Cavity wall insulation can be a game changer for homeowners who want to reduce their energy bills and improve their homes’ comfort. However, how would you know if your cavity walls are already insulated? This is one of the most often asked questions by many homeowners, especially when making their homes more energy efficient or moving into a new property. Let’s break down the different ways to check the benefits of ensuring your home is well-insulated.
What Are Cavity Walls?
First, it’s helpful to know what a cavity wall is. Cavity walls were introduced in the early 20th century as two layers—or, rather, leaves of brickwork or concrete block with a gap between them. The gap was initially installed primarily to prevent moisture from penetrating through the walls into the home. In recent years, however, the same gap has also been used to house some insulation materials, further improving energy efficiency.
Why Is Cavity Wall Insulation Important?
A house loses its heat from inside out from its walls. The amount of heat lost is considerably reduced when insulating cavity walls. Among the benefits of this process are:
- Save Money on Energy Bills: The insulation retains warmth within the house, meaning you’ll use your heating system less.
- Increased comfort: A very well-insulated house can hold in the warmth much more appropriately, making it easier to maintain a suitable temperature regardless of the seasons.
- Environmental Impact: Lower energy use for heating also lowers your carbon footprint.
- Prevention from dampness: The barrier provided by the layer of insulation prevents dampness and moisture from entering the house.
How Can You Tell If Your Cavity Walls Are Insulated?
There are several ways to check if your cavity walls are insulated. Some are simple and can be done by homeowners themselves, while others might require a professional survey.
Check Your Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
If you recently purchased your home, you have been given an EPC. An EPC is a report that shows a rating of your home’s energy efficiency and should confirm the presence of cavity wall insulation within it. Many EPCs will actually provide a specific field marked “walls,” noting whether the walls are insulated and indicating suggestions for improvement.
Obtaining an EPC certificate should not cost more than £100.
Look for Drill Marks on the Exterior Walls
One of the giveaway indicators that cavity wall insulation has been installed is small holes in your home’s exterior. The holes result from drilling when the insulation is pumped into the cavity. In most cases, they are done at spacings that are regular and central, but the holes are usually filled with mortar that matches the rest of the wall. You might find, however, over time a very subtle difference in texture or colour.
Contact a Professional Insulation Company
If you are not sure or can’t find clear proof of insulation, then the best solution is to contact a professional insulation company. They can undertake an in-depth survey using specialist equipment, such as borescopes, which allow them to see inside the cavity without causing any damage to your walls. This survey will give you a definite answer as to whether your walls are insulated and, if not, how they should be installed.
Check Building Age and Construction Type
An older home or a home with an older construction type may give some evidence about whether or not it might be cavity-insulated. For instance, most houses built after the year 1990 are more likely to have cavity wall insulation since this is now the standard for new builds from that date onwards. This is less certain if your home was built between the 1920s and 1990s, and therefore an inspection is recommended. Homes constructed before the 1920s will almost certainly not have cavity walls, as it was during this time that solid wall construction was more common.
Observe Changes in Your Home’s Temperature and Energy Use
If your home retains heat well and you have noted relatively low heating bills, you likely have cavity wall insulation. Insulated homes tend to stay warmer during winter and cooler during summer, hence feeling more constant indoors than the rest of the house. Conversely, if your home feels draughty or hard to warm up, this could be a sign that your walls are not insulated.
What If Your Cavity Walls Aren’t Insulated?
If your cavity walls lack insulation, it may be time to get it installed. The installation is quite simple and might take one whole day if your house is big enough. The technician will drill tiny holes in the exterior walls and inject insulation material into the cavity. Then, he will fill in the holes with mortar.
Types of Cavity Wall Insulation
There are various materials used for cavity wall insulation, each with its advantages:
- Mineral Wool: A common choice, mineral wool is effective at trapping heat and also acts as a fire barrier.
- Polystyrene Beads: These are injected into the cavity and bond together, providing excellent thermal insulation.
- Foam Insulation: Expanding foam insulation is used in some cases, particularly for homes with irregular cavity spaces – currently not recommended
What Are the Potential Issues?
Whereas cavity wall insulation has plenty of advantages, there are a couple of disadvantages to take care of. For instance, should your home be located in an area prone to wind-driven rain, this poorly installed insulation could allow moisture entry into your home. As such, it’s also crucial that walls are structurally sound and free of existing cracks or dampness before installing the insulating material.
If you still have doubts about whether your walls are insulated, try out the methods mentioned above. And if there’s anything you are not sure about, then it’s best to get advice.
And Cavitech is here to help, give us a call at 01903 331 578, and we can advise!