Cavity Wall Insulation
Approximately 35% of all heat loss from UK homes is due to uninsulated external walls.
If your home was built after the 1930s, it likely has external walls made of two 'skins' with a small gap between them. These are known as 'cavity walls', and the gap can be filled with insulating material to prevent heat from escaping.
A cavity wall can be insulated by injecting insulating beads into the wall cavity. This insulation significantly reduces heat transfer, thereby lowering your heating costs.
To determine your wall type, you can examine the brick pattern:
- If the bricks have a uniform pattern and are laid lengthwise, the wall is likely to have a cavity.
- If some bricks are laid with the square end facing outwards, or if the wall is made of stone, it is likely to be solid.
Homes built within the last 25 years are likely already insulated or partially insulated. A surveyor can verify this through a borescope inspection.
Benefits and Important Information:
- Insulating cavity walls can save between £145-£480 annually on your fuel bills, depending on the size of the property (based on figures from the Energy Saving Trust, assuming a gas-heated home ranging from a flat to a detached house).
- The insulation process typically involves drilling into the walls from the outside and filling them, which minimizes disruption and mess. This can be completed within a few hours.
- Grant funding is available to cover the full cost of installation, subject to qualifying criteria.