Thermal Imaging and Damp Survey
Our Damp Survey
If you are experiencing any kind of damp, mould or condensation problems we recommend that you get this survey. During most surveys we find that there may be a number of issues that are causing signs of damp and mould growth. With the use of thermal imaging and moisture meters these areas can be clearly highlighted. On the day of the survey we will show you any problems we find while thermal imaging. You will receive a full written report with thermal images and information about the issues that are causing the problems in accordance with the current day building regulation guidance. In the report we will inform you about the solutions to these problems. If there are ventilation issues, we will also give a recommendation for a mechanical ventilation system. We will give you a quotation to supply and fit the required system. You also have the option to have the work done yourself and we can supply you with all products required.
Our Surveyors
Our surveyors have many years of experience and are certified in thermal imaging, domestic ventilation, and have been trained by the Property Care Association to survey dampness in buildings and problems with retrofit insulation.
We cover the following areas in the survey
1. Floor area measurement
Using laser distance measurements we can quickly find out the internal floor area of your home.
It is important to know the floor area and volume of your home so as to calculate the number of vents that should have been installed in your home.
In specifying any mechanical ventilation system, the extraction and input flow rates should be related exactly to the size of your home.
2. Thermal imaging
(1). With our survey we thermal image your walls, ceilings, and floors for any insulation defects or moisture penetration from other sources. We test any areas of concern with a moisture meter.
(2). The heating system is thermal imaged for sludge build up, airlocks, or low heat output.
(3). We scan your property for thermal bridging caused by the construction method used in the construction of the building.
(4). Rooms effected with mould growth are thermal imaged to see if it is moisture
production or heating that is the main problem.
(5). With thermal imaging we can find out the reasons for the temperature difference of individual rooms, also we can find out why certain rooms are hard to heat.
3. Borescope
We have a range of different borescopes which allow us to see inside cavity voids for condensation issues or moisture penetration.
The borescopes range in size from 6mm to 10mm diameter leaving a small amount of damage to the ceiling or wall which can be filled up afterwards.
A borescope is especially useful to find leaks in hard to reach areas without doing damage to the internal finish.
There is a small 6mm flexible camera that can go through fans or into the ceiling void to see if the existing fan is connected to ducting and the condition of the ducting. This is particularly useful in apartments as many fans are not connected to ducts for different reasons.
4. Moisture meters
We have a range of moisture meters which can detect surface moisture and internal wall or floor moisture levels.
The moisture meter can quickly detect if moisture damage on any surface is from condensation or from another source.
Used in conjunction with the thermal imaging camera this is a particularly useful tool to find the path of moisture ingress
5. Humidity readings
The absolute humidity reading inside and outside of the property is taken to find out the level of moisture build up in the property. This is a very good indication of problems with passive ventilation.
A measurement of the dew point (condensation point) is taken, that information is inputted into the thermal imaging camera. This is particularly useful to find out if your walls are at condensation point.
We also look at the dew point of the walls in each room with the thermal imaging camera to see if there is a problem with insulation or with the heating pattern in the property.
The temperature and the relative humidity in different rooms of your property is taken.
6. Test of all extraction fans
We test all your ventilation equipment with an anemometer to see if it meets the minimum flow rate. We will tell you the recommended flow rate and how you can fix this problem.
Finding out the flow rates is particularly important so that you know if the problem is with the fan, grill, or the ducting.
Most duct work in domestic houses is done by unqualified installers and is of poor workmanship or not fit for purpose. Due to the wrong type fan been installed and poor maintenance of that fan, the flow rate can be extremely low.
7. Attic ventilation
A reading of the moisture build up in the attic is taken and a list of any problems with ventilation in the attic is noted. We will also let you know how to remedy these problems.
Any problem with incorrectly installed insulation around the eaves and soffit vents is noted.
Areas of missing insulation in the attic that are not visible from the attic space can easily be highlighted from below with the thermal imaging camera.
A moisture reading of the rafters is taken if there appears to be an issue with condensation in the attic space.
8. Vents
We look at the type and number of wall or trickle vents in your property and let you know the recommended amount you should have installed.
All rooms with fuel burning appliances are checked to see if that appliance has the required amount of ventilation.
The free area of the vents is checked as this can have a massive effect on the flow rate of a fan or the passive ventilation of a property.
We measure the air flow under the internal doors and see if it meets the requirements of the property.
9. Written report
We give you a full written report with thermal images and real images of any areas which cause concern.
All areas surveyed are noted and the results given.
You are informed about the requirements of your existing ventilation system.
You are informed about any other damp issues your property may have or insulation defects.
If there is a ventilation issue, we will recommend a ventilation system. We give you the option of fixing the problem yourself, purchasing ventilation products from us or we can supply and fit.