We probably all agree that saving energy is something we all should do. We’ve also been told that cavity wall insulation is one of the best energy saving improvements that we can undertaken. However, homeowners are sometimes concerned as to whether or not to get the cavity walls insulated.
Cavity wall insulation is the only energy efficiency improvement that the householder cannot see once it has been done. So you’re completely in the hands of the company that is carrying out the work for you.
There are some things you should know so you are confident that cavity wall insulation will be suitable for your home.
Firstly what is a cavity wall?
Most properties built after 1930’s are built with cavity walls. It’s a process of building an outer wall separated by a gap (the cavity) and an inner wall. The two walls are tied together with wall ties. The reason why cavities were brought in was to separate the two walls, as the older solid wall properties could sometimes transmit damp across the walls because it was one continuous mass. So with a cavity wall, if moisture did penetrate the outer wall it would not transmit to the inner wall. By insulating the cavities with special water repellent insulation, the two walls are still not connected and you get the added benefit of insulating the property.
The majority of properties built after 1930 are suitable Rendering Companies Manchester but you must have a survey done to check it for suitability. Make sure that your survey provides you with all the following information.
The property must be of standard construction with the two walls built of one of these 3 types.
Brick and brick
Brick and block
Block and block (these houses usually have a rendered finish).
These house types are not suitable for cavity wall insulation:
Concrete houses
Steel framed houses
Timber framed
System built houses
The cavity must a minimum of 50mm.
There is no full fill, or partial fill insulation already present in the cavities.
The cavity must be clean. A boroscope inspection of the cavity will provide this information.
There must be no building defects that may affect the effectiveness of the installation.
There must be no evidence of rising damp or penetrating damp. Black mould on walls is often mistaken for penetration damp. This problem is caused by moisture landing on cold walls and cavity wall insulation may help to alleviate this. Your survey should identify what type of damp you have.
There are no access issues that will prevent the property from being properly insulated.
If the survey confirms that the property is suitable then you can safely proceed with having the work done. All the work will be covered by a 25 year CIGA guarantee. CIGA (Cavity Wall Insulation Grants Agency) is the independent agency that supports the guarantees. With government grants available for insulation, there are surveying agencies that can provide free surveys and independently recommend the best system and company to undertake the work for you.
