Thermal Bridging Survey
A specialist survey to locate and assess thermal bridges — the localised cold paths where the building structure bypasses the insulation layer at junctions, lintels, reveals and slab edges, driving heat loss and condensation risk.
We model and predict performance before any work begins
Retrofit IQ does not rely on thermal imaging alone. A thermal camera shows where heat is escaping today — but it cannot tell you how best to fix it, or what the result will be. We go further: analysing how heat actually moves through the building fabric and simulating every junction in professional building-physics software, so the correct detail is proven on screen before a single fixing is installed.
The example above is a 2D model of a real ceiling-to-wall junction, comparing an improved insulation detail against the reference case to quantify surface temperatures and condensation risk. Because we model and compare options first, we can predict the performance improvement and recommend the most effective, cost-justified retrofit — rather than simply identifying defects with a thermal camera.
We don't simply identify thermal bridges — we model, compare and predict retrofit outcomes before any work is installed.
That is the difference between a thermal-camera survey and a building-performance consultancy. Before you commit to remedial works, we can:
The result: you spend on the measures that work — with the performance improvement modelled, compared and predicted in advance, then verified on completion.
See a sample 2D thermal-bridge report
A worked ceiling-to-wall junction — existing vs improved detail, isotherms, surface temperatures, dew-point and condensation-risk verdict, and the thermal-bridge reduction. See exactly how we model and predict performance before work begins.
Thermal Bridging Survey — in plain English.
A thermal bridging survey uses calibrated FLIR thermal imaging to find the localised cold paths — thermal bridges — where heat shortcuts through the structure, bypassing the insulation. These junctions, lintels, reveals and corners lose heat and, crucially, are the coldest surfaces in the room, making them the first place condensation and mould appear.
The symptoms that bring people to this service.
- 01Black mould or condensation that keeps returning in the same corner
- 02Cold patches at ceilings, corners and around windows
- 03Damp reveals and window surrounds despite a dry room
- 04Mould reappearing after insulation works elsewhere
- 05Cold junctions in extensions, dormers and balconies
- 06Uncertainty over whether a cold spot is a bridge or missing insulation
Our diagnostic approach
- 01Walkthrough to record where condensation, mould or cold corners occur
- 02Internal FLIR thermal imaging under a stabilised temperature differential
- 03Surface-temperature readings at each junction compared against measured dewpoint
- 04Assessment of whether each bridge is geometric, repeating or workmanship-related
- 05Findings related to construction type, junction detail and any previous works
What we bring on site
- FLIR thermal imaging camera (calibrated, radiometric, with emissivity correction)
- Surface-temperature probe and infrared spot thermometer
- Humidity / dewpoint logger to quantify condensation risk at each junction
- High-resolution visual camera for paired thermal + visual reporting
The science behind the diagnosis.
A thermal bridge is a path of lower thermal resistance through the building envelope — a corner, lintel or structural element where heat flows faster than through the surrounding insulated fabric. The result is a localised cold surface. When that surface drops below the dewpoint of the indoor air, moisture condenses there first — which is why thermal bridges and mould go hand in hand.
Measured benefits — not vague promises.
- Pinpoint the exact junctions driving recurring condensation and mould
- Understand whether the cause is geometry, structure or workmanship
- Target remediation to restore insulation continuity where it matters
- Reduce heat loss and eliminate the coldest surfaces in the room
- Measured evidence for retrofit design, disputes or new-build defects
What we identify
- Geometric thermal bridges at corners and wall-to-ceiling / wall-to-floor junctions
- Repeating bridges through structural elements (lintels, beams, balconies)
- Insulation discontinuity behind dot-and-dab plasterboard
- Cold reveals and window/door surrounds bypassing the insulation line
- Junctions most at risk of surface condensation and black mould
What you receive
- Annotated thermal images locating each thermal bridge
- Assessment of condensation and mould risk at each junction
- Guidance on whether the bridge is geometric, repeating or workmanship-related
- A targeted remediation strategy to restore insulation continuity
What we commonly discover during thermal bridging survey investigations
- 01Cold bands tracking wall-to-ceiling junctions and room corners
- 02Thermal bridges across window heads, lintels and reveals
- 03Dot-and-dab plasterboard creating insulation discontinuity and cold spots
- 04Reduced insulation continuity at the wall perimeter and structural edges
- 05Junctions running close to dewpoint — primary condensation and mould locations
- 06Repeating bridges through balconies, beams and party-wall junctions
Findings reflect patterns observed across completed RetrofitIQ projects — every survey is interpreted in the building’s specific context.
See this service applied on real investigations
Thermal Bridging Survey — common questions
What is a thermal bridge?+
A thermal bridge is a localised area where heat passes through the building fabric more easily than the surrounding insulation — typically at junctions, corners, lintels and reveals. It creates a cold surface that loses heat and attracts condensation and mould.Why do thermal bridges cause mould?+
Because they are the coldest surfaces in the room. When a surface falls below the dewpoint of the indoor air, water vapour condenses on it. Thermal bridges therefore become the first place surface condensation and black mould appear.Can thermal bridging move after insulation work?+
Yes. Once the original cold area is improved, the next-coldest surface — often a junction or corner — can become the new condensation hotspot. A survey identifies these so remediation is comprehensive.How do you survey for thermal bridging?+
We use calibrated FLIR thermal imaging under a stabilised indoor/outdoor temperature difference, combined with surface-temperature and dewpoint measurement, to locate each bridge and assess its condensation risk.
One company. One process. One point of responsibility.
We don’t simply identify problems. We investigate, diagnose, design solutions, carry out the work and verify the results. Book a Home Health Diagnostic Survey and we’ll tell you exactly which remedial works (if any) are actually needed.