Written by: Energy Efficient You
Published: 9th September 2024
Cavity wall insulation is a great way of improving the energy efficiency of your home, reducing heat loss and lowering your energy bills. With the rising costs of energy bills, it should be a priority for all homeowners to look into effective ways to improve their energy usage, and cavity wall insulation can play a massive part in preventing heat from escaping through the walls of your home.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about cavity wall insulation, including how it works, how much it costs, and why so many people are choosing to insulate their homes to save money. Whether you’re looking to save on your energy bills, or want to make an eco-friendly upgrade to your home, this article will help you know if cavity wall insulation is the right choice for you.
First, it’s important to understand what a cavity wall is, and where they can be found in your home.
A cavity wall is a type of wall construction that consists of two separate walls with a gap, or ‘cavity’, between them. These two walls are typically made of brick or block, and they are connected by metal ties.
The outer wall (facing the outside of the building) protects the house from external elements, while the inner wall helps to support the structure.
Cavity walls became common in houses built after the 1920s in the UK and other countries, replacing solid wall construction. The gap was originally designed to prevent water penetration, with the goal of keeping moisture out of the interor walls of the home, and improving the building’s resistance to dampness. The cavity also created a barrier that reduced the heat loss from the inside of the house to the outside.
While they provide some insulation on their own, the introduction of cavity wall insulation now allows homeowners to keep their homes warmer by filling the gap with insulating material.
Cavity wall insulation is a type of insulation that fills the gap between the internal and external wall. By insulating this gap, heat transfer through the walls is reduced considerably, which helps keep the home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Cavity wall insulation is typically made from foam or polystyrene, which fills the gap between the walls, and creates a solid barrier to prevent heat loss.
On average, cavity wall insulation can reduce the amount of heat lost through the walls of a building by up to 30%. By reducing the amount of heat that escapes through the walls, it can lead to significant savings on energy bills and lower carbon emissions, making it an environmentally friendly option as well.
Cavity wall insulation has been a popular choice throughout the UK for decades, due to its many benefits. We’ve highlighted a few of the main ones here.
Cavity wall insulation works by filling the gap between the interior and exterior wall with foam insulation, with the goal of reducing heat transfer between walls.
The foam is injected through a pipe into the walls, through small holes drilled into the exterior wall. The foam insulation then expands, filling the entire space between the two walls, creating a barrier that reduces the flow of heat from the inside to the outside.
The insulation foam works by trapping air within its tight structure. As air is a poor conductor of heat, the insulation prevents a significant amount of heat that can pass through the barrier it has created. This is why cavity wall insulation works in the winter and the summer, as it stops heat entering and exiting.
Once the insulation material has been injected and the gap is filled, the small holes are then filled with concrete to seal the insulation inside, and to ensure it matches the exterior wall’s appearance. The process is normally a quick one, taking just a few hours for the average sized home.
There are a few factors that contribute to the cost of cavity wall insulation in the UK, such as:
The average cost of cavity wall insulation in the UK is between £300-£700, depending on the size of your home.
While the initial cost of cavity wall insulation may seem high, it is important to consider the long-term savings. Homeowners can save between £100 to £275 per year on their heating bills, depending on the size of their home and energy usage. This means that the cost of insulation can be recouped within just a few years, making it a cost-effective investment.
However, you could be eligible for free cavity wall insulation under the Great British Insulation Scheme. This scheme is backed by the UK government, to make energy-efficient homes more accessible to the average homeowner.
To check if you are eligible, fill out the form below and a member of our team will be in touch!
Cavity wall insulation is designed to be a long term solution to heat loss in your home, meaning that it should last a long time before needing repairs or removals. When installed correctly, cavity wall insulation should last for at least 25 years, and often lasts much longer.
There are a few factors that can influence how long cavity wall insulation lasts for, such as the installation quality, moisture and damp around the property, condition of the walls and the average weather conditions of the area.
Here are some things to look out for if you’re worried about needing cavity wall insulation replacements:
Yes, cavity wall insulation can be removed, but the process is lengthy and complex. Cavity wall insulation is designed to be a long term solution, and often never needs removing, but there are certain situations where removal may be necessary, such as insulation or property damage.
Removing cavity wall insulation is best handled by the professionals. They have the required equipment and expertise to ensure the removal is done efficiently and safely. Improper removal can lead to further damage to your property.
The cost to remove cavity wall insulation is typically rather expensive, often comparable or exceeding the cost of installation, due to the complex nature of the removal.
While cavity wall insulation can be removed, it is usually considered a last resort. If you are experiencing issues with your current insulation, consult with a professional to determine the best course of action and ensure any problems are properly addressed before making decisions about removal or replacement.
Yes, cavity wall insulation is generally considered safe when installed by professionals and monitored for issues. Like any home improvement, there are always some considerations to ensure safety:
Cavity wall insulation can be a highly effecting investment for many homeowners in the UK looking to improve the energy efficiency of their home. Cavity wall insulation has several benefits, such as:
There are also things to consider before deciding whether cavity wall insulation is the right choice for you, such as:
To ensure that cavity wall insulation is effective and worthwhile, it’s crucial to have it installed by a reputable professional. Proper installation addresses any potential issues and maximises the benefits. In conclusion, cavity wall insulation is often worth the investment for most homeowners. It offers substantial financial savings, improves comfort, supports environmental sustainability, and can enhance property value.
You may also be eligible for free cavity wall insulation if you meet the requirements for The Great British Insulation Scheme. Check your eligibility for free down below!
Apply for a cavity wall insulation grant today by filling out our quick eligibility form below. Once you have filled out the form, a member of our team will be in touch with you to discuss the next steps.
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