Thermal and acoustic insulation deficiencies

Deficiencies in thermal and acoustic insulation are one of the most frequent causes of complaints in housing, especially in new construction and rehabilitation. They translate into lack of comfort, increased energy consumption, condensation and coexistence problems. Although they are difficult to perceive on an ordinary visit, they become clear after living in the property.

Thermal insulation

Thermal insulation defines the capacity of the envelope to limit heat exchange between interior and exterior. When it is insufficient, the following appear:

• Feeling cold in winter and excessive heat in summer.
• Thermal bridges that cause condensation and mold.
• Increase in air conditioning consumption.
• Discrepancy between the declared energy certificate and actual behavior.

Common causes

• Insulation thickness lower than projected.
• Discontinuities in the installation of the insulation in shutter boxes, connections with slabs or enclosures with a metal structure.
• Carpentry with lower performance than declared.
• Lack of thermal bridge break in frames.

How to get credit

The expert uses visual inspection, infrared thermography and, when appropriate, sampling of the enclosure to verify the insulation actually installed. Thermography allows you to visualize thermal bridges, insulation deficiencies and air leaks.

Acoustic insulation

Acoustic insulation determines the building’s ability to limit the passage of noise, both aerial (voices, television) and impact (footsteps, shuffling). Typical symptoms:

• Perfectly audible conversations between homes.
• Impact noise clearly perceptible from the upper floor.
• Discomfort due to noisy installations.
• Excessive reverberation indoors.

Common causes

• Lack of floating floor or poorly executed floating floor (acoustic bridges).
• Coatings with insufficient thickness.
• Absence of treatment in installation steps through partitions or slabs.
• Interior and exterior carpentry with insufficient acoustic classification.

How to get credit

The analysis may include measurements with a calibrated sound level meter following standardized procedures. The results are compared with the regulatory requirements at the time of the construction license and with the commitments of the quality report.

Relevant documentation

• Execution project and quality report.
• Energy certificate.
• Acoustic studies if they exist.
• Technical sheets for carpentry, insulation and coatings.

Consequences

Insulation deficiencies affect comfort, the value of the property and habitability. They may fit into the guarantees provided for by the Building Planning Law when it comes to new construction. The legal assessment and the claim route correspond to your lawyer.

Related links

For additional technical evidence, see Expert evidence. Regarding deadlines, check Decennial, triennial and annual guarantee. to commission a report, go to Contact or the specialty of Defective workmanship.