Non-Visible Energy – Decoding Electromagnetic Energy and Thermodynamics
Track 3: Testing & Inspection
Wednesday, March 27, 8:30 – 9:30am
In building performance it is what you don’t see that will cost you the most and where some of the risks take place. Whether you are an owner, designer, contractor or a manufacturer, there are benefits to understanding the paybacks and downfalls of infrared thermography. This technology is gaining traction. Anyone can buy a camera, download an app and even accessorize their phone with infrared tools, yet many still do not see this technology as the science it truly is and the added resource it can serve in the construction industry. Pseudoscience? Voodoo Science? Hardly!
This course will explain the benefits, limitations and physics behind building science thermography and touch upon the myths, misconception, and lack of understanding associated with the energy spectrum we cannot see with human eyes. You will discover a wavelength which we are able to tap into when it comes to heat, air and moisture issues within the building enclosure. Thermography is truly a spectrum to behold. It can offer very useful data that can minimize building owners’ risks throughout any stage of the building’s lifecycle. Designers can assess and understand an existing building’s performance when repurposing, remodeling, and restoring existing facilities. Contractors can minimize risks and avoid enclosure related rework by identifying building envelope deficiencies during construction and prior to turning the building over to the owner. Owners can continually assess their buildings for energy performance and be better informed on the overall thermal performance of their building as well as identify areas where air and water infiltration are a concern. Finally, manufacturer can also benefit from baseline performance readings and deficiencies identified due to construction means and methods, such as air infiltration, thermal bridging, and overall building systems performance.
Learning Objectives:
- Provide an understanding of thermography and the true science behind this fifth dimension.
- Understand the application of thermography in the construction field and for forensic engineering, and factors that result in limitations of the tools and how to overcome some of the factors.
- Learn how analyzing imagery can provide useful information to the thermographer not typically available in the field
- Obtain and introduction of nontraditional means of testing which can be successfully conducted with infrared thermography.
Melissa Payne, BECxP, CxA+BE, CDT, Level II Building Science Thermographer
Tremco
Melissa Payne, BECxP, CxA+BE, CDT joined Tremco’s Building Envelope Solutions Team in November 2018. Prior to joining Tremco, Melissa provided building envelope commissioning and consulting services, and conducted forensic investigations at Miller, P.C. Prior to leading the building enclosure division at Miller, she served as owner’s representative on building enclosure projects for City Utilities of Springfield, Missouri.
Melissa possess a strong foundation in industry standards related to building envelope commissioning process, building science, performance testing, and building envelope construction. As a Level 2 Building Science Thermographer she actively uses thermography in the study of building enclosure failures. Her owner representative, consulting and commissioning experience, forensic work, and manufacturer internal consultant involvement gives her an encompassing perspective of the construction industry. Currently working with owners, architects, engineers, designers, construction manager/general contractors, and enclosure trades to promote the integrity and performance of building enclosures.
Melissa maintains high involvement in the design and construction industry as a guest speaker at Drury University School of Architecture, currently a board member of the SWMO-CSI, a member of ICC, and as chair and founding member of BEC-OR. She is member of ISO on ISO/TC 163 Committee, 21105-20106 Thermal performance in the built environment – Building envelope performance verification and commissioning BECx.
Scott Wood, CBST, Certified Level III Thermographer
SWA Consulting
Mr. Wood is the Senior Building Scientist at VaproShield, providing product QA/QC on manufactured materials and investigation/testing of properties for new product development. He provides technical support for the company’s representatives, client inquiries and assists in the development and updating product literature.
Scott Wood is an ITC certified Level III Thermographer, as well as having many special certifications such as; Building Science Thermography (CBST), Applications of Infrared Thermography in the Inspection and Diagnosis of Low Slope Commercial Roofing Systems. As president of SWA Consulting, Mr. Wood’ provides investigations, consulting, presentations and training in Building Science Thermography and building science.
Mr. Wood has many publications and provided numerous presentations. He is a founding member and treasurer of the International Association of Certified Thermographers (IACT), active voting member for ASTM International C16 and C6 committees, additional membership in; ABAA, National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) and local Seattle Building Enclosure Council (SeaBEC).