What Is an Electrical Thermal Imaging Survey?

An Electrical Thermal Imaging Survey is a non-invasive, non-destructive inspection method that uses infrared (IR) technology to detect potential electrical issues before they become costly or dangerous.

By capturing temperature variations across electrical components, thermal imaging can quickly highlight hidden faults — without interrupting your operations. This makes it one of the most efficient, safe, and cost-effective diagnostic tools for electrical maintenance.

Because it identifies problems before equipment fails, thermal imaging helps reduce repair costs, extend the lifespan of assets, and even uncover opportunities for energy savings.

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What’s Involved in an Electrical Thermal Imaging Survey?

Thermal imaging is widely used across industries to inspect electrical systems of all sizes — from small control panels to large high-voltage installations. By spotting faults early, it prevents breakdowns, equipment replacements, and even potential fire risks.

During an electrical thermal imaging survey, our engineers use high-resolution infrared cameras to examine components such as:

• Busbar systems
• Distribution and fuse boards
• High-voltage systems
• Transformers
• Control panels
• Battery and UPS systems
• Switchgear and switchboards

This process is part of predictive maintenance, allowing facilities to stay ahead of faults and maintain high safety and efficiency standards.

Our inspections follow strict protocols to ensure that any issues flagged are genuine faults requiring investigation — not simply loaded circuits generating temporary heat.

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Common Issues Detected by Thermal Imaging

Thermographic inspections can reveal a wide range of potential failures, including:

• Poor Connections: Early detection of loose or overloaded electrical connections.
• Electrical Leakage: Identification of current leaks before they cause harm or damage.
• Insulator Defects: Ensuring insulation integrity to prevent dangerous arcing or short circuits.
• Internal Fuse Damage: Spotting overheating fuses that could lead to failure.
• Oxidation on High-Voltage Switches: Detecting resistance at connectors before it escalates into a major issue.

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What Our Electrical Inspections Include

Our electrical thermal imaging surveys are thorough and data-driven. Each inspection involves:

• Safe removal of all accessible panels (in line with Permit to Work requirements).
• Individual trend pages for every inspected item — including thermograms, digital images, ambient and measured temperatures, and ΔT (temperature differential).
• Automatic comparison with previous inspections, showing up to four thermograms per item for accurate condition monitoring.
• Graphical trend analysis of temperature data for easy review.

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Detailed Thermal Imaging Fault Reports

Our detailed reports don’t just show where faults exist — they also assess severity and impact using precise calculations.

Each report includes:

• Load-corrected temperature estimates (100% operational load).
• Severity grading based on BS7671 standards.
• Maximum safe operating currents to maintain safe temperature levels.
• Instant digital report generation, sent directly to the client upon completion.

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Why Use a Level 3 Thermography Engineer?

Using a Level 3 Certified Thermographer ensures your inspection meets the highest professional and safety standards. Our Level 3 engineers are trained to develop predictive maintenance programs, write inspection procedures, and interpret severity criteria with precision.

To help clients prepare, we’ve published supporting guides:

• [How We Carry Out Thermal Surveys on Commercial Buildings]
• [Thermal Imaging Inspections for Facilities Management]
• [What Is a BREEAM Thermal Imaging Survey?] — great for projects seeking BREEAM certification points.
• [Thermal Imaging Checklist] — to help you get ready for your survey.

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Professional Thermal Imaging Surveys in London & the South East

At APT Thermography, we use the latest high-resolution thermal imaging cameras to deliver accurate, reliable inspections across London and the South East.

From small commercial sites to large power stations, our experience covers it all — helping clients quickly diagnose and resolve faults through clear, actionable reporting.

We’re proud to provide a proactive, end-to-end service that keeps your building’s electrical systems safe, efficient, and compliant.

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📞 Get in Touch
For more information or to book an Electrical Thermal Imaging Survey, contact us today:
📧 info@aptthermography.net
📞 01525 303905 or 07775 623464

Thermal Imaging Surveys & APT Sound Testing

APT Sound Testing provide UKAS accredited sound testing & Thermal Imaging Surveys for London and the whole of the UK as required by Approved Document E of the Building Regulations. We undertake projects on all types of residential buildings and commercial buildings. We also undertake sound testing on schools and buildings containing rooms for residential purposes.

Thermal Imaging Surveys in London

A thermal Imaging survey is a completely non-invasive method of investigating many aspects of a building that are virtually impossible by any other method.

Thermal Imaging Process

A thermal Imaging survey is an extraordinary method of investigating many aspects of a building that is completely non-invasive.

Thermal Imaging Inspections use IR Thermography to identify a wide range of issues such as:

• Incorrectly applied or inadequate insulation within the building envelope

• Locating air leakage paths into/out of your building

• Moisture infiltration

• Poor moisture barriers

There is no other low impact and accurate way to assess the unseen performance of insulation or the building fabric.

A thermal Imaging Survey can is also ideal for identifying water penetration through roofs or other parts of a building structure, alleviating the need for time consuming water dye tests which are not always accurate.

APT Sound Testing uses the latest Flir Thermal Imaging Cameras for our thermography report generation and as well as utilising the latest software for accurate reportage and trend analysis.

This means or thermal imaging reports can be issued within hours of the survey being completed with recommendations to help our clients deal with every eventuality.

How we Prepare for a Thermographic Survey

What is also important is that there must be no direct or residual solar loading from the sun in the building.

Many companies have their thermal imaging surveys undertaken an hour or so after sunset and this is usually flawed and may lead to inaccurate results. Whilst there may be rate exceptions to this, as a rule, there will be solar load in the building for many hours after sunset.

Therefore, we have learnt to undertake more accurate reportage the thermal imaging surveys should generally be conducted in the early hours of a cold morning, approx.

Two hours before the sun can fall on the building. It is more difficult to undertake conduct these types of heat loss survey during summer months when the ground temperatures and surrounding buildings are at high temperatures for months on end; however, this can be overcome by ramping up internal temperatures within the building and using the latest and more advanced thermal imaging cameras.

In all cases APT Sound Testing will check each project in isolation to ensure the correct site conditions are in place prior to undertaking the thermal imaging survey in compliance with the requirements with BS EN 13187. Building Regulations Part L and this link both offer lots of useful information in regards to Thermography Surveys.

We have years of experience working with a wide range of clients that span both the public and private sectors. We have clients ranging from self-builders through to the largest housing developers. We also work with the health authority and the banking sector on their cleanroom testing. Our clients have benefited from our wealth of knowledge and friendly, proactive service that we provide.

If you need more information on how to prepare your building for a Thermal Imaging Survey please download our air tightness testing checklist. If you would like more information in regards to our, please visit our website or call us Direct on 07775 623464.

Improving Sound Insulation on London Properties

Many of the dwellings in London consist of flats converted from large Victorian houses. Unfortunately at the time of the building conversion, designing for sound insulation was not a high priority and so many of the dwellings suffer from adverse noise transference between the floor and wall partitions. This can be extremely stressful to the occupant’s wellbeing is a major cause for concern.

There are ways to improve the airborne and impact performance by improving the wall/floor partitions ability to reduce the amount of sound transmission from one side of a construction element to the other. By isolating the different materials may not be enough its own and you may need to improve the mass of the partition as well.

Improving Existing Floor Partitions

In our experience of undertaking hundreds of sound tests in London, refurbishment projects usually achieve 30-35dB for airborne sound and 70dB for Impact Sound, if the existing construction has not been acoustically upgraded. These figures do not meet the required 43dB & 64dB as stipulated in Part E of Building Regulations. As sound double every 10dB this is a massive failure and acoustic improvements must be made. Many existing construction consist of a similar construction as shown in as detail 1 below.

Detail 1: Existing Floor Partitions Rated At Approx. 30dB

Acoustic Improvements to Existing Floor Partitions

To reduce airborne and impact sound transmission this usually means adding density and isolation to the floor construction. This can be as simple as adding a drop ceiling consisting of 125mm timber frame. The top of the frame must be a minimum of 25mm below the existing ceiling finish – such as lathe and plaster. Then, to the inside of the timber frame add 100mm of Acoustic Wool and two layers of sound-board tacked to the bottom of the timber frame – all boards to be lapped. This should improve your sound test results by approx. 10-15dB depending on the existing site conditions and quality of the installation.

Improving Existing Wall Partitions

The standard onsite construction for existing internal walls may be a mixture of 100mm masonry with render applied to either side; or, 100mm timber partition with lathe and plaster to either side. Unfortunately neither of these existing wall constructions will have the acoustic properties to pass Part E in their existing state due to lack of mass and poor isolation values.  

Improving Wall Partitions

One way to quick and simple way improve the acoustic performance of a the dividing wall partition, is to install a 70mm metsec partition in front of the existing wall – its usually best to install this in the largest room. Leave approx. 25mm gap between the back of the metsec and the wall. Then install 50mm acoustic wool to the inside of the metsec and add two layers of soundboard to the outside of the metsec frame, ensuring all boards are properly lapped and the perimeter joints are filled with acoustic mastic.

Taking the above into account is it essential that the acoustic design is addressed right from the start of the refurbishment project, so it prevents delays in handover, i.e. to prevent the dwelling failing the sound testing at building control signoff stage – a common problem.

We can also offer acoustic design advice and UKAS sound testing on existing flats to ensure that the building handover is not delayed due to noncompliance with Part E. We can also undertake sample sound testing on projects where clients are worried about existing ‘hybrid’ construction/s to help highlight the existing noise levels so acoustic upgrades – if required) can be quickly targeted and implemented.

If you would like advice on your acoustic design or require sound insulation testing in London, please contact us now on 07775 623464 or contact us at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk.

Thermal Imaging Helps Surveyors Assess Commercial Properties

When investing in a commercial property, whether it’s an office block, retail space, or mixed-use building, it’s vital to uncover hidden issues before you commit. Traditional surveys are essential, but they often can’t see what lies beneath the surface. That’s where thermal imaging comes in.

Thermal imaging surveys use advanced infrared cameras to detect temperature differences in building materials and systems. These subtle variations can reveal problems that the naked eye would miss, helping surveyors provide buyers with a far more accurate picture of a building’s condition.

Here are some of the key ways thermal imaging benefits commercial property buyers:

1. Spotting Hidden Building Issues

Thermal imaging highlights issues like electrical faults, water ingress, and defects in the building envelope, problems that standard inspections might overlook. Detecting these early allows buyers to make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises after purchase.

2. Improving Energy Efficiency

Heat loss through poor insulation or gaps in the building fabric is a common (and expensive) issue. Thermal imaging pinpoints these areas precisely, so targeted repairs can be made. This not only improves comfort but also reduces long-term energy bills—a major consideration for commercial buyers.

3. Enhancing Safety

Overheating electrical components and circuits can be a serious fire risk. Thermal inspections quickly identify these hazards, ensuring they can be repaired before occupation. The technology also reduces the need for intrusive checks in hard-to-reach areas, keeping surveyors safe during inspections.

4. Non-Invasive Inspections

Unlike methods that involve drilling or dismantling parts of the building, thermal imaging is completely non-destructive. Surveyors can carry out detailed checks quickly and efficiently, without damaging the property in any way.

5. Detecting Pests

Rodents and insects often go unnoticed until they’ve caused significant damage. With thermal imaging, surveyors can spot unusual heat signatures behind walls or ceilings that suggest pest activity, helping prevent future health and maintenance issues.

6. Negotiation Power

Knowledge is leverage. A comprehensive thermal imaging report gives buyers hard evidence of hidden defects, strengthening their position in negotiations. Whether requesting repairs or securing a price reduction, this insight can directly save money.

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How Our Thermal Imaging Surveys Work

At APT Sound Testing, we use the latest high-specification thermal cameras to deliver detailed and accurate surveys. Here’s a look at how the process works:

• Infrared Technology – Our cameras detect subtle temperature changes across surfaces, translating them into clear images that highlight areas of concern. We only use large-format, high-resolution FLIR thermal imaging cameras with wide-angle lenses for maximum coverage.
• Comprehensive Scanning – Our Level 3 certified thermographers examine walls, roofs, floors, electrical systems, plumbing, and insulation. This thorough approach ensures that no hidden issues go unnoticed.

Common Issues We Identify

Thermal imaging can uncover hundreds of potential faults. Some of the most common include:

• Water Leaks & Moisture – Detecting damp areas inside walls, ceilings, and floors before visible damage occurs.
• Insulation Gaps – Pinpointing missing or failing insulation to improve energy performance.
• Electrical Overheating – Identifying hot spots in wiring and equipment that could pose fire risks.
• Structural Defects – Highlighting cracks, weak points, and other problems within the building envelope.

Each of these findings can directly impact negotiations, repair plans, and the long-term value of the property.

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Why Choose APT Sound Testing?

When it comes to thermal imaging, expertise and equipment matter. At APT Sound Testing, we go above and beyond industry standards to deliver the most accurate results possible:

• Level 3 Thermographic Certification – The highest accreditation available.
• Level 3 Qualified Electrical Thermographers – Ensuring electrical inspections are carried out to the highest safety standards.
• Large-Format FLIR Cameras – With 45° lenses for wide-area scanning.
• Detailed Reporting – Every survey includes thermal indexing formulas for fault diagnosis, grading, and prioritisation.

Our surveys not only meet but exceed requirements such as BREEAM, giving clients full confidence in their investment.

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Book Your Thermal Imaging Survey

If you’re considering a commercial property purchase, don’t leave hidden issues to chance. Our thermal imaging surveys provide peace of mind, negotiation leverage, and a detailed roadmap for future maintenance and improvements.

📞 Call APT Sound Testing today on 01525 303905 to book your survey or discuss your requirements with one of our experts.

Why Your Building Needs an Air Tightness Test

When it comes to energy efficiency, keeping a building’s air barrier continuous and leak-free is essential. Air tightness testing measures how much air escapes from inside a building to the outside at low pressure. Even small leaks can create cold draughts and dramatically increase energy use.

Why Air Tightness Matters

Up to 50% of a building’s heat can be lost through an unsealed envelope. That means the money you invest in high-performance insulation, premium boilers, or ground-source heat pumps can be wasted if the structure isn’t airtight. A failed air test can also delay handover, adding cost and frustration to any project.

Testing provides a clear air-leakage figure (measured in m³/hr/m²), which is then compared to the limits set by building regulations. This ensures the property meets efficiency standards and gives you a benchmark for improvements.

Building Regulations to Know

Two main UK regulations govern air tightness:

• Part L1A – for new dwellings
• Part L2A – for commercial spaces such as offices and public buildings

Compliance is checked by Building Control and feeds into energy assessments: SAP (domestic) and SBEM (commercial). Both evaluate a building’s carbon footprint, where airtightness plays a major role.

If Your Building Fails the Test

A first-time pass is the goal, but if your property falls short, targeted diagnostics can identify the leaks:

• Commercial Smoke Testing – Pressurising the building while filling it with smoke reveals hidden gaps as smoke escapes. Smaller properties can use handheld “smoke pencils.”
• Thermal Imaging – Infra-red cameras highlight hot and cold spots, showing exactly where air is leaking.

Unlike companies that simply test and walk away, a good testing service will work with you to plan fixes and retest for compliance.

Common Air Leakage Points

Addressing these trouble spots early can prevent failed tests:

• External wall/floor junctions
• Behind fitted kitchen or bathroom units
• Around poorly sealed windows and doors
• Around service penetrations (pipes, cables, vents)
• Through attic hatches or loft doors

Bottom Line

Air tightness testing is more than a regulatory checkbox, it’s key to comfort, lower bills, and a reduced carbon footprint. By planning for airtight construction from the start and working with a proactive testing team, you’ll protect your investment and ensure your building performs as efficiently as possible.

For expert testing or consultancy, visit the Air Pressure Testing website or call 01525 303905.

Thermal Imaging Helps Inspect Commercial Properties

Thermal imaging has become an indispensable tool for surveyors assessing office blocks, retail units, and other commercial buildings. Whether you’re a buyer seeking reassurance or a surveyor conducting due diligence, infrared technology can reveal critical issues long before they become costly surprises.

Why Thermal Imaging Matters for Buyers and Surveyors

Uncover Hidden Defects
Infrared cameras expose problems invisible to the naked eye, such as electrical faults, water leaks, or weaknesses in the building envelope. Early detection means buyers get a clear picture of a property’s true condition before signing on the dotted line.

Boost Energy Efficiency
Heat loss through walls, roofs, or windows shows up instantly on a thermal scan. These insights let buyers plan targeted insulation upgrades and reduce future energy bills.

Enhance Safety
Overheating electrical components and other potential fire risks are easy to spot with thermal imaging. Identifying hazards before occupancy helps protect both people and property, while reducing the need for risky high-level or confined-space inspections.

Non-Invasive Inspection
Unlike traditional methods that involve drilling or removing panels, thermal imaging is entirely non-destructive. Surveyors can inspect large areas quickly without disturbing finishes or disrupting operations.

Spot Pest Activity
Rodents and insects give off heat. Thermal imaging can detect their presence behind walls or under floors, helping prevent damage and health concerns.

Strengthen Negotiation Power
A detailed thermal report provides evidence of defects, giving buyers leverage to request repairs or negotiate a better purchase price.

How a Thermal Imaging Survey Works

Our surveys use high-resolution infrared cameras to capture temperature variations across surfaces. These subtle differences appear as colour-coded images, pinpointing hidden problems.

During an inspection, we typically scan:

• Walls, ceilings, and floors
• Electrical systems and switchgear
• Plumbing and pipework
• Roofs and insulation layers

Common issues revealed include:

• Water leaks and moisture in walls, ceilings, or floors
• Insulation gaps that drive up heating or cooling costs
• Electrical hotspots that pose fire risks or threaten uptime
• Structural defects such as hidden cracks or voids

Why Choose APT Sound Testing

APT Sound Testing delivers thermal imaging surveys that exceed BREEAM requirements. Our credentials include:

• Level 3 thermographic certification (the industry’s highest)
• Level 3 qualified electrical thermographers
• Large-format FLIR cameras with 45-degree lenses for wide, detailed scans
• Comprehensive reports with thermal indexing formulas for fault diagnosis, qualification, and severity grading

Book Your Survey

Considering a commercial property purchase? Let us help you make an informed decision.
Call APT Sound Testing on 01525 303905 to schedule a thermal imaging survey or discuss your requirements.

Premium Thermal Imaging Surveys & APT Sound Testing

When building problems strike, whether it’s a hidden roof leak, failing insulation, or an unexpected electrical fault, you don’t have time to wait. You need immediate answers, and you need them to be accurate. That’s exactly what our Premium Thermal Imaging Service delivers.

Our Level 3 certified thermographers use industry-leading FLIR thermal imaging cameras to provide rapid, reliable diagnostics. Whether it’s an urgent fault or part of a preventative maintenance plan, our surveys give you the clarity you need to act with confidence.

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What is a Thermographic Survey?

A thermographic survey (also known as thermal imaging) uses infrared technology to detect subtle temperature variations across building surfaces. This makes it possible to uncover hidden issues such as:

• Heat loss from missing or damaged insulation
• Moisture ingress and leaks
• Electrical faults and overheating components
• Structural defects invisible to the naked eye

The best part? This method is non-invasive and safe. There’s no need for disruptive inspections or risky work at height. It’s a smarter, faster way to protect your property.

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Why Level 3 Thermographers Make the Difference

Not all thermal imaging providers are equal. Our team is comprised of Level 3 certified thermographers, the highest qualification in the field. This ensures:

• Expert analysis of critical faults
• Practical, actionable recommendations
• Long-term trend analysis for recurring issues
• Advanced insights across electrical, thermal, and structural systems

In other words, we don’t just deliver images — we provide solutions.

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The FLIR Advantage: Industry-Leading Imaging Technology

We exclusively use FLIR thermal imaging cameras, trusted worldwide for their precision and reliability. These high-performance tools offer:

• Ultra-high-resolution imaging to detect the smallest anomalies
• Radiometric data capture for accurate temperature readings
• Advanced features like image enhancement and wireless reporting

Every survey we conduct is backed by clear, detailed results you can rely on.

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Key Benefits of Our Infrared Surveys

✅ Rapid Problem Identification – Immediate diagnostics to support urgent decisions.
💷 Save on Repair Costs – Spot issues early to avoid expensive downtime and damage.
⚡ Improve Safety – Identify overheating electrical components before they fail.
🌱 Boost Energy Efficiency – Resolve insulation gaps and thermal bridging to cut utility bills.
📝 Professional Reports – Easy-to-understand documents with annotated images and recommendations, ideal for facilities management and insurance.

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Why Choose APT Sound Testing?

Here’s what sets us apart from standard thermal imaging providers:

• Expertise – All surveys are carried out by Level 3 thermographers.
• Technology – Only the best-in-class FLIR cameras for maximum accuracy.
• Responsiveness – Fast, last-minute service without cutting corners.
• Customer Focus – We understand that emergencies can’t wait, so we deliver with speed and professionalism.

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Book Your Thermal Imaging Survey Today

Don’t leave hidden faults to chance. Whether you’re dealing with an emergency or planning a preventative check, our Premium Thermal Imaging Service gives you the confidence and clarity you need.

📞 Call us on 01525 303905 / 07775 623464
📧 Email us at info@airpressuretesting.net

APT Sound Testing – safeguarding your building, one thermal image at a time.

UKAS-Accredited Services Across the UK

At APT Sound Testing, we specialise in delivering UKAS-accredited sound and air testing across London and the UK. Whether you’re working on a single dwelling, a block of flats, or a large mixed-use development, our expert engineers ensure your project complies with Approved Document E (Sound Testing) and Approved Document L (Air Tightness Testing) of the Building Regulations.

With one point of contact for both services, we streamline the process, reduce costs, and help you avoid unnecessary delays – giving you a complete compliance solution from start to finish.

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Why Sound Insulation Testing Is Required

Sound insulation testing is a legal requirement for all new residential buildings and conversions. Its purpose is to confirm that separating walls and floors provide sufficient protection against unwanted airborne and impact noise – helping to create comfortable, high-quality living spaces.

The Two Types of Sound Testing

Under Approved Document E, two tests are required:

• Airborne Sound Testing – measures sound transmission through walls and floors (e.g. voices, music, TV).
• Impact Sound Testing – measures noise generated by footsteps, moving furniture, or other physical impacts on floors.

Together, these tests demonstrate whether your construction meets the minimum acoustic performance standards.

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How Many Tests Will You Need?

The number of tests depends on:

• The size of the development
• The number of dwellings
• The types of separating walls and floors used

As a guide:

• Small to medium developments (up to 10 similar units): usually require one “6-pack” of tests (2 airborne wall, 2 airborne floor, 2 impact floor).
• Semi-detached houses: may only need 2 wall tests.

Testing is typically carried out in the main habitable rooms (living room and bedroom) on each side of the separating element. Our engineers will provide a custom test schedule tailored to your site.

Required Performance Levels

To pass, developments must achieve:

New Builds

• Airborne (walls/floors): ≥ 45 dB DnT,w + Ctr
• Impact (floors): ≤ 62 dB LnT,w

Conversions

• Airborne (walls/floors): ≥ 43 dB DnT,w + Ctr
• Impact (floors): ≤ 64 dB LnT,w

If you’re unsure whether your design will pass, we can provide pre-completion acoustic design advice to help you get it right the first time.

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Air Tightness Testing – What You Need to Know

Air tightness (or air leakage) testing measures how much air escapes through unintended gaps or cracks in the building envelope. It’s crucial for energy efficiency, reducing CO₂ emissions, and meeting Building Regulation Part L requirements.

Why It Matters

Buildings with poor air tightness can lose up to 50% of their heat, even if they’re well insulated. This leads to:

• Higher energy bills
• Strain on heating and ventilation systems
• Difficulty achieving compliance
• Risk of project delays

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Legal Requirements

Yes – air tightness testing is mandatory:

• Part L1A: New domestic dwellings
• Part L2A: New non-domestic/commercial buildings

Your building must meet the air permeability target set out in your SAP or SBEM report (measured in m³/hr/m² at 50 Pascals).

How Many Tests Are Needed?

The number is defined by the ATTMA Technical Standards:

• Residential (TS1): 3 of each dwelling type or 50%, whichever is fewer.
• Commercial (TS2): Sample-based, depending on size and type.

If you don’t test enough units, a 2 m³/hr/m² penalty may be applied to all untested plots – making compliance much harder. Many clients therefore choose to test all units for certainty and cost-effectiveness.

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Why UKAS Accreditation Matters

UKAS ensures testing bodies meet internationally recognised standards. By choosing APT Sound Testing, you benefit from:

• Accurate, reliable results
• Reports accepted by Building Control
• Confidence your project stays on schedule

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Who We Work With

Our services cover a wide range of sectors, including:

• Residential new builds and conversions
• Apartments and mixed-use developments
• Commercial offices and retail
• Schools and educational facilities
• Hotels, care homes, and student accommodation

From single plots to large estates, we scale our services to fit your needs.

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Why Choose APT Sound Testing?

✅ UKAS-accredited for both sound and air testing
✅ Nationwide coverage across London and the UK
✅ Fast turnaround – same-day certificates available
✅ Expert acoustic advice to help you pass first time
✅ One contractor for both tests – saving time and money
✅ Experienced, friendly engineers ready to help

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Get in Touch

Planning your next development or nearing completion? Let’s make sure your project passes first time – smoothly, efficiently, and without delay.

📞 Call us on 01525 303905
📧 Or use our contact form to speak with one of our friendly and experienced ‘Sound & Air Testing’ consultants

Planning Noise Surveys: A Practical Guide for Developers

When applying for planning permission, one of the most common hurdles is meeting noise assessment requirements. At APT Sound Testing, we specialise in carrying out planning noise surveys that support applications across a wide range of developments — from residential apartments to industrial sites.

With extensive experience in both BS8233 Noise Assessments (for residential projects) and BS4142 Noise Surveys (for commercial and industrial schemes), we help developers, architects, and planning consultants demonstrate compliance while achieving practical, cost-effective noise control solutions.

Below, we break down the two most common survey types requested by local authorities.

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BS8233 Noise Surveys for Residential Developments

If you’re applying for planning permission for new houses, flats, or hotels, a BS8233 Noise Survey is often required. Local authorities want to know how your development will be affected by, or contribute to, existing noise sources such as:

• Roads, railways, and air traffic
• Industrial activity
• Entertainment venues

We’ve delivered hundreds of BS8233 surveys — from single dwellings to large-scale residential schemes. Our reports provide practical acoustic design advice, helping you create high-quality living environments while satisfying planning requirements.

Why BS8233 surveys matter:

• They ensure compliance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
• They protect future residents with good internal acoustic conditions and external sound mitigation (for example, acoustic fencing for gardens).

👉 If your local authority has asked for a BS8233 Noise Survey, call 01525 303905 or email info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk.

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BS4142 Noise Surveys for Industrial & Commercial Sites

Industrial and commercial noise is a growing concern for planning authorities — particularly where housing sits alongside factories, retail units, or plant machinery. That’s where BS4142 Noise Surveys come in.

You’ll typically need this survey if your project involves:

• New or expanded industrial plants near residential areas
• Redevelopment of brownfield sites
• Installation of plant equipment (e.g., air conditioning, extraction fans, or refrigeration systems)

How we assess BS4142 noise impacts:

1. We measure existing background noise levels (often over 24 hours).
2. We predict or monitor the additional impact of your proposed noise source.
3. Using the BS4142 method, we determine whether the noise is likely to disturb nearby residents.

Our reports include:

• Clear survey findings
• Noise mapping to show the effectiveness of mitigation measures
• Practical recommendations to reduce potential impacts

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Why Choose APT Sound Testing?

We provide more than just noise surveys — we deliver end-to-end acoustic solutions. Our services cover:

• Residential, commercial, and educational buildings
• Pre-completion sound testing and certification
• Acoustic design advice at every stage of your project
• UKAS-accredited air tightness testing, offered as part of combined packages to save you time and costs

With our proactive, experienced team, you’ll get the technical expertise you need alongside a smooth, stress-free process for meeting planning conditions.

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📞 Get in Touch
Need a BS8233 or BS4142 Noise Survey for your development? Call us today on 01525 303905 or email info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk.

BREEAM Thermal Imaging – Ensuring Energy Efficiency & Compliance

At APT Sound Testing, we’ve been carrying out professional BREEAM thermal imaging surveys for over 10 years, helping clients across the UK achieve compliance, identify defects, and improve building performance. Using the latest high-resolution thermal imaging cameras and with all surveyors certified to Level 2 Thermography, we deliver accurate, reliable results every time.

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What is a BREEAM Thermal Imaging Survey?

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is the world’s leading sustainability assessment method for buildings. Both BREEAM New Construction and BREEAM Domestic Refurbishment schemes award credits when a Level 2 certified thermographer carries out a suitable thermal imaging survey.

A BREEAM thermographic survey assesses the external envelope of a building to confirm:

• Continuity of insulation in line with construction drawings.
• Avoidance of thermal bridging, which can cause energy loss.
• Minimisation of air leakage paths through the building fabric.

Because thermal imaging works on temperature differences, a 10ºC temperature differential between inside and outside is required. This allows heat escaping through poorly insulated walls, roofs, or windows to be clearly identified.

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Why is it Important?

A thermal imaging survey provides clear visual and quantitative evidence of a building’s performance. It can help to:

• Identify insulation defects and air leakage.
• Detect moisture ingress, condensation, and mould risk.
• Verify compliance with Building Regulations Part L and sustainability assessments.
• Demonstrate construction quality assurance on new builds.
• Highlight opportunities for energy efficiency improvements, reducing both energy bills and CO₂ emissions.

If anomalies are detected, our surveyors investigate potential causes and provide practical guidance on remedial works to help you achieve BREEAM credits.

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Non-Invasive & Highly Accurate

One of the key benefits of thermal imaging surveys is that they are completely non-invasive and non-destructive. No physical damage is caused to the building fabric, yet the results provide powerful insight into performance.

At APT Sound Testing, we use the most advanced thermography equipment available, capable of detecting faults that lower-grade systems might miss. Our professional reports are clear, detailed, and typically issued within 24 hours of the survey.

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Applications of Thermal Imaging Surveys

We offer BREEAM-compliant thermographic surveys across multiple sectors, including:

• Building envelope thermal surveys (insulation and airtightness checks).
• Flat roof condition surveys (detecting trapped moisture or leaks).
• Data centre thermal surveys (identifying hotspots and inefficiencies).
• Mechanical & electrical installations (overheating or load imbalance).
• Underfloor heating inspections (performance verification).

Whether for commercial developments or domestic projects, our surveys are tailored to meet your exact requirements.

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Additional Pre-Completion Testing

Alongside BREEAM thermal imaging surveys, we also provide:

• Air tightness testing (Building Regulations Part L).
• Sound testing (Building Regulations Part E).
• Planning noise surveys (BS8233 & BS4142).
• Server room integrity testing.

This means we can deliver a turnkey compliance package, simplifying the process for developers, contractors, and building owners.

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Why Choose APT Sound Testing?

✅ Over 10 years’ experience delivering BREEAM thermal imaging surveys.
✅ All surveyors are Level 2 Certified Thermographers.
✅ Industry-leading high-resolution equipment.
✅ Fast turnaround – reports usually within 24 hours.
✅ Friendly, expert support from our acoustic and airtightness consultants.
✅ Ongoing client-focused service that ensures long-term value.

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Book Your BREEAM Thermal Imaging Survey

A thermographic inspection can be carried out once the building envelope is complete and the heating is operational. To get started, all we need are:

• Floor plans
• Elevation drawings
• Building location

We’ll then provide a competitive quotation and send you our pre-survey checklist to help you prepare.

📞 Call APT Sound Testing today on 01525 303905 or use our online contact form to discuss your requirements with one of our experienced consultants.