Insulation firm invests in drone technology

Leyland-based Cavity Extraction has invested £50,000 in drone technology to help it identify inefficient cavity wall insulation.

The drones use thermal imaging technology to identify potential heat loss in homes and buildings.

Able to canvas an entire street at one time, the technology is ten times faster, and up to 75 per cent more cost effective than traditional methods.  

Due to its ability to survey homes on a mass scale, the company can serve housing associations and property developers, who will benefit from the reduced carbon footprint it facilitates, in addition to the time and cost savings.

Damian Mercer, director of Cavity Extraction, said: "We are delighted to have enhanced our services with our new drone technology which offers unparalleled precision, speed and cost effectiveness, making it the go-to first step in identifying any damp or insulation issues within a home.  

“It really comes into its own when canvassing banks of houses, providing a safer and simpler solution than traditional methods, removing the need for scaffolding and workmen when first assessing a building, and providing the added bonus that no physical access to the property is required.

“The accurate data provided from one of our drone surveys would enable a housing association or property owner to see exactly where a property is losing heat, effectively ruling in or out damp and/or poor cavity insulation, and enabling them to make an informed decision as to what to do next.”  

In addition to thermal imaging the drone is able to create 3D models, providing data for dilapidation surveys, compliance checks and it’s all geo-fixed meaning it cannot be altered or brought into question.