What is cavity wall insulation?

Cavity walls are made of two layers with a small gap or ‘cavity’ between them which traps a layer of warm air between the bricks. By insulating the cavity you reduce the heat lost through your walls, which helps to keep your home warm. 

 

The installation is a simple process, carried out by insulation experts, which could help you use less energy to heat your home and, therefore, reduce your heating bills.

 

How the insulation works

Cavity wall insulation works by injecting insulation material into the cavity between the walls of your home. The insulation then acts as a blanket to help stop heat escaping through the walls of your home. 

 

This insulation is suitable for most homes built between the 1930s and the 1980s, is maintenance-free and comes with a 25-year guarantee from the Cavity Insulation Guarantee Agency (CIGA).

 

Wall insulation acts as a blanket that prevents heat from escaping through the walls of your home. It can also help to stop your home getting too hot in the summer.

The type of wall insulation you’ll need depends on whether your home has cavity or solid walls. Both types should be installed by a professional installer. If you home doesn't have cavity walls then you can read about external solid wall insulation and internal wall insulation - all available with Green Deal Upgrade.

 

What is the insulation made of?

The insulation can be made out of three types of materials:

• mineral wool

• beads or granules

•  foamed insulants.

 

All three are manufactured according to British standards. Foam insulation systems should be certified by the British Board of Agreement and installed according to strict guidance laid out in the associated BBA Certificates.

 

Benefits of cavity wall insulation

• Installing cavity wall insulation can help reduce your energy bills

Installing cavity wall insulation and loft insulation are considered among some of the most effective energy efficient measures available to today’s homeowners. This means that you save money on your fuel bills – the Energy Saving Trust (EST) estimate that you can save up to £110 per year by installing Green Deal cavity wall insulation.

 

•  Installing cavity wall insulation will help preserve the environment

Over 35 % of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions, the main greenhouse gas which causes climate change, comes from everyday things in your home. Therefore, another benefit of insulation is that it will cut down your carbon emissions. According to the EST, installing cavity wall insulation can save 560kg of CO2 per year.

 

• Installing cavity wall insulation can reduce condensation

There is always some moisture in the air, even if you cannot see it. When warm, moist air hits a colder surface such as the windows or walls, beads of condensation are formed, which can cause serious damp problems. Insulation is your cavity walls reduces condensation as the interior wall is warmer than that of an un-insulated cavity wall. One thing to note is that you must not block permanent vents when installing cavity wall insulation.

 

•  Installing cavity wall insulation can increase your home’s value

Having your insulation professionally installed will immediately impact the value of your home. It’s a good choice of home improvement and you will also be prepared if ever you want to sell your home and need to provide an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

 

• The costs of installing Green Deal cavity wall insulation

Having a professional come to your home to install the insulation will cost you around £550. However, one of the benefits of installing cavity wall insulation is that you may be able to apply for a Green Deal cavity wall insulation grant. To find out whether you are eligible for a grant towards the cost of installing the insulation, contact your local council or us here at Green Deal Upgrade. Cavity wall insulation needs to be installed by a professional, so make sure you hire someone who is qualified and has valid Public Liability insurance.

 

Is your home suitable?

Your home will usually be suitable for if:

•  its external walls are unfilled cavity walls,

•  your cavity is at least 50mm wide,

•  the masonry or brickwork of your property is in good condition,

• It is more than ten years old (most newer houses will have insulation already), and

• the walls are not exposed to driving rain.

 

Are your cavity walls unfilled?

If your house was built in the last ten years or so, its walls are probably insulated already. To find out whether they are:

 

•  Ask a registered installer for a boroscope inspection. They will drill a small hole in your external wall to see if your walls are hollow or filled.

 

• Check with your local authority’s building control department – they might know if your cavity walls have been filled already.

 

The cost and savings

You could save up to £140 a year on your heating bills by insulating cavity walls.

Every home is different but after installing Green Deal Cavity Wall Insulation you’ll certainly notice a difference – both in the temperature of your home and in your energy bills.

 

Contact us!

Call 01157012030 or fill in the form to the right for more info about  Green Deal loft insulation, and advice on what is best for you and your property.