Detection of façade plaster detachments using infrared thermography – A nondestructive technique

• Infrared thermography as a tool for early diagnosis of façade render detachments.
• Positive results obtained using dynamic thermography in laboratory and in situ.
• Heat gains used to detect thermal resistance to heat flows.
• Detachments’ superficial temperature distinction between heating and cooling phase.
• Successful comparison between experiments and numerical simulation.

Façade plaster detachment is a pathology that spoils the appearance of the façade, facilitate rainwater penetration and consequently reduce durability. Infrared thermography can be successfully applied to a rapid non-destructive diagnosis provided that the multiple parameters involved are accounted. Results of laboratory and in situ tests to assess detachments using dynamic thermography are presented and compared with numerical simulation results. These pathologies become visible through the action of radiation from sunlight or a heat source once they create an air layer between the plaster and masonry, which causes additional thermal resistance, changing the temperature distribution in the areas with anomalies.