A common question we get people ask is ‘How do I know if I have Cavity Wall Insulation?’. Most homes built following the 1920s will have been built with cavity wall insulation installed. The exterior brickwork is usually the best indicator in finding out if you have a cavity wall in your property.
A cavity wall can generally be recognised as it has a regular brick pattern in which the bricks are fitted in a break bonded pattern lengthways. This will show the entire length of the brick. The bricks will be installed this way in order to fit cavity wall insulation in-between the internal and external walls.
A solid wall will generally have bricks laid both lengthways and widthways in an even staggered pattern. This would mean that there has not been a space left for insulation, therefore is a solid wall constructed of bricks only.
If the brick work has been gone through the process of rendering, you can also find out if you have cavity wall insulation by measuring the width of the wall. You can do this by using a window or door and a tape measure to measure the distance between the outside wall and the inside wall. If the distance is over 260mm, then it is likely cavity insulation has been installed in between the inside and outside wall.
Another option would be to ask a registered installer for an inspection. During this inspection a small hole will be drilled into the external wall to see whether the wall is filled with insulation or is hollow. If required, once the inspection has been done your installer will be able to produce a guaranteed certificate should you need it.
The above should answer the question ‘How do I know if I have Cavity Wall Insulation?’, however we have provided more in depth information about cavity insulation below:
Do I need cavity wall insulation?
Cavity wall insulation is a great way to save energy and retain heat in your property. People often opt for cavity wall insulation when there is a lack of temperature control resulting in heat escaping and entering and draughts throughout the property.
On our website you can find a wide range of cavity wall insulation products. This includes products such as Celotex Cavity Wall Boards.
If your property has solid walls as opposed to cavity walls, the property may need to be insulation from the inside. Internal wall insulation requires stripping the wall back to brick and redecorating which can be expensive and a lot of work. It is recommended to install internal insulation when redecorating, this way the insulation can be installed one room at a time without disrupting the entire property.
What does Cavity Wall Insulation do?
Cavity wall insulation significantly reduces heat from escaping a building by slowing down the rate in which heat passes through it, in other words, minimising heat transfer. This also means less heat entering the property. In addition to this, it will create a more comfortable environment which keeps heat out in the summer and heat in during the winter months.
By managing heat loss better, you can save up to 30% on your monthly energy bills. This also results in a much more energy efficient property by reducing the contribution to global warming.
What are the benefits of Cavity Wall Insulation?
- Cavity wall insulation is designed to last for the entire life span of the building.
- When installed correctly it should never need replacing.
- Reduced heat loss levels will save you money on monthly bills
- Warmer winters and coolers summer will mean a more comfortable living or working space.
- When installed correctly insulation can reduce airflow and cold spots therefore reducing risk of condensation developing or growing which in turn prevents mould.
- Dependant on the product, insulation can provide a level of fire protection and delay the spread of fire between rooms and buildings.
