Thermal Imaging

What Can Thermal Imaging Identify?

A thermal imaging survey may help identify:

• Missing, damaged or poorly installed insulation

• Cold spots within walls, floors and ceilings

• Thermal bridging through structural elements

• Air leakage around windows and doors

• Draughts around loft hatches and service penetrations

• Heat loss through poorly sealed building junctions

• Gaps around pipework, sockets and electrical fittings

• Uneven performance from underfloor heating or radiators

• Areas that may require further investigation for condensation or moisture

• Defects within newly completed or recently retrofitted properties

Thermal imaging does not allow us to see through walls. Instead, it records surface-temperature differences that an experienced surveyor can interpret to identify unusual patterns and likely problem areas.

Thermal Imaging and Airtightness Testing

Thermal imaging becomes particularly effective when combined with a blower-door airtightness test.

During an airtightness test, the property is placed under a controlled pressure difference. This encourages outside air to enter through gaps and defects in the building envelope, making some leakage paths easier to identify with a thermal camera.

Combining the two methods can help us:

• Locate hidden air leakage

• Distinguish between insulation defects and draughts

• Investigate failed airtightness-test results

• Identify areas requiring remedial sealing

• Check the quality of recently completed work

• Provide clearer evidence to contractors and clients

Rather than simply confirming that a property has failed an airtightness test, this diagnostic approach can help show where the problems are likely to be.

Thermal Imaging for Existing Homes

If part of your home feels unusually cold, draughty or difficult to heat, a thermal imaging survey may help identify the reason.

Common problems found in existing properties include:

• Poorly sealed windows and doors

• Missing loft or wall insulation

• Cold areas around extensions and altered structures

• Gaps behind kitchen units, boxing and fitted furniture

• Heat loss through loft hatches and eaves

• Leakage around pipework and electrical services

• Poorly insulated wall-to-ceiling and floor-to-wall junctions

The survey can help homeowners make more informed decisions before paying for insulation, draught-proofing or other improvement work.

Thermal Imaging for New-Build and Retrofit Projects

Thermal imaging can also be used as a quality-control tool during construction or following retrofit work.

Carrying out the survey before finishes and fittings restrict access can allow defects to be identified while they are still relatively straightforward to correct.

Thermal imaging may support investigations into:

• Insulation continuity

• Workmanship around windows and doors

• Junctions between new and existing construction

• Recently installed external or internal wall insulation

• Loft and roof insulation

• Airtightness membranes and service penetrations

• Areas highlighted during an airtightness test

Staged inspections can help identify issues before final completion, reducing the risk of expensive remedial work later.

The Right Conditions for Thermal Imaging

Thermal imaging relies on a suitable temperature difference between the inside and outside of the building. Surveys are generally most effective during cooler weather when the property has been heated consistently beforehand.

Strong sunlight, high winds and heavy rain can influence surface temperatures and affect the images. We will consider the weather and property conditions when arranging the survey and advise if conditions are unlikely to provide useful results.

Clear Thermal Imaging Reports

Where a written report is included, it can contain:

• Visible-light photographs

• Corresponding thermal images

• Details of the areas inspected

• Observations from the survey

• Likely causes of unusual temperature patterns

• Areas recommended for further investigation

• Practical recommendations where appropriate

Thermal images are most useful when they are interpreted in the context of the building’s construction, heating, ventilation and weather conditions. Our practical construction background helps us understand what the images are showing and where defects are likely to be located.

Why Choose Airtightness UK?

• Professional FLIR thermal imaging equipment

• Practical construction knowledge

• Experienced building-performance testers

• Thermal imaging and airtightness testing available together

• Clear images and straightforward explanations

• Support with investigating failed airtightness tests

• Surveys for individual homes and larger projects

• Regional and nationwide coverage

We don’t simply provide a collection of colourful images. We explain what they are likely to show and help you understand the next steps.

Arrange a Thermal Imaging Survey

Airtightness UK provides thermal imaging surveys across Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, London and throughout the UK.

Contact us with the property address, a brief description of the problem and whether you require a standalone thermal survey or combined airtightness and thermal imaging investigation.

Call: 0330 043 8801
Email: enquiries@airtightness.uk

Concerned about heat loss, cold spots or hidden draughts? Contact Airtightness UK to arrange a professional thermal imaging survey.