Cavity wall insulation (CWI) helps reduce heating bills and keep homes warmer for longer. However, it’s not a DIY job and should only be done by an approved installer.
It can also help those on lower incomes by paying for itself in just a few years. It also cuts energy usage so the environment benefits too.
- Polystyrene Beads
Cavity wall insulation is a popular way to make your home more energy efficient and reduce your energy bills. It works by preventing heat loss through the walls of your house, ensuring that the inner plastered and decorated part of your home is kept warmer. It also helps to prevent dampness, which can be a major problem in older properties.
There are several different types of cavity wall insulation, from polystyrene beads to mineral wool. In most cases, a specialist approved contractor will inject one of these materials into your cavity walls through small holes in the outer bricks. This is a more environmentally friendly method than older types of insulation, such as urea formaldehyde foam, which may release toxic fumes after a period of time.
Before the insulation is installed, the gap in your walls will be inspected to ensure that there are no problems that could impact its effectiveness. It should then be filled with the chosen material, which is then sealed into place with the help of a specialist contractor. If done correctly, your new insulation should last for the lifetime of your property and you will be able to benefit from savings on your energy bills.
- Glass Wool
Cavity wall insulation prevents heat from escaping your home and can save you up to PS400 a year on energy bills. It is also a great way to improve the appearance of your house and increase its selling price.
Depending on the type of house, you have many different options available to you. These include Polystyrene beads (white, grey or black granules) which cost from PS18 – PS22 per m2, mineral fibres which are made from rock and are fitted into the cavity via a sheet of plaster, cellulose which is pumped into the cavity and can be sprayed on, or Urea Formaldehyde Foam which expands to fill the cavity.
Before you begin the installation process, it is best to get your property surveyed by an insulation specialist. This survey is usually bundled with the rest of the cavity wall insulation cost and costs around PS75. It will tell you if your walls are suitable for insulation, a rough estimate of how much it will cost to install and which material is the best for your home.
- Urea Formaldehyde Foam
Urea formaldehyde foam used to be the standard when it comes to cavity wall insulation, but it has been discontinued because it breaks down over time and releases urea formaldehyde into the home. This is toxic and can cause health problems. This type of insulation should be removed if it is currently present in your home.
It is not uncommon for some of the more modern forms of insulation to have problems with moisture ingress. This may be because of poor building maintenance or weather conditions, but it is a problem that can be addressed.
The best way to deal with it is by removing the insulation and replacing it with a different product, such as mineral wool or polystyrene beads. The installers will have the equipment to extract the old insulation and should be accredited by a scheme such as the Energy Saving Trust. They should also offer a warranty on their work. This will give you peace of mind that they will be able to rectify any issues with your new insulation.
- Rock Wool
Rock wool is a semi-rigid full fill insulation solution for masonry cavity wall constructions such as home extensions. It is a non-combustible product with a Euroclass A1 fire rating, which makes it very safe for use in your home. It is also water repellent and vapour permeable, meaning it can breathe and prevent dampness issues in your walls.
This makes it ideal for use behind and around electrical wires, pipes and other obstructions in your walls. It is also very easy to handle and install due to its light weight and close fit, making it a great option if you are looking for an effective and affordable form of insulation.
Cavity wall insulation is one of the best and most cost-effective ways to reduce your energy bills. In addition to keeping heat in your home and preventing drafts, it can help you save on ongoing heating costs and improve your environmental impact. By requesting quotes from specialised insulation companies, you can ensure that your cavity walls are properly diagnosed and filled with the right material for your house.