What a thermal imaging survey covers
A thermal imaging survey uses calibrated infrared cameras to identify heat-loss paths, thermal bridges, missing or compressed insulation, air leakage, hidden moisture, and hidden electrical or plumbing faults. Conducted under appropriate temperature differential between inside and outside, it produces visual evidence of fabric performance that visual inspection cannot.
- External thermal imaging of envelope (roof, walls, openings)
- Internal thermal imaging of suspected weak spots
- Thermal bridge mapping at junctions
- Air-leakage path identification
- Hidden-moisture detection on cold surfaces
- Calibrated, time-stamped images with annotations
- Written interpretive report
Typical findings
- Missing or settled cavity-wall insulation patches
- Compressed loft insulation around joist / eaves areas
- Significant thermal bridging at floor/wall junctions and lintels
- Air leakage at service penetrations (pipes, cables, ducts)
- Cold-bridging at concrete lintels (a cause of mould in older 1970s-90s stock)
Typical cost: £300-£600 typical residential survey, £600-£1,200 detailed survey with full external + internal mapping
When to book: When seeking evidence of insulation failure (suspected ECO insulation defects, post-purchase verification), before retrofit work to baseline current performance, or to support a damp-and-mould diagnosis where thermal bridging is suspected.
Required qualifications for assessor: ITC-Cat 1 (Infrared Training Centre Level 1) or BINDT-recognised thermography qualification, ideally combined with building-physics expertise (PCA, RICS, or PAS 2035 Retrofit Assessor)