Missing Insulation in New Build Discovered

Mr. and Mrs. Evans were excited to move into their brand-new, detached home in a new development in Bicester in the spring of 2024. They had chosen the property for its modern design and promised energy efficiency. However, their initial enthusiasm soon gave way to concern as they experienced unusually high energy bills and persistent cold drafts, particularly in certain areas.

Challenge:

Despite their home being a new construction, Mr. and Mrs. Evans faced several issues that pointed to a problem with the insulation:

High Energy Bills: Their energy consumption was significantly higher than anticipated for a new build, raising concerns about the accuracy of the predicted energy performance.
Cold Drafts: They experienced noticeable cold drafts, especially around windows, external walls and in the corners of some rooms.
Uneven Temperatures: Some rooms felt consistently colder than others, even with the heating on.
Condensation: They noticed condensation forming on some internal walls, which they knew could be a sign of poor insulation and ventilation.

Mr. and Mrs. Evans suspected insulation deficiencies but were unsure how to identify the specific problems behind the plasterboard and within the wall cavities. They wanted a solution that would provide concrete evidence of the issue and guide effective remediation.

Solution:

Mr. and Mrs. Evans contacted IPGL, specialists in thermal imaging and insulation solutions, in September 2024. They were impressed by IPGL's expertise in diagnosing insulation problems in new build properties and their ability to not only identify the issues but also provide the necessary insulation services to rectify them.

Implementation:

A certified IPGL thermographer performed a detailed thermal imaging survey of the property. The survey was conducted on a cool evening in October to maximise the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the house. The infrared camera revealed significant temperature variations across the walls and ceilings, clearly indicating areas where insulation was missing or ineffective.

The thermal images showed large areas of external walls with a uniform cold temperature, indicating sections where cavity wall insulation was absent.
The loft survey revealed gaps and inconsistencies in the loft insulation, with some joists completely exposed.
Significant thermal bridging was evident around window frames, indicating missing or inadequate sealant and insulation.

Based on the findings of the thermal imaging survey, IPGL's team of insulation specialists carried out the necessary remedial work:

Cavity Wall Insulation: IPGL injected cavity wall insulation into the missing sections, ensuring complete and consistent coverage.
Loft Insulation Top-Up: The loft insulation was topped up and redistributed to eliminate gaps and ensure a continuous layer of insulation across the entire loft floor.
Window and Door Sealing: The window and door frames were resealed and insulated to eliminate thermal bridges and prevent drafts.

Results:

The combined thermal imaging survey and insulation services provided Mr. and Mrs. Evans with a comprehensive solution to their insulation problems.

The thermal imaging survey provided indisputable evidence of the missing insulation, eliminating any guesswork and providing a clear roadmap for the remedial work. While IPGL's insulation services addressed the root causes of the problem, ensuring that the missing insulation was properly installed and that the thermal performance of the house was significantly improved.

Following the remediation, Mr. and Mrs. Evans' energy bills decreased substantially, aligning with the expected energy efficiency of a new build. The elimination of drafts and the more consistent temperatures throughout the house created a much more comfortable living environment.

By addressing the insulation deficiencies, IPGL helped prevent potential long-term issues such as condensation, mould growth and structural damage.

“Honestly, we didn't know what to expect when we contacted IPGL. But they were thorough, and seeing those thermal images made it clear there was a problem with the insulation. We're just so glad they could help us get it right."

Conclusion:

This case study demonstrates the critical role of thermal imaging in accurately diagnosing insulation problems in new build homes. Mr. and Mrs. Evans' experience highlights that even new properties can suffer from significant insulation defects, such as missing insulation. By combining thermal imaging with professional insulation services, IPGL provided a complete solution, ensuring a comfortable, energy-efficient and healthy home for the homeowners.