Infrared Thermography of Buildings: Qualitative Analysis of Window Infiltration Loss, Federal Office Building, Burlington, Vermont.

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 framesill interfaces. Poor glazing seals were easily detected and the exact points of glassframe 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. Author