See the Performance Gap. Close the Performance Gap.
Buildings do not always perform as designed.
Build IR provides specialist commercial thermography and building performance investigations across the UK, helping project teams, building owners and facility managers identify hidden defects, understand their cause and make informed decisions.
From BREEAM thermal imaging and building-envelope investigations to electrical thermography and specialist diagnostic surveys, we turn complex thermal data into clear, actionable evidence.
750+ BREEAM Surveys
Extensive experience across buildings of different sizes, uses and construction types.
Specialist Thermography
Surveys completed by qualified thermographers with Category 3 planning and oversight.
Advanced Equipment
High-specification thermal imaging technology capable of revealing subtle thermal anomalies.
Actionable Reporting
Clear evidence and practical findings for contractors, consultants, facilities teams and asset owners.
Who We Are
A Thermal Image is only the Beginning
A thermal camera can reveal differences in surface temperature. Understanding why those differences exist requires considerably more.
Build IR combines specialist thermography with extensive knowledge of construction, building fabric, and airtightness. We look beyond the image to investigate patterns, understand contributing factors and provide evidence that project teams can act upon.
Whether we are investigating a building envelope, locating moisture, examining electrical equipment or helping assess actual building performance, our approach remains the same: accurate data, experienced interpretation and clear reporting.
OUR SERVICE RANGE
Commercial Thermography & Building Performance Services
BREEAM Thermal Imaging
Specialist thermographic surveys supporting BREEAM-assessed construction projects, with experienced survey planning, data capture and detailed reporting.
Roof & Moisture Investigations
Non-destructive thermographic investigation to help locate and map areas requiring further attention, reducing unnecessary invasive investigation.
Building Envelope Thermography
Identify patterns associated with heat loss, air leakage, insulation defects, thermal bridging and other irregularities affecting building fabric performance.
Drone Thermal Surveys
Access large, elevated and difficult-to-reach areas safely and efficiently using specialist aerial thermography and professional analysis.
Electrical Thermography
Identify abnormal thermal patterns in electrical equipment to support preventative maintenance, fire-risk reduction, asset protection and operational resilience.
Building Diagnostics
Targeted investigations into thermal discomfort, construction defects and unusual building behaviour, supported by detailed reporting and practical recommendations.
The Thermal Performance Gap
Designed Performance is One Thing. Real Performance Is Another.
A building can meet design calculations and still experience uncomfortable cold spots, unexpected heat loss, excessive energy demand or localised defects.
The difference between expected and actual performance is the building performance gap.
Build IR uses advanced thermography, specialist building knowledge and appropriate diagnostic techniques to help identify what is actually happening within the building envelope.
Our investigations can reveal invisible performance issues, including trapped moisture that can lead to long-term damage, decay and reduced building performance.

Thermal Bypass
Air movement that bypasses or undermines the effectiveness of the insulation layer.

Air Leakage Paths
Uncontrolled air movement through gaps and interfaces in the building fabric.

Insulation Discontinuity
Gaps, inconsistencies and defects affecting the continuity of the thermal envelope.

Thermal Bridging
Localised heat-transfer pathways that contribute to heat loss and internal cooling.
BREEAM Experts
BREEAM Thermal Imaging Experience You Can Rely On
Build IR has a long-standing track record in delivering BREEAM thermal imaging surveys for commercial and construction projects across the UK.
Our team has supported BREEAM requirements from the earlier 2008 standards through to the latest BREEAM 2018 guidance, giving us a strong understanding of the survey process, reporting expectations and practical challenges involved.
With experience across 750+ BREEAM thermal imaging surveys, Build IR helps contractors, developers, BREEAM assessors and project teams obtain the thermal evidence required to support their assessment and work towards achieving the relevant BREEAM credit.
Our role goes beyond simply capturing thermal images. We plan surveys around suitable environmental conditions, inspect the building envelope using professional thermography equipment, and provide clear reporting that highlights thermal anomalies, areas of heat loss, insulation defects, air leakage paths and other issues that may affect building performance.
Where a building does not initially meet the required criteria, we work with your team to identify the likely causes and help guide the necessary remedial works. Once improvements have been completed, we can provide further thermographic review where required to help get the project “over the line”.
WHO WE WORK WITH
Thermography for the People Responsible for Building Performance
Main Contractors & Developers
Independent thermal evidence prior to completion, handover, or remedial decision-making.
BREEAM Assessors & Sustainability Teams
Experienced thermography support for BREEAM-assessed projects.
Facilities & Property Managers
Investigate building performance concerns, electrical risks, and hidden defects across occupied assets.
Industrial Operators
Thermographic inspection supporting asset protection, preventative maintenance and operational reliability.
Housing Providers
Scalable building-fabric investigation and diagnostic support across individual properties and wider portfolios.
Insurance & Risk Professionals
Specialist thermal evidence supporting proactive risk management and further investigation.
THE BUILD IR DIFFERENCE
Not All Thermal Surveys Deliver the Same Insight
The quality of a thermographic investigation depends on more than the camera being used. Survey planning, building knowledge, environmental conditions and experienced interpretation all influence the value of the final findings.
A Basic Thermal Survey Includes:
Temperature images
Generic data capture
Camera-led approach
Anomalies highlighted
Limited explanation
One method for every building
The Build IR Approach
Interpreted thermal evidence
Surveys planned around the investigation
Building-led diagnostic approach
Thermal patterns investigated and contextualised
Clear findings and actionable reporting
Methodology adapted to the building and project conditions
Technology Captures the Data. Expertise makes it Useful.
Build IR combines professional thermography equipment, qualified surveyors and practical building knowledge to help clients understand not only where an anomaly exists, but what it may mean and what should happen next.
Solar Specialists
Solar PV Inspections
Build IR provides specialist solar PV inspections using drone and thermographic technology to assess the condition and performance of solar installations across commercial, industrial and residential sites.
Because solar panels are exposed to the elements year-round, faults such as hotspots, damaged panels, dirt build-up and electrical issues can affect efficiency over time. Our inspections capture both visual and thermal imagery quickly and safely, making them ideal for roof-mounted systems and large-scale solar farms.
With Build IR, clients benefit from a fast, non-invasive inspection process that helps identify defects early, protect asset performance and support maximum solar output.
BUILT ON TRUST. DRIVEN BY RESULTS.
Why We are Chosen by Clients around the UK
PCN Cat. 3 Civil Thermographer
Build IR distinguishes itself from many other surveyors, as it is one of the few specialist thermography companies in the entirety of the UK to have a PCN Category 3 Civil Thermographer actively carrying out surveys in the field.
Fully Insured Thermographer
Build IR is fully insured to carry out professional thermographic surveys across commercial, industrial and residential projects, giving clients confidence and peace of mind throughout the survey process.
UKTA Member
We are proud members of the United Kingdom Thermography Association (UKTA), supporting professional standards, technical knowledge and best practice across the thermography industry within the country.
Qualified Thermographic Surveys
Carried out by a minimum Category 2 PCN Qualified Thermographer.
Planned and overseen by a Cat 3 PCN Qualified Thermographer
Extensive Experience
With over 20 years of construction experience and 15 years specialising in thermography, we combine imaging expertise with a practical understanding of buildings, materials and performance.
Compliant To UK Regulations
BS EN 13187:1999: Thermal performance of buildings – qualitative detection of thermal irregularities in building envelopes – infra-red method.
BRE Report 176: A Practical Guide to Infra-Red Thermography for Building Surveys.
NATIONWIDE PROJECT DELIVERY
Commercial Thermography Across the UK
From individual diagnostic investigations to large commercial developments and multi-site programmes, Build IR provides specialist thermography services nationwide.
Our team works with contractors, consultants, building owners, facility managers and project teams across the UK.
London & the South
North East
North West
Midlands
Scotland
Wales
East of England
Yorkshire & the Humber
Book Your Thermal Imaging Survey Today
Get clear thermal evidence, expert interpretation and practical reporting to support confident decisions.