Diary of a dissatisfied customer
 
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Endoscope (Random images)
 
I had ideas for accessing the cavity wall other than through the external walls in positions suggested by the thermography survey. Details of voids discovered are posted here. Access to images and video is from interactive links identified on the elevations strip-image below. All except the two options on the side (gable) elevation include video. Video can be controlled for optimum viewing.

The links are identified by red dots on the elevations and will deliver a PDF (images) or pop-up window (video) plus a description relating to any images or video and the location concerned. Please see the link identified by the blue spot first as that includes an introduction to the endoscope images. Files containing video (flash player required) will be delivered in pop-up windows if your browser is set to allow that. Any reference in the text to 'soundings' refers to a miniature plumb line used to measure the depth of voids found. If anyone has related questions they will be dealt with via this page.

 
Window B not being surveyed top-down.
 
 
I am not recommending anyone test these ideas without careful consideration. I am a professional with a lifetime of experience and all the necessary equipment. Implementation is therefore routine for me in connection with construction failure investigation.

This first technique is being employed and involves damaging a window board (internal cill) by way of a 16mm ultra-sharp bit. That will enable the endoscope to be inserted for viewing and if appropriate, the taking of images or video.

Ultimate making good is with a specialised plugging tool that will invisibly mend prior to painting which has yet to be carried out. Please note this is on softwood cills, not MDF cills though the same technique will be tested on MDF offcuts first (we have not tried MDF before).
 
Another option, but only if evidence strongly suggests it is worthwhile, is to drill sideways into the cavity through the cavity closure material, on the inside of the window. This needs care to avoid disturbing the relatively fragile cavity closure material and avoid damaging the vertical damp proof course (dpc).

If you try it, use sharp bits, stepping up from 8mm to 15mm with a drill not set on hammer, working slowly to allow as much debris as possible to fall back into the open side. Taping a bin liner to the surface using masking tape allows debris to fall and be caught. A soft unused paint brush can be used to move surface dust into the bin liner.

  
 
Available space for drilling will be variable and experience is needed to determine the optimum drilling position. Much depends on the kind of window and how it is fitted. For interest the black arrow on the left image indicates what is now referred to as a thermal-bridge because cold can strike through there more quickly than through the cavity wall. Modern construction utilises a proprietary cavity-closure product which insulates and provides a barrier to moisture like a dpc.

With care, damage is negligible and hole easily filled prior to painting. All holes will need to be temporarily capped to allow third-party inspection and post remedial work inspection. Self-adhesive labels are ideal as temporary caps for inspection holes.

This window-board technique has proved incredible simple and efficient. It will be interesting to explore the technique further on future projects of the same or a different kind, using micro-endoscope technology to keep the inspection hole to a negligible minimum. Some now include a detachable prism for side viewing. This could be an opportunity to totally transform initial CWI inspections, where the customer agrees. It cannot preclude the use of thermography as an endoscope has limited reach. There are areas that are best viewed initially using theromography which will then dictate where best to use a boroscope.

People need not be totally at the mercy of big organisations. As long as there exists a reasonable prospect of being caught, offending of this sort is likely to be reduced. Standards will be forced upwards to dislodge the complacency that is clearly endemic. What has happened at my home is I suspect par for the course. I believe that deep down you all know that as well.

As an aside there are also many prospective insulating opportunities available to DIY effort which combined can have as much impact as the mainstays of the the big organisations. You do not hear about such opportunities simply because they cannot be exploited by the big organisations. I know people will be sceptical but you may be surprised at what can be achieved and I believe more people may listen given the rising cost of fuels. More on that in the future.
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