Thinking about adding insulation to your home? If you’re unsure which type of insulation to choose, cavity wall insulation may be a great option for you. It saves money on bills by keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer. But cavity wall insulation also has some pros and cons. Caity’s wall insulation works very well, but if insulation is not fixed properly, it can cause many problems. In this article, we give you detailed information about cavity wall insulation. Scroll down the article to see the cavity wall insulation pros and cons, and their solutions.
If you want cavity wall insulation, you can apply for a cavity wall insulation government grant in the UK through S6Energy.
An installer is filling UK home cavity walls with insulation
What Is Cavity Wall Insulation?
Cavity wall insulation is the process of putting special insulating material into the empty space between the inner and outer walls of a UK house. This empty space is called the cavity. Without insulation, and without insulation, it lets heat escape in winter and makes the home hotter in summer. The wall insulation keeps more heat inside during cold weather and blocks extra heat during hot weather.
This makes your home more comfortable, lowers energy bills, and also helps reduce outside noise. It is a simple and effective way to save energy. Many UK homes built after 1920 have cavity walls. With proper installation, cavity wall insulation can last for many years while improving comfort and saving money.
Pros and cons of cavity wall insulation
Cavity wall insulation from the inside has pros and cons. It can save energy and money, but if not installed properly, it may cause dampness and other issues.
Here are the cavity wall insulation pros and cons:
Pros of cavity wall insulation
1)Better Energy Efficiency:
Cavity wall insulation stops heat from escaping through your walls. This means your heating system does not have to work too hard.
In winter, your rooms stay warmer for longer, and in summer, less heat comes inside, so the house feels cooler. This simple step makes your home more energy efficient.
It also helps the environment by reducing energy waste.
2)Protect Brickwork:
Cavity wall insulation helps keep your house walls safe.
Without it, rainwater can pass through the outside wall and cause damp inside.
The insulation adds a layer of safety in the gap between the walls.
This stops damp patches from forming in rooms.
3)Quick Installation:
Cavity wall insulation is quicker than many other insulation methods. It takes less time, often just a few hours, for UK homes. This makes it an easy and effective way to improve comfort.
4)Noise Reduction:
Cavity insulation does more than save energy. It also blocks outside sounds from coming into your home. If you live near traffic or noisy areas, it helps reduce the noise. This makes your home quieter and more peaceful.
5)Cost-Effective Choice:
Cavity wall insulation is one of the cheapest ways to save energy in a house. It costs much less compared to solid wall insulation or external wall insulation. It gives big savings on energy bills. In the UK, government grants are also available through companies like S6 Energy, making it even more affordable.
6)Long-Lasting Solution:
Cavity wall insulation stays effective for a very long time.
When installed correctly, it can last 25 years or more. It does not need extra care or replacement often. This means you pay once and enjoy the benefits for many years.
7) Increases Home Value: Houses with cavity wall insulation are more attractive to buyers. People prefer homes that are already energy efficient because they save them money. Energy efficiency ratings are often checked by buyers before purchasing a property. Having insulation can increase your home’s value and make it easier to sell in the future.
Cons of cavity wall insulation:
1) Incorrect Installation:
If cavity wall insulation is not done properly, it becomes a cavity wall insulation problem. Poorly filled gaps, wrong material, or unskilled workers can leave empty spaces inside the wall. These gaps cause heat loss instead of saving energy.
2) Damp Problem:
One of the most common problems with cavity walls is dampness. If the insulation inside the wall gets wet from heavy rain or leaking pipes, the water can move through the wall. This makes wet spots on the walls. Damp not only harms the walls but also makes the home unhealthy to live in.
3) Heat Loss Instead of Savings:
When insulation is installed incorrectly or if the material breaks down, it can actually cause heat loss. Instead of keeping your home warm, heat may escape through gaps in the wall. This turns into a serious cavity wall insulation problem, as it wastes money and energy rather than saving them.
4) Risk of Cold Spots:
Another cavity wall issue is cold spots. These happen when the insulation is uneven inside the wall. Some parts of the house feel warm, while others remain cold.
5) Expensive Repairs:
If problems like incorrect insulation or dampness occur, fixing them can be costly. Removing insulation from walls is a complex job that requires special equipment.
6) Not Suitable for Every Home:
Cavity wall insulation does not suit every building. Old houses or homes in areas with heavy rain can face damp problems. If insulation is added to the wrong type of house, it is called incorrect insulation.
7) Walls Cannot Release Moisture:
Normally, walls let out moisture and keep themselves dry. But if insulation blocks this, the moisture gets stuck inside. It can slowly harm both the inside and outside parts of the wall.
UK houses showing good vs bad cavity wall insulation
Different materials in cavity wall insulation
Cavity wall insulation can be done using different materials, each with unique benefits and limitations.
Here are the materials used in cavity wall insulation:
1)Mineral Wool:
Mineral wool, also called Rockwool, is made by melting rocks and spinning them into soft fibers. It keeps heat in and also blocks noise.
Pros: Very safe against fire and also good for reducing noise.
Cons: Can take in moisture if it is not fitted properly.
2) Polystyrene Beads:
Polystyrene Beads: These are small white balls put into the wall gaps. They block air and keep rooms warmer. They also stop heat from escaping, so bills get lower.
Pros: Easy to fill gaps, very lightweight, gives good warmth.
Cons: Can let water pass if not fixed well, may move over time, not best for very wet places.
3)Cavity Foam Insulation:
Foam is sprayed into the empty spaces of the wall. It spreads inside and fills every little gap. This makes the wall sealed and stronger against air leaks.
Pros: Gives excellent heat saving and blocks air leaks.
Cons: May shrink with time and sometimes release small amounts of gas when installed.
4)Urea Formaldehyde Foam:
This foam was used in older insulation methods. It hardens inside the wall after spraying.
Pros: Simple to install and budget-friendly.
Cons: If not fitted carefully, gaps can appear and reduce performance.
5) Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Boards:
EPS boards are hard and lightweight panels made from polystyrene. They are cut into shape and fitted inside wall cavities. These boards are easy to handle, do not absorb much water, and give good insulation.
Pros: It is strong, light, and resistant to moisture.
Cons: Does not protect well against fire compared to mineral wool.
6) Phenolic Foam Boards:
These are thin but very powerful insulation boards. They have very low thermal conductivity, which means they stop heat escaping better than many other materials.
Pros: Works very well in small spaces because it is thin but powerful.
Cons: More costly than normal insulation types.
7)Polyisocyanurate (PIR) Boards:
PIR boards are strong foam sheets with shiny foil on both sides. The foil helps bounce heat back inside, keeping the home warmer. These boards save a lot of energy and are often used in new houses in the UK.
Pros: Saves a lot of energy and gives better fire safety.
Cons: Costs more than mineral wool or polystyrene.
8) Loose-Fill Vermiculite:
Vermiculite is a natural mineral that is expanded with heat to make it lightweight. It is then poured into wall cavities where it spreads to fill the gaps. It is fireproof, safe, and eco-friendly.
Pros: It is Safe, eco-friendly, and cannot burn.
Cons: Can sink over time, making it less effective.
9) Perlite Beads:
Perlite beads come from volcanic rock that is heated until it expands. The beads are very light and are blown into wall gaps to stop heat escaping. They do not hold much water, so they help protect against damp.
Pros: Good against damp and safe in fire.
Cons: Does not save as much heat as foam or PIR boards.
10) Hemp Insulation:
Hemp insulation is made from the hemp plant. It is natural, safe to touch, and good for the environment because it grows again and again.
Pros: Natural, eco-friendly, safe, and helps with fresh air.
Cons: Not as strong as man-made insulation and costs more.
Common Cavity Wall Insulation Problems
Here are some problems with cavity insulation:
Poor Ventilation Leading to Damp:
If a home with cavity wall insulation does not have proper ventilation, moisture can get trapped inside the walls. This can cause damp spots and damage the wall. This usually happens when the insulation material blocks the natural airflow.
Solution: Make sure air vents stay open and use insulation that lets air flow. This will stop moisture from collecting inside the walls.
Substandard Insulation Material:
Using cheap or wrong insulation materials can make it less effective. Some materials may shrink or break over time, and leaving gaps causes the heat to escape. The type of material the installer uses is very important for keeping your home warm.
Solution: Always choose high-grade, tested insulation materials and hire certified installers to ensure proper installation.
Gaps Caused by Installer Errors:
If the installer is not skilled, they may leave empty spaces in the walls. These gaps let heat escape and can make some parts of the house cold. Poor installation can cause long-term problems with insulation.
Solution: Hire experienced installers who follow instructions carefully. Check the walls after installation to make sure the insulation is even.
Water Penetration into the Cavity:
If insulation is not fitted correctly, rain or leaks can let water into the walls. Some insulation can hold water, which causes dampness and makes the house colder.
Solution: Use insulation that does not absorb water and seal the walls well. Check for leaks often.
Uneven Thermal Performance:
If insulation is not spread evenly, some parts of the house stay warm while others feel cold. This usually happens because of poor installation or gaps in the insulation.
Solution: Fill any gaps in the insulation and make sure it is installed evenly to keep the whole house warm.
Long-Term Structural Stress:
If walls cannot let moisture out because airflow is blocked, the walls can get damaged. This can cause cracks and harm both inside and outside of the house.
Solution: Use insulation that allows air to pass and keep good ventilation. Check the walls regularly.
Cavity Wall Insulation Pro and Cons
Conclusion:
In this article, we have explained all the cavity wall insulation pros and cons. We have also shared their solutions, which can help solve any problems with wall insulation. Using the right materials and proper installation, cavity wall insulation is a great way to make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable. By following the solutions, you can enjoy all the benefits without any issues.
Faqs
Q: How Much Does Cavity Wall Insulation Cost?
A: The cost of cavity wall insulation in the UK usually ranges from £500 to £1,500 for an average house. The exact price depends on the size of your home and the type of insulation material used in the house.
Q: How long does cavity wall insulation last?
A: Cavity wall insulation can last 25 years or more if it is installed correctly. Using good-quality materials and proper installation helps it stay effective for a long time.
Q: Does cavity wall insulation cause damp?
A: Cavity wall insulation itself does not normally cause damp if it is installed correctly. However, damp can happen if poor-quality materials are used.
Q: When is cavity wall insulation removal needed?
A: Cavity wall insulation removal may be needed if the insulation is damaged, causing damp, cold spots, or poor energy efficiency.
Q: Which houses are not suitable for cavity wall insulation?
A: Houses that are not suitable for cavity wall insulation are very old homes, homes with solid walls, or houses in places with heavy rain.
