Yes, training is essential. But, as you can see, I am biased! Experience is also critical to getting good results as is defining the task. Without the framework of a procedure, most building inspections are less than useful or, perhaps, dangerously misleading. This is especially true at we hear more and more about mold growth and moisture in buildings!
With regard to standards, there are two main standards that can be used for frame buildings:
1. ASTM C-1060: Standard practice for Thermographic Inspection of insulation Installations in Envelope Cavities of Frame Buildings
2. ISO 6781 Thermal insulation, qualitative detection of thermal irregularities in building envelopes, Infrared Method
A further related standard is:
ASTM C-1046 Standard practice for in-situ measurement of heat flux and temperature on building envelope components
For concrete buildings the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Design Standard 530 incorporates an excellent procedure that include infrared testing.
A great deal has been published with regard to building inspections over the years. I suggest you turn to either the Proceedings of Thermosense, published by SPIE (
or Thermal Solutions (
If I can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact me.
Thermally yours,
John Snell
jsnell@snellinfrared.com