Borescope and cavity wall Survey

Don't Assume, Inspect: Technical Cavity Wall Surveys

Have you ever looked at your home's EPC or an old property record and seen your cavity walls marked as 'filled', yet certain rooms remain stubbornly cold, or worse—you see patches of damp or mould growing on your walls?

Often, insulation work was done years ago, but sections were missed, or the material has slumped, leaving cold pockets that cause condensation, damp, and mould growth. Don't let assumptions about your walls cost you comfort and money, or risk your home's health.

Check Your Records First: CIGA

Homeowners can often check if their property has previously received government-backed cavity wall insulation by using the CIGA (Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency) database. This provides a record of guaranteed installations, but it does not confirm the current condition of the insulation.

What is a Cavity Wall Survey?

A Cavity Wall Survey provides a definitive, accurate answer to the question: is my cavity wall insulation performing correctly?

Our Key Inspection Tool: The Borescope

At Verde Surveying, we use a borescope—a thin, flexible camera inserted through a small, neat hole drilled into the mortar joints of your external wall. This non-invasive inspection allows our surveyor to:

• Visually Inspect the Cavity: We can see the inside of your walls, confirming the presence, type, and condition of the existing insulation material.

• Identify Voids and Slumping: We check for empty sections or areas where the insulation has degraded or settled, which are the exact spots causing those cold and damp patches in your home.

• Assess Suitability: We verify the cavity's condition and clearance to ensure it is suitable for any potential new insulation work.

Health Benefits for the Property:

Resolving cold spots and installing correct insulation is vital for the longevity of your home:

• Mould Prevention: Cold walls lead to condensation, which feeds mould. Fixing the insulation eliminates the cold surface where moisture settles, protecting your plaster, paint, and internal air quality from hazardous mould and mildew.

• Structural Integrity: By managing internal humidity and preventing condensation from soaking into building materials, correct insulation helps maintain the long-term structural integrity of your home.

The EPC Connection:

If our borescope survey finds that your walls are not insulated, but your EPC claims they are, your EPC is incorrect. An inaccurate EPC could be preventing you from accessing valuable energy grants.

• Actionable Step: You will need a new, corrected EPC that reflects the true un-insulated state of your home. This corrected rating may then qualify your property for schemes that cover the cost of installing new, effective cavity wall insulation, finally allowing you to gain the comfort and savings you deserve.

Typical Survey Pricing:

We offer clear, upfront pricing based on the scope of the required inspection.

The Verde Surveying Solution:

1. For Homeowners: If you suspect your insulation is faulty, you can book a targeted borescope inspection with Verde Surveying for a small fee (see table above). This is a fast, cost-effective way to get visual proof and professional diagnosis.

2. For Retrofit Companies & Installers: When a company requires a full, verified Cavity Wall Survey as part of a grant-funded or private insulation project, we provide the complete technical report. This professional documentation is essential for:

   • Ensuring the property is suitable before starting the job.

   • Meeting the required standards for installation and grant compliance.

By providing accurate, non-invasive internal wall data, Verde Surveying helps homeowners solve damp and cold issues, and helps installers execute flawless, compliant insulation projects.