Will Jing of HIKMICRO explains why thermal imaging cameras have become a must-have tool for builders.
For builders working across repair, maintenance and improvement projects, staying ahead of the curve with new technology can make a big impact. One tool that’s becoming increasingly essential is the thermal imaging camera. Once considered a specialised and expensive device, these cameras have undergone a significant transformation – they’re now smaller, more affordable and even capable of plugging into smartphones. As they become more accessible, thermal imaging cameras are proving to be an invaluable asset, helping builders identify heat loss, insulation gaps and water leaks, as well as check electrical systems and heating efficiency.
“Thermal imaging cameras are no longer an expensive luxury – they’re a practical, affordable tool that can improve the efficiency and accuracy of your work.”
Whether you’re troubleshooting problems in older buildings or ensuring new installations are performing as intended, thermal imaging cameras can help you work smarter and more efficiently. These devices detect infrared radiation (heat) and translate it into visual data, allowing you to “see” where heat is being lost or accumulated.
This is particularly useful for identifying unseen issues behind walls, under floors or within roofs without invasive methods like removing panels or drilling holes. For example, finding a water leak hidden behind plasterboard walls can be tricky and time-consuming, often requiring invasive work. With a thermal imaging camera, you can quickly identify the cold spot where the water is pooling, cutting down on the guesswork and the amount of material that needs to be removed to fix the problem.
One of the most common applications for thermal imaging cameras is identifying heat loss in buildings, particularly through roofs and walls. Poor insulation, damaged roofing or gaps in cladding can result in significant energy loss, not only leading to higher heating costs but also to environmental inefficiencies. Thermal imaging can quickly pinpoint areas where heat is escaping, allowing builders to target repairs precisely rather than guessing where problems might lie. For example, when scanning a roof, you might see sections where the heat is concentrated – indicating a break in the insulation or poorly sealed joints. Instead of re-roofing an entire section, you can now isolate and repair the specific area, saving both time and resources.
Checking insulation in walls or ceilings is also straightforward with thermal imaging. Any inconsistency in the insulation can be easily identified by a thermal camera, revealing the cold spots where heat is seeping out. Whether it’s a retrofit or new build, this technology helps to ensure energy efficiency, providing clear visual evidence for builders and clients alike.
The biggest hurdle for most tradespeople has always been the cost of thermal imaging cameras. However, that’s no longer the case. Once seen as specialist equipment used only by surveyors or HVAC engineers, the technology is now much more affordable. Whether you’re a small builder working on domestic refurbishments or a larger contractor handling commercial properties, the investment in a thermal imaging device can quickly pay for itself in terms of time saved and the accuracy of repairs.
The ability to use thermal imaging cameras also adds value to your service offering. Clients increasingly expect tradespeople to adopt modern technology and being able to provide thermal images that highlight issues and present them with visual proof of where repairs are needed is an excellent way to show transparency in your work and give clients confidence that they are investing in the right fixes. One company might offer a basic report, but if another provides a report with thermal images showing hotspots, it gives clients more confidence that they are getting a thorough service.
Environmental concerns shouldn’t be overlooked either. For builders working with environmentally conscious homeowners or businesses, using a thermal imaging camera demonstrates your commitment to energy efficiency. Identifying and addressing heat loss is a key part of reducing energy bills and carbon footprints, so using this technology can enhance your reputation as a forward-thinking, environmentally responsible professional.
HIKMICRO is a good example of a company that provides well-priced, portable thermal cameras for the trade. Its HIKMICRO ECO-V for instance, is a compact, user-friendly thermal camera which can quickly identify potential faults that take time or may be missed with traditional electrical testing methods. The camera’s ability to take both visual and thermal images saves time while its alarm function can be set to detect temperatures exceeding certain thresholds, further enhancing its diagnostic capabilities.
HIKMICRO’s recent additions, the Mini2 V2 and Mini2 Plus V2 thermal cameras, are also designed to be affordable, lightweight and easy to use. Both models are powered directly through a smartphone connection so there’s no need to worry about battery life and their compact size makes them easy to carry between jobs.
The Mini2 V2 offers a wide-angle, focus-free lens, making it perfect for scanning large areas such as underfloor heating systems or walls for insulation issues, while the Mini2 Plus V2 includes a manually adjustable focus, allowing for more detailed inspections of specific components such as circuit boards or distant pipe fittings. Both models benefit from HIKMICRO’s SuperIR image enhancement technology, which delivers sharper, clearer visuals, improving the accuracy of thermal diagnostics.
Thermal imaging cameras are no longer an expensive luxury – they’re a practical, affordable tool that can improve the efficiency and accuracy of your work. Whether you’re identifying heat loss, checking insulation or diagnosing hidden issues in a building, this technology is now a vital part of a builder’s toolkit. With devices that plug into smartphones and deliver instant results, there’s never been a better time to invest in a thermal imaging camera for your business.
For more information on HIKMICRO visit https://www.hikmicrotech.com
