Insulation, Energy Efficiency & Heat Loss
With energy costs a significant consideration for any homeowner, the thermal efficiency of a property is now a major factor when buying a house. A building that suffers from excessive heat loss will not only be uncomfortable to live in but will also lead to expensive heating bills. Understanding how well a property retains heat is an essential part of the buying process.
Identifying Areas of Heat Loss
Heat can escape from a home in several ways. The most common culprits are poorly insulated lofts, uninsulated cavity walls, and older single glazed windows. In the Gloucester area, the housing market features a diverse mix of properties. Older period homes with solid brick walls often struggle with heat retention and require specialist breathable insulation, while more modern homes might have inadequate loft insulation that simply needs topping up.
Another growing concern is the improper installation of energy saving measures. For example, spray foam insulation applied directly to the underside of a roof can trap moisture and cause severe timber decay. A knowledgeable home surveyor will know exactly what to look for when inspecting these upgrades.
Assessing Efficiency During a Survey
You cannot always rely on an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to give you the full picture, as these are often based on basic assumptions rather than a thorough physical inspection of the building’s fabric. By instructing a RICS accredited property surveyor, you gain a realistic assessment of the home’s thermal performance and any potential defects caused by poor ventilation.
When we conduct RICS Level 2 Home Surveys, we visually inspect the visible insulation within the loft space and look for signs of poor thermal performance, such as condensation or cold spots on external walls. This helps you understand the true value of your investment by factoring in any immediate upgrades you might need to make to keep the house warm.
If inappropriate insulation methods have already caused damage to the roof structure, we may advise moving forward with a Structural Engineer Report to detail the necessary structural repairs.