THERMAL IMAGING PHOTO ON NEW BUILD HOME

[mick1275]

5-year old new-build with horrendous draught and cold in living room.
I've done a thermal imaging and discovered patio doors look terrible can anyone confirm if this should look so cold.

[New Home Expert]

Short answer no.

It is clear that the coldest parts are at the edges suggesting cold air is getting in/heat is getting out.
A thermal imaging expert may be able to write you a good report to give to the housebuilder/NHBC, although at 5 years, it is a bit late.

[mick1275]

Why would it be too late it's not something you expect from a new build home.
I've more evidence pointing at no cavity installation.

[Maxell]

The images show very little on their own.  I assume it is a camera clipped to a smart phone.
The scale has a big effect as the ambient, exterior and surface temperatures.
These are just another tool which indicates where to look.
Check mastic, particularly under the threasholds ...
Depending on your roof type insulation may not required in the gable. Use the image where to look, drill a hole and use a borescope.
If your insulation is missing you may be able to claim as a latent defect even outside of the warranty period.  As suggested a professional survey will carry more weight than your own images.

Regards

[New Home Expert]

Why would it be too late it's not something you expect from a new build home.
I've more evidence pointing at no cavity installation.

Agreed but why leave it for five years before deciding to do anything?
It is now outside the housebuilder 2-yaer liability and this is not something the warranty would cover as the defect, has not resulted in any "damage"
Worse, the home does not comply with building regulations and the local authority could require you, as homeowner, to pay for the insulation to be installed.

[mick1275]

The reason as you stated why leave it 5 yrs is because over the past 2 years its only become very noticeable that there is a severe cold draught in my living room and it's getting worse the first 3 years I didnt really feel it.

For a new build I wouldn't have thought I may have a insulation issue. Camera down cavity shows nothing in between walls. Before the home was handed over it failed 3 air tests ( whatever that resembles) anyway it's not worth the stress of getting into NHBC I'm moving home in a few years.

[New Home Expert]

Hey your welcome, no need to thank me!

Every year, thousands of new homes are built and occupied with missing or no cavity wall or roof insulation.  It is wrong and the inspection regime is flawed.
If you had complained earlier, it may (or may not) have been rectified, like this house was!

When you come to sell your EPC should reflect he missing insulation, or you could be held liable for misrepresenting the property and perhaps even having to pay for insulation to be retro fitted.