A cavity wall inspection uses a borescope camera fed through small drilled holes to see inside the cavity, alongside moisture readings on the inside walls and a check of the outside of the house. It tells you what insulation is in the wall, whether it is wet, slumped or bridging, and what is likely causing any damp. You receive a written report with photos so you can decide what to do next.
What does a cavity wall inspection involve?
A borescope is a slim camera on a flexible or rigid probe. We drill small holes, usually in the mortar joints, at chosen points around the house and pass the probe into the cavity. That lets us see the material, how evenly it fills the gap, whether it has dropped, whether there is rubble or mortar on the ties, and whether the cavity looks wet. Inside, we take moisture readings across the affected walls to map where the damp is and how severe it is. Outside, we look at pointing, brick condition, render, gutters, downpipes, sills, air bricks and the positions of cavity trays and weep holes. The holes are filled afterwards.
The inspection is the first step in our cavity wall insulation removal service across Merseyside, but it is also a standalone service. Many people simply want an honest answer before spending money, and sometimes that answer is that the insulation is not the problem at all.
What the written report covers
- Property detailsHouse type, approximate age, wall construction and which elevations were inspected.
- Insulation foundThe type of fill, such as mineral wool, polystyrene beads or foam, and how completely it fills the cavity.
- ConditionSigns of wetness, slumping, voids, compaction or debris, with borescope photos from each inspection point.
- Moisture readingsWhere readings were taken inside and the pattern they show.
- External defectsPointing, brickwork, render, rainwater goods, trays and anything else that may let water in.
- Likely cause and optionsOur view on what is causing the problem and the options, including when removal is not needed.
When should you get a cavity inspection?
You have damp or cold patches
If damp, mould or cold spots appeared after your walls were filled, an inspection shows whether the fill is involved or whether something else, such as condensation or a leak, is the cause. Our page on damp after cavity wall insulation explains the different possibilities.
You are buying a house
Mortgage valuations and some surveys may flag cavity insulation, particularly on exposed walls. Knowing what is in the wall and its condition before you exchange can help you make a decision and plan any work.
You want evidence for a claim
If your installation was registered with CIGA, or you believe it was unsuitable for your property, photos and readings from inside the cavity are useful evidence. You can check with CIGA directly whether your home is registered and how to raise a claim. We record what we find accurately, but we cannot promise how an insurer, CIGA or anyone else will respond.
Before refilling
If the cavity has been cleared and you are thinking about insulating it again, an inspection confirms the cavity is clean and dry and that the causes of earlier damp have been dealt with. See our page on refilling the cavity after removal.
How the inspection visit works
- Phone call. We ask about the age and type of house, which walls are affected, when the insulation went in and whether it is registered with CIGA.
- External check. We walk round the outside to look at exposure, brickwork, pointing, rainwater goods and openings.
- Internal readings. Moisture readings are taken across the affected rooms and compared with unaffected walls.
- Borescope survey. Small holes are drilled at selected points and the cavity is examined and photographed.
- Making good. The inspection holes are filled.
- Explanation and report. We talk you through what we found on the day, then send a written report with photos and, if work is needed, a written quote.
Why inspections matter in Liverpool homes
The region has a real mix of construction. Inter-war semis in places like Allerton and West Derby, post-war estates across Huyton and Kirkby, and later estates on the Wirral mostly have brick cavity walls. Many Victorian terraces have solid walls with no cavity, and some houses have been extended in different materials. An inspection confirms what you actually have before any decisions are made. Exposure varies just as much: a sheltered terrace inland behaves very differently from a gable facing the prevailing south-westerly rain.
What affects the cost of an inspection?
The main factors are the size of the house, how many elevations need checking, access to each wall, and whether you need a fuller written report for a sale or claim. Our cost guide explains how pricing for inspection and removal is built up. We do not quote figures without knowing the property.
When to call a professional
Call us before drilling your own holes or pulling out air bricks to look. Poking around without the right equipment rarely shows the full picture and can damage the wall. If the inspection shows extraction is needed, the next step is described on our cavity wall extraction page. Either way, you will get a straight answer from a specialist in professional cavity wall insulation removal.
Book a cavity wall inspection
Call 07777 659786 or leave your details. Tell us where the damp or cold patches are and when the walls were filled, and we will call you back to arrange a borescope visit.
Frequently asked questions
What is a borescope cavity wall inspection?
It is a look inside the wall using a small camera on a probe, passed through holes drilled in the mortar. It shows what insulation is in the cavity, whether it is wet, slumped or patchy, and whether there is rubble or debris. Combined with moisture readings, it shows whether the fill is likely causing any damp.
Does a cavity wall inspection damage the wall?
Only small holes are drilled, usually in the mortar joints, and they are filled once the inspection is complete. The number of holes depends on how many walls we need to check. It is far less intrusive than removing bricks, which only happens if extraction is needed.
Can you tell what type of cavity insulation I have?
Yes, in most cases the borescope makes it clear whether the cavity contains blown mineral wool, polystyrene beads or foam. We also note whether beads look loose or bonded and whether foam has cracked or shrunk. This matters because the type of fill affects how it is removed.
Should I get a cavity inspection before buying a house?
It is worth considering if the house has cavity insulation and you have seen damp, mould or concerns on the survey. Knowing the type and condition of the fill helps you understand any likely work. Arrange it with the seller's permission, as small holes will be drilled.
Will your report support my CIGA claim?
Our report records what we found, with borescope photos and moisture readings, which can be useful evidence. Check with CIGA whether your property is registered and follow their process for claims. We cannot promise how CIGA, an installer or an insurer will respond.
How long does a cavity wall inspection take?
For most houses the visit takes a few hours, depending on the number of walls, access and how many inspection points are needed. We explain the main findings before we leave and follow up with the written report and photos.