Isolamento e Ventilação

QUESTION: WHAT DOES AN INSULATION INSPECTION INCLUDE?ANSWER: An insulation inspection evaluates all accessible insulation in the ceilings, walls, floors, attic, and roof structure. It checks for gaps, settling, compression, moisture intrusion, cold spots, and areas of heat loss that reduce comfort and energy efficiency. The inspection also examines insulation type, thickness, condition, and placement. Thermal imaging is used to identify temperature differences, missing insulation, poor installation, and moisture hidden inside wall cavities.

 

QUESTION: WHY DOES MY HOME STILL FEEL COLD EVEN IF I HAVE INSULATION?ANSWER: Homes in Cascais can feel cold when insulation is poorly installed, has gaps, has deteriorated over time, or has become compressed and ineffective. Drafts from windows, floor edges, or electrical outlets also reduce indoor temperature. Older homes often have inconsistent insulation coverage, especially in attics and wall cavities. Thermal imaging identifies exactly where heat loss is occurring, allowing targeted improvements.

 

QUESTION: WHAT CAUSES INSULATION TO DEGRADE OR LOSE EFFECTIVENESS OVER TIME?ANSWER: Insulation weakens due to age, moisture exposure, pest activity, settling, poor installation, roof leaks, and construction movement. Wet insulation loses its thermal properties and can lead to mold, odors, and structural damage. In Cascais, humidity and temperature fluctuations also cause insulation materials to deteriorate faster, reducing energy efficiency and comfort.

 

QUESTION: WHY ARE THERE COLD SPOTS ON MY WALLS, CEILINGS, OR FLOORS?ANSWER: Cold spots typically indicate missing insulation, thin insulation, moisture intrusion, thermal bridging through beams or concrete, or air leakage. These cold spots lead to condensation and mold growth, especially on exterior walls. Thermal imaging clearly shows where insulation is lacking or where cold air is entering.

 

QUESTION: WHAT CAUSES MOISTURE OR DAMP TO GET INTO INSULATION?ANSWER: Moisture enters insulation through roof leaks, plumbing leaks, condensation, rising damp, or vapor trapped behind walls. Wet insulation becomes heavy, collapses, and loses effectiveness. It also raises the risk of mold growth and structural damage. Homes near the coast are more prone to moisture intrusion due to humidity and wind-driven rain.

 

QUESTION: WHY DO MY FLOORS FEEL COLD IN WINTER EVEN WITH HEATING?ANSWER: Cold floors often indicate missing or insufficient floor insulation, heat loss through the slab, poor subfloor ventilation, gaps around skirting boards, or drafts entering through the foundation area. In older Portuguese homes, floors are a major source of heat loss. Insulation and thermal imaging inspections help identify exactly where warmth is being lost.

 

QUESTION: WHAT ARE SIGNS OF POOR OR MISSING INSULATION?ANSWER: Signs include uneven room temperatures, cold spots, high energy bills, drafts, condensation on walls, mold growth, difficulty heating or cooling the home, and warm or cold patches seen on thermal imaging. Rooms that heat up or cool down quickly are often a sign of insulation issues.

 

QUESTION: HOW CAN THERMAL IMAGING HELP WITH INSULATION INSPECTIONS?ANSWER: Thermal imaging detects temperature differences that reveal gaps in insulation, moisture intrusion, poor installation, hidden cold spots, and air leakage. It provides a non-invasive way to map heat loss in ceilings, walls, and floors. This technology is essential for identifying insulation defects that are invisible to the eye.

 

QUESTION: WHY IS MY ATTIC OR ROOF SPACE EXTREMELY HOT OR COLD?ANSWER: Extreme attic temperatures indicate inadequate insulation, ventilation problems, or heat transfer through the roof membrane. In summer, heat builds up in the roof space, transferring into the living area. In winter, warm air escapes through poorly insulated ceilings. A detailed inspection checks insulation depth, condition, gaps, and possible moisture problems.

 

QUESTION: WHAT CAUSES DRAFTS OR AIR LEAKS IN WALLS AND CEILINGS?ANSWER: Drafts come from gaps around windows, electrical outlets, floor edges, recessed lighting, poorly sealed construction joints, and uninsulated wall cavities. Air leakage reduces insulation performance and increases energy costs. Thermal imaging helps locate airflow pathways for proper sealing.

 

QUESTION: HOW DOES INSULATION AFFECT ENERGY COSTS IN CASCAIS?ANSWER: Proper insulation reduces heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, resulting in lower heating and cooling expenses. Poor insulation forces HVAC systems to work harder, leading to higher electricity bills. Homes with adequate insulation maintain stable indoor temperatures and are more energy efficient year-round.

 

QUESTION: HOW OFTEN SHOULD INSULATION BE CHECKED?ANSWER: Insulation should be checked every 3–5 years, or sooner if you notice cold spots, moisture issues, mold, drafts, or high energy bills. Homes near the coast may require more frequent inspections due to humidity and salt-related deterioration.

 

QUESTION: SHOULD I GET AN INSULATION INSPECTION BEFORE BUYING A PROPERTY?ANSWER: Yes. Many homes in Cascais, especially older properties, have inadequate or missing insulation. An insulation inspection reveals potential heat loss, energy inefficiency, moisture issues, and future upgrade costs. This information helps buyers avoid unexpected expenses.