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Building thermal analysis is the systematic evaluation of thermal building data. Its purpose is to identify the causes of heat loss, thermal bridges, moisture risks or energy-related weaknesses in the building envelope and derive specific measures for renovation, planning or operation.
Why is building thermal analysis important?
- Making energy losses visible: Identifies areas with increased heat outflow.
- Prioritizing renovation measures: Supports targeted planning of insulation and modernization measures to improve energy efficiency.
- Preventing building damage: Detects potential moisture and mold risks at an early stage.
- Making informed decisions: Provides an objective data basis for energy consulting and building assessment.
- Supporting documentation: Can serve as a basis for energy analyses, funding programs and renovation roadmaps.
From measurement to recommended action
Building thermal analysis goes beyond simply displaying temperature differences.
For example, it answers questions such as:
- Where do the greatest heat losses occur?
- Which thermal bridges are relevant from an energy perspective?
- Which renovation measures have the greatest impact?
- Which measures make economic sense?
- Which data is required for funding programs?
Which data is included in a building thermal analysis?
Building thermal analysis is often based on several data sources:
- Thermal imaging
- U-value measurements
- Building surveying
- Existing building plans
- BIM models
- Energy consumption data
- Indoor climate data
- Weather and environmental data
Only the combination of different data sources enables a reliable assessment of the energy condition of existing buildings as well as new buildings.
What results does a building thermal analysis provide?
Typical results include:
- Assessment of the building’s energy condition
- Identification of thermal bridges
- Prioritization of renovation measures
- Risk analysis for moisture and mold
- Support for energy consulting and renovation roadmaps
- Data basis for energy-efficient renovations
Quality criteria for building thermal analysis
- Sufficient temperature difference between indoors and outdoors
- Suitable weather conditions during measurement
- Calibrated measuring devices and documented measurement parameters
- Transparent interpretation of the results
- Combination of thermography with building and existing-condition data
A thermal image alone does not provide a reliable assessment. Only professional interpretation in the context of the building enables dependable conclusions.
Common errors
- Performing thermography under unsuitable weather conditions
- Interpreting thermal images without knowledge of the building construction
- Overvaluing individual anomalies
- Missing documentation of measurement conditions
- Failing to compare thermal anomalies with additional building data
Thermal analysis vs. Thermography
- Creates thermal images, also known as thermograms
- Is a measurement method of infrared thermography
- Provides temperature and measurement data
- Uses thermal imaging cameras for data collection
Building Thermal Analysis
- Evaluates and interprets thermal images
- Is an analysis and assessment process
- Provides recommended actions and a basis for decision-making
- Uses thermography and additional data sources, such as building data, U-value measurements, energy consumption data or existing building plans, for a comprehensive assessment of the building condition
FAQ
What is building thermal analysis?
Building thermal analysis examines temperature distributions and thermal properties of buildings in order to identify energy losses, thermal bridges and other weaknesses in the building envelope.
Is building thermal analysis the same as thermography?
No. Thermography creates thermal images. Building thermal analysis evaluates and interprets these images together with additional building data.
When is building thermal analysis useful?
Building thermal analysis is useful before energy-efficient renovations, during energy consulting, for damage analysis or for assessing the energy condition of existing buildings.