges myself.

Third of the cost of private rentals, but there are some issues lol.

deannagone

I have changed my mind about calling the council, and called them, they are sending someone around to check for drafts in March.  I have found there is a draft coming from the two part window glazing surround (pvc double glazing), not a joint between the outer frame, just a gap between the two part glazing surround.  But there is no temp drop to any part of the wall below the window.  Checked it very thoroughly.  Tried to caulk the gap, didn't help, tape it, didn't help.  Don't want to apply sealant as it can be very messy.  But can't really see how the draught and coldness around the window can be caused by such a small gap either although the temp drops from 17 on the walls, 13 around actual glazing to 8 at this gap. External temps were 5 degrees at the time.

Still chasing the back door hinge repair which is meaning the door isn't air tight and difficult to lock. They haven't phoned back to confirm the hinges are in stock.., again lol.  

It may all come to nothing of course, it will be warmer in March so doubt the low temperatures will be as noticeable as outside air won't be so cold compared to ambient temperatures internally.  

I did move furniture around so could check all of the exterior wall/glazing in detail, including under the window sill, above/below skirting board, around any piping - thanks to Freebear's loan of the temperature gauge. Without that I wouldn't have noticed the only temp drop was in fact from a gap in between two pieces of the glazing surround rather than defective sealing at the corner of the unit.  Its rather frustrating lol.  

The inspector will also look at the damp coming from the slow toilet repair in the bathroom.

Thanks very much to Freebear.

FreeBear

On the up side, you are not wasting time, money, and effort sealing cracks that are not the source of a draught. Hopefully, the HA will pull their collective fingers out and do the repairs.

deannagone

Thank you.  Its council not HA.  Not that that makes a difference lol.  The thermal sensor was a big help!