Damp and mould remain one of the most persistent issues in UK housing. They affect tenant health, damage buildings, and cost landlords millions each year. Thermal imaging is now one of the most effective ways to find hidden problems early and tackle them before they escalate. Chris Woods, Account Manager at IRT Surveys, part of the Mears Group, explains how thermal imaging surveys can help.
The scale of the challenge
Everyone should have a safe, warm and decent home, yet damp and mould continue to affect a significant proportion of the housing stock. Estimates vary from 4% to 27% of homes in England. Even at the lowest end, that’s close to a million properties with issues that can harm health and weaken a building’s structure.
For housing associations, local authorities and private landlords, understanding both the causes and the health risks is essential. It’s also a compliance issue. Landlords must meet the Decent Homes Standard and demonstrate that repairs and maintenance are delivered promptly and effectively.
Proactive management helps providers protect homes, reduce costs and stay compliant. Failing to do so puts tenants’ health at risk, undermines confidence in housing providers, and exposes landlords to potential fines.
Prevention starts with good data
Historically, damp and mould were handled reactively: tenants reported problems, inspectors assessed them, and repairs were arranged. This approach is no longer sufficient. Awaab’s Law and tighter regulatory oversight require landlords to step in early, act quickly, and show evidence that they have control over property conditions.
A preventative, data-driven strategy is now essential. Landlords and housing providers should prioritise understanding the condition of their stock through regular inspections, improved ventilation, energy efficiency upgrades, and early identification of structural deficiencies.
According to the Regulator of Social Housing, landlords who manage damp and mould most effectively are those with strong, up-to-date data about their stock. It helps them identify risk, target resources and step in before issues become unsafe or expensive. In an environment of rising repair costs and tougher compliance standards, good data is one of the strongest tools available.
Why hidden issues are a challenge
Many signs of damp and mould only appear once the problem is established. Staining, peeling paint and musty smells usually indicate that moisture has already taken hold. At that stage, repairs tend to be more invasive, more costly and more disruptive.
To get ahead of this, many landlords are turning to specialist diagnostic tools. Thermal imaging is one of the most reliable ways to detect early-stage issues that can’t be seen during a visual inspection.
How thermal imaging works
Infrared technology captures temperature variations across surfaces inside a property. These patterns often reveal underlying moisture, insulation gaps or water ingress long before any visible signs appear. When carried out by trained surveyors, the images and temperature data build a detailed picture of where the property is losing heat, where moisture is present, and where structural weaknesses may be developing.
The result is a clear, visual report that helps housing providers prioritise repairs with confidence. It also creates a strong evidence base for compliance, demonstrating that properties are being monitored and maintained to an appropriate standard.
Taking targeted action
Thermal imaging is particularly effective at identifying hidden damp, leaks, and cold spots that can lead to mould growth. It can reveal moisture trapped behind walls or ceilings, water ingress through damaged roofs, gutters, or pipes, and areas where poor insulation causes condensation.
By pinpointing the exact source and extent of an issue, housing associations, local authorities and private landlords can take targeted, effective action. This precision allows maintenance teams to focus resources where they are needed most, reducing ongoing costs from repeat maintenance visits and preventing the same issues from returning.
Because thermal imaging is non-invasive, surveys can be carried out quickly and safely while tenants remain in their homes. The technology requires no drilling or dismantling, making it both efficient and tenant friendly.
For housing providers managing large and diverse property portfolios, the ability to survey at scale is another major advantage. Combining thermal imaging with data analytics enables better asset management, prioritised maintenance, and evidence-based investment decisions – all contributing to safer, healthier housing.
A safer, more efficient approach to damp and mould
Thermal imaging gives landlords a practical and reliable way to identify and resolve the root causes of damp and mould. When built into a wider asset management strategy, it reduces avoidable costs, prevents repeat failures, and supports stronger regulatory compliance. Most importantly, it helps ensure tenants live in healthier, safer homes.
IRT Surveys is part of the Mears Group. For more information, visit https://irtsurveys.co.uk/