From Hidden Cold Spots to a Warm Efficient New Build

Pinpointing and Resolving Heat Loss in a New Build in Basingstoke

This case study illustrates how Mr. and Mrs. Green’s proactive approach to ensuring the energy efficiency of their new build, combined with Ignite Property Group's advanced thermal imaging survey and expert cavity wall insulation, identified and rectified unexpected heat loss, creating a truly warm and cost-effective home.

Challenge: 

Despite being a new build, Mr. and Mrs. Green’s property exhibited unexplained cold spots in several areas, particularly along external walls in the living room and master bedroom. Their initial expectation was for a consistently warm and well-insulated home. The inconsistent temperatures raised concerns about potential insulation gaps or installation issues during the construction phase. 

They were keen to identify the root cause of these cold areas and ensure their new home was performing to its intended energy efficiency standards, preventing unnecessary energy consumption and ensuring long-term comfort. They needed a non-invasive method to pinpoint the exact locations of heat loss and a trusted company to provide both the diagnostic survey and the necessary remedial work.

Solution:

Recognising the value of precise diagnostics, Mr. and Mrs. Green contacted Ignite Property Group in October 2024 to conduct a thermal imaging survey of their new build. They were impressed by IPGL's expertise in thermal imaging technology and their comprehensive approach to identifying and resolving heat loss issues.

• Comprehensive Thermal Imaging Survey: Ignite Property Group scheduled a thermal imaging survey of the entire property. Their certified thermographer used a high-resolution thermal imaging camera to capture detailed temperature maps of both the internal and external walls, ceilings and floors.
• Detailed Report and Anomaly Identification: Within 48 hours of the survey, Mr. and Mrs. Green received a comprehensive report, including thermal images highlighting specific temperature anomalies. The report identified significant cold spots along certain external cavity walls, indicating potential gaps or voids in the insulation within those areas.
• Expert Diagnosis and Recommendation: Based on the thermal imaging evidence, the IPGL thermographer diagnosed likely issues with the installation of the cavity wall insulation during the construction phase in the identified cold spot areas. They recommended a targeted injection of additional, high-quality cavity wall insulation to fill these voids and eliminate the heat loss.
• Precise and Minimally Invasive Solution: IPGL proposed a targeted injection of insulation into the affected cavity wall sections, minimising disruption to the new build’s structure and aesthetics.

Implementation:

Following the thermal imaging survey and Mr. and Mrs. Green’s approval, the Ignite Property Group installation team arrived to address the identified insulation deficiencies.

• Targeted Drilling and Injection: Using the thermal imaging report as a precise guide, small, discreet holes were drilled into the external walls, specifically in the cold spot areas identified by the survey.
  Precise Insulation Fill: High-performance cavity wall insulation material was carefully injected into the identified voids, ensuring a complete and even fill in the previously under-insulated sections.
• Professional Making Good: The small drill holes were then professionally sealed and matched to the existing wall finish, ensuring minimal visual impact.
• Post-Remediation Thermal Check (Optional): Following the insulation injection, Ignite Property Group offered a follow-up thermal imaging check (which Mr. and Mrs. Green opted for) to confirm the effectiveness of the remedial work and ensure the cold spots had been eliminated.

Results:

• Elimination of Cold Spots: The targeted injection of cavity wall insulation effectively eliminated the previously noticeable cold spots in the living room and master bedroom, creating a consistently warm and comfortable environment throughout the new build.
• Improved Energy Efficiency: By addressing the insulation gaps identified by the thermal imaging survey, Mr. and Mrs. Green ensured their new home was performing to its intended energy efficiency standards, preventing unnecessary heat loss and reducing potential energy bills.
• Peace of Mind in New Build Quality: The thermal imaging survey provided valuable insight into the actual insulation performance of their new build, giving Mr. and Mrs. Green confidence in the energy efficiency of their home.
• Non-Invasive Problem Identification: The thermal imaging survey allowed for the precise identification of the insulation issues without any destructive investigation, saving time and minimising disruption.
• Confidence in Expert Solution: Mr. and Mrs. Green were highly satisfied with Ignite Property Group’s professional and efficient service, from the initial thermal imaging survey to the targeted insulation solution.

 

“We were surprised to find cold spots in our new build but Ignite Property Group’s thermal imaging survey quickly pinpointed the problem. Their targeted insulation solution has made a huge difference - our home is now consistently warm and we have peace of mind knowing it's energy efficient." 

 

Conclusion:

Mr. and Mrs. Green’s experience demonstrates the invaluable role of thermal imaging surveys in identifying hidden insulation deficiencies, even in newly built properties. Ignite Property Group’s advanced diagnostic capabilities, combined with their expert cavity wall insulation services, provided a precise and effective solution to unexpected heat loss, ensuring a warm, comfortable and energy-efficient home. This case study highlights IPGL's commitment to utilising cutting-edge technology to provide homeowners with the insights needed to optimise their home energy performance.